What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive and extreme perspiration (heavy sweating). The condition affects about 5% of the population, both men and women, and can have a huge impact on an individual’s self-confidence. It often begins in childhood or adolescence and can run in families.
We know that sweating is caused by the sympathetic nervous system and that its primary function is to keep the body at a fairly consistent 37°C through evaporative cooling, but we are not sure why certain individuals produce up to 5 times more perspiration than is needed.
Are there different types of Hyperhidrosis?
Yes, there are two main types. The first, localized excessive sweating, called focal hyperhidrosis, occurs where there is the highest concentration of sweat glands: in the pelvic area, on the face and forehead, under the arms, on the palms of the hands and on the feet. Some individuals experience hyperhidrosis in only one area while others are affected in a combination of areas.
The second type, generalized hyperhidrosis, usually affects the entire body and is most often caused by certain medications or medical conditions such as menopause, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, or infections.
How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed?
If you have excessive sweating in your underarms, hands, feet, forehead, face or a combination of the above and it bothers you and interferes with your daily activities you likely have Hyperhidrosis. Some common complaints patients with the condition have include: being reluctant to shake hands because their hands are wet, worrying that people will notice their sweat-soaked clothing or body odour and having to change clothes frequently during the day because of sweat stains.
The physicians at MD ESTHETICS will take your medical history, perform an examination and assess you to determine the best treatment for your excessive sweating based on any factors relating to your condition.
What treatments are available?
Treatment is dependent on the kind of hyperhidrosis you have. Focal hyperhidrosis (the underarm area) responds very well to injections of Botox™ with over 90% of patients reporting positive results beginning 2 – 4 days after *treatment. Individual results vary but dryness can last for up to 14 months before another Botox treatment is needed. By far less invasive than surgery, Botox has proven to be safe and effective and provides a dramatic improvement to a patient’s emotional well–being. Quality of life is greatly improved.
*Please note that MD ESTHETICS only treats the underarm area for this condition.