Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can significantly impact your quality of life. However, there are various treatment options available in the UK that can help you manage this condition effectively. From injections to prescription medications and lifestyle adjustments, explore the range of treatments below to find the best solution for your needs.

Screening questions

Is there excess sweating on the face, palms and soles or absence of sweating in any areas?

Is the sweating the same on both sides?

Is the excess sweating continuous or does it come in episodes? 

Do you notice any other symptoms when you sweat - like headache, palpitations, flushing or go pale?

What effect is this having on relationships, clothes choice, activity and employment choice?

Medications can cause excess sweating?

Benefits of injections for Hyperhidrosis

1. Highly Effective: injections have proven to be a highly effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, providing a significant reduction in excessive sweating and restoring confidence in social and professional settings.

2. Minimally Invasive: The treatment is minimally invasive, involving only a series of injections. It does not require surgery or extensive recovery time, allowing you to resume your daily activities shortly after the procedure.

3. Long-lasting Results: While the effects are temporary, the results typically last for several months. This longevity means fewer treatment sessions are needed compared to other hyperhidrosis treatments.

4. Versatility: injections can effectively treat hyperhidrosis in various areas, including the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. This versatility allows for tailored treatment based on individual needs and preferences.

5. Improved Quality of Life: By reducing excessive sweating, injections can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hyperhidrosis. It helps alleviate the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social limitations associated with excessive sweating.

Consultation and Considerations

If you are considering injections for hyperhidrosis, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who specialises in the treatment. They will assess your condition, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if this is the right solution for you. They can also address any concerns or questions you may have, providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Examination 

• Soaked clothes, symmetry, sites including anyhydrosis -> compensatory hyperhidrosis
• Any signs of thyrotoxicosis?
• Are there any abnormal neurological signs such as Holmes Aidie pupils and tendon areflexia as in Ross syndrome?
• Is there axillary dermatitis from topical therapy irritation?

Regain Confidence with treatment for Hyperhidrosis

Don't let excessive sweating control your life any longer. Injections for hyperhidrosis offer a proven and reliable solution to combat excessive sweating and help you regain control and confidence in your daily activities. Consult with a healthcare professional to learn more about the benefits of injections for hyperhidrosis and take the first step towards a drier, more comfortable future.

2. Prescription Antiperspirants:

Prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate can effectively manage hyperhidrosis. These antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts, reducing sweat production in the treated areas. They are typically applied at night and washed off in the morning for optimal results.

Benefits: Convenient, non-invasive, long-lasting effects, suitable for various body areas.

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate probably causes eccrine duct blockage and is available as a roll on (Drichlor, Anhydrol) and a pump spray (Odaban). To administer this treatment you should:

• Wash and dry axillae before application
• Apply when skin is dry and whilst resting (usually before retiring)
• Initially start by applying two or three times a week, then increasing to daily use
• Use 1% hydrocortisone cream if irritation occurs from the antiperspirant

NB: The sympathetic sudomotor nerves are cholinergic; topical, iontophoretically or systemically administered anticholinergic drugs thus diminish sweat secretion. Eccrine glands are only weakly responsive to adrenergic stimuli, adrenergic blockade has no clinically insignificant effect. Some other therapies work by blocking the eccrine sweat duct.Topical treatments include as aluminium chloride hexahydrate, glycopyrollate cream or oral anticholinergics such as propantheline, glycopyrrolate, oyxbutynin. Anticholinergic tablets can diminish sweating by blocking the effect of the sudomotor mediator acetyl choline Anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, abdominal cramps, urinary difficulty) are usually experienced before a complete reduction of sweating occurs. They are usually reserved for generalised hyperhidrosis where topical therapy is less practical.

- A useful video by the British Association of Dermatology

1. Injections for Hyperhidrosis

Injections offer a highly effective solution for hyperhidrosis, targeting excessive sweating in specific areas of the body. The treatment involves injecting small amounts into the affected areas, such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. This temporarily blocks the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production, providing relief from excessive sweating for several months.

The toxin is a purified protein derived from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. It is commonly known for its cosmetic applications, but it also has therapeutic uses, including the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Injections for hyperhidrosis work by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, effectively reducing sweating in the targeted areas.

Not be used where:

• Concurrent aminoglycoside use
• Neuromuscular disease
• Allergy
• Problems associated from potential resultant muscular weakness (mostly relevant with botulinum use in the palms)
• Pregnant

The Treatment Process

During the procedure, a medical professional will administer multiple injections directly into the affected area, such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Prior to the treatment, the area may be numbed with a local anesthetic or a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. The injections are administered at shallow depths, targeting the sweat glands located just below the skin's surface.

The Effects and Duration

Following the treatment it starts to block the nerve signals that activate sweat production, resulting in a noticeable reduction in excessive sweating. The full effects of the treatment typically become evident within a week or two. The duration of the results can vary but usually lasts for several months, with most individuals experiencing relief for approximately six to twelve months before a follow-up treatment is needed.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hyperhidrosis: 

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage hyperhidrosis effectively:- Choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to minimize discomfort.- Keep cool and maintain a comfortable environment.- Use absorbent materials like sweat shields or underarm pads to prevent sweat stains.- Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.- Avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can exacerbate sweating.

Consultation and Treatment Selection: 

If you're experiencing excessive sweating, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in treating hyperhidrosis. They will evaluate your condition, medical history, and lifestyle factors to determine the most suitable treatment options for you. Together, you can discuss the benefits, potential side effects, and expected outcomes of each treatment, enabling you to make an informed decision about your care.

3. Oral Medications

In some cases, oral medications such as anticholinergics may be prescribed to help manage excessive sweating. These medications work by blocking the chemical messenger acetylcholine, which stimulates sweat glands. While they can be effective, they may cause side effects and require careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.

Benefits: Systemic relief, potential long-term management.

4. Surgical Options:

For severe cases of hyperhidrosis that don't respond to other treatments, surgical options such as sweat gland removal or sympathectomy may be considered. These procedures aim to permanently disrupt the nerves responsible for activating the sweat glands. However, surgery carries risks and should only be considered after exhausting other treatment options.
Benefits: Potential long-term relief, permanent solution for severe cases.

Take Control of Your Hyperhidrosis:

Excessive sweating doesn't have to dictate your life. With the range of treatment options available in the UK, you can regain control and confidence in your daily activities. Consult with a healthcare professional to explore the treatments mentioned above, finding the most effective approach for managing your hyperhidrosis and embracing a drier, more comfortable future.