The treatment of excess sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Intro
There is a large proportion of the population that suffer from excessive sweating or given its medical term ’Hyperhidrosis’.  In fact 1 in 20 people are said to suffer from the condition.  For some sufferers it becomes a dilapidating condition to live with as it affects work and social life.  Many people even some doctors don’t understand the problem and dismiss the symptoms as something that their patients will have to live with and try to combat its effects with in-effective anti-perspirants.
Why certain people have hyperhidrosis is not totally clear, but it is thought that it may be a genetic (inherited) condition as more than 2 thirds of sufferers have reported that a close family member also suffers from the same condition.  Within this group the sweat glands become easily over stimulated and hence release sweat more profusely.

The Treatment
The medical practitioner will firstly apply iodine to the areas to be treated this identifies where the sweat glands are.  We then inject botulinum toxin type A (Botox) into the area in a series of small injections.  The treatment takes around 30-45 minutes and is not considered to be painful.  The Botox will take at least 3 days to take affect and will continue taking affect for the next 14 days.  There is no down time with this treatment.




Why does Botox work on sweat glands?
Botox when injected into the sweat gland has the ability to attach itself to the overactive nerve endings that are the cause of activating the sweat glands.  The message that is sent from the brain to the sweat glands telling it to produce sweat is therefore blocked, resulting in little or no sweat being produced in these areas.  There is a reported 80% decrease in sweat following treatment with Botox.

How long will it last?
The results will last anything between 8-12 months before the condition gradually returns.

What areas can be treated?
The most common area is the, arm pits (axilla), however the hands and feet can also successfully be treated.

Are there any side effects or contra-indications?
There are a few possible side effects from Botulinum Toxin injections; however they are rare and always reversible. Sometimes an injection is not effective and a repeat treatment is necessary. Patients may see have minor swelling at the injection site that lasts a couple of hours or minor bruising.  We advise clients that take aspirin to avoid so before treatment as this can increase the chances of swelling or bruising.  Botox should not be used on people with certain neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, ALS and Eaton-Lambert syndrome. Anyone with an allergy to any of the components of the formulation should not receive Botox. Botox is best avoided during pregnancy or while nursing.

Prices
£390 Course of three £950

To book an appointment with a medical practitioner or to enquire about this or any other treatment please contact us on 08456 19 18 17 or click here.