Hyperhidrosis – the medical term used for excessive sweating – is a common condition that affects both men and women.
It can, however, have a negative effect on self-confidence and may also limit the colour and style of clothes you wear. And because it is a condition that many people are embarrassed to talk about, it often goes untreated.
Sweating is necessary to control body temperature during times of exercise and in warm/hot surroundings, and is a normal response to a rise in temperature or anxiety. Sweating is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. In about 1% of the population, this system is revved-up and works at a very high level, causing sweating to occur at inappropriate times, far in excess of the amount necessary to maintain normal body temperature. It can occur in many different areas of the body, and the condition is known as Hyperhidrosis, which means ‘excessive sweating’. It affects both sexes equally, and all races.
Hyperhidrosis is not a temporary condition. Many people who suffer from it have suffered for many years, often from childhood or sometimes from adolescence. Hot or cold, the sweating is constant, and the impact of hyperhidrosis can be severe. Wetness and staining of clothes, clammy hands and sodden smelly shoes, inability to grip objects such as pens, cold and wet handshake, damage to keyboards and difficulty dealing with paper and metals, can make a miserable existence. You may constantly worry about changing clothes, freshening up, using absorbent pads or sticking with loose black or white clothes, and may avoid making friends or interacting with people at work. Patients report that they are even embarrassed to hold the hands of those they love. Loneliness, depression and decreased confidence can result.
Excessive sweating can also cause irritating or painful skin conditions.
At Hans Place Practice we offer muscle-relaxing injections (Botox®) in the affected areas – including underarms, palms and soles of the feet.
This safely blocks the action of the sweat glands, so you stay dry and comfortable. The treatment is effective for up to a year.
Tiny needles are used to inject the Botox® and most people find the treatment easy to tolerate. Prior to treatment you may be given an anaesthetic cream or a local anaesthetic to numb the area, which helps to make the treatment more comfortable.
Read more about muscle relaxing injections
To book your consultation with Dr Comins please call Hans Place Practice on 0207 584 1642
