How to treat excess sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Tired of Excessive Sweating? Understanding Hyperhidrosis and Your Treatment Options

It is important to note that if your excessive sweating has a sudden onset, affects only one side of the body, or occurs only while sleeping, this could indicate a secondary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by an underlying medical issue (like thyroid problems, certain medications, or anxiety). This is why a medical consultation is always the necessary first step.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a recognised medical condition characterised by excessive sweating—sweating that is significantly more than what is required for normal body temperature regulation.

It can be a highly distressing and embarrassing condition, often leading to anxiety and impacting a person's social and professional life. While sweating is a vital bodily function, in cases of hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands are overactive, causing unnecessary and constant moisture.

Where Does Excessive Sweating Occur?

While generalised hyperhidrosis can affect the entire body, it most commonly presents as focal hyperhidrosis in specific areas:

- Armpits (Axillary Hyperhidrosis): The most common form, causing soaked clothing.

- Palms of Hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis): Can make gripping objects or shaking hands difficult.

-Soles of Feet (Plantar Hyperhidrosis): Often leads to persistent foot odour and skin issues.

-Face and Scalp (Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis)

- Groin Area

A key characteristic of focal hyperhidrosis is that it typically affects both sides of the body symmetrically (e.g., both hands or both armpits).

Are There Specific Triggers for Hyperhidrosis?

The excessive sweating can be triggered by common factors like heat, physical exercise, or emotional stress. However, a defining feature of the condition is that it frequently occurs even when a person is at rest, in a cool environment, or without any obvious emotional trigger.

Can Hyperhidrosis be Treated?

As hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, a thorough consultation is essential to determine the best course of action for your individual needs. Treatment should only be considered after a consultation with a medical professional with prescribing rights. This ensures a correct diagnosis, rules out any secondary causes, and guarantees that any prescribed treatment is appropriate and safe for you. At The York Skin Clinic, all our dermatology nurses are very experienced in providing hyperhidrosis treatment and consultations.

-Powerful/Prescription Antiperspirants: The first line of defence often involves strong antiperspirants containing a high concentration of metallic salts (like Aluminium Chloride). These are applied at night and can be highly effective, particularly for axillary hyperhidrosis. These may require a prescription from a doctor or other qualified prescriber.

- Iontophoresis: This is a treatment primarily used for the hands and feet. It involves using a medical device that passes a mild electrical current through water, temporarily disabling the sweat glands. This typically requires several sessions and regular maintenance.

-Botulinum Toxin Injections: For moderate to severe cases, particularly in the underarms, this treatment is highly effective. It involves injecting a tiny amount of a neurotoxin into the affected area. This blocks the signals from the nerves to the sweat glands, significantly reducing sweat production for up to 6 months.