Excess Sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Everyone sweats when they get warm, but someone with hyperhidrosis sweats even when it isn’t hot. Basically, there is an abnormal amount of sweating from one part of the body. If you have lived with excessive sweating, you already know that it can be embarrassing. You are always aware of it and try to hide the condition as much as possible. Some call hyperhidrosis the “silent disability.” The condition can wear down a person’s self-confidence and lead to more serious psychological problems.

If you suffer from excessive sweating, you probably dress in layers to cover armpit stains or try to avoid handshaking. This can be a difficult problem for men and women and the most common area treated is the armpit (axillary) area. The good news is that Anti Wrinkle treatments may be helpful.

The products have long been known to treat wrinkles. Back in 1993, English doctors proved that injecting could also slow and prevent hyperhidrosis. Product is injected into armpits, hands, or feet. As it penetrates the glands, it stops the release of chemicals that lead to perspiration.

There are many positives linked to using Cosmetic injections as a tool to stop perspiration. Injections take little time, so treatment is fast. The procedure is considered safe and decreases up to 80 percent of sweating.

There are a few negatives associated with using Cosmetic Injections for sweating. The biggest is that the results are not permanent. Usually, treatment will last up to a maximum of eight months. You may experience some pain, especially if the product is being injected into the hands. However, ice and a numbing anaesthetic may be applied.

If you have ever wanted control over a sweating problem, Cosmetic Injections may be the answer. It is a simple procedure that takes little time to provide great results. Finally, you will be able to face life without anxiety or embarrassment.

FDA Approval and Studies

In 2004, the FDA approved the use of Toxins for hyperhidrosis or severe underarm sweating.

Studies conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Medicine have shown that it is a safe remedy for excessive sweating, and the long-term data shows that it is an effective option for patients who do not respond to prescription creams or antiperspirants.

Patients who endure extreme hyperhidrosis can sweat as much as four times more than normal. Treatments have been proven to curtail excessive sweating for up to two years. Four weeks after their initial treatment, some 80 percent of the 193 participants in the study enjoyed a reduction of 75 percent in sweat production. Four or fewer injections were effective for controlling excessive sweating for 94 percent of the participants.

Patients’ quality of life improved after the injections. Before the injections, some 70 percent said their ability to do their job was impaired because of the condition. Only fifteen percent still had issues performing their job after the treatments. Half of the participants said they no longer felt emotionally compromised. Patients also said they were much more comfortable in social settings after the injections.

Hyperhidrosis triggers:

  • exercise

  • heat or cold

  • alcohol

  • coffee

  • tea

  • smoking

  • hot or spicy food

  • stress

  • anxiety

  • strong emotions

How to diagnose Hyperhydrosis?

If there is excessive sweating of at least 6 months duration with at least two of the following characteristics then primary Hyperhydrosis is present and this can be treated.

  1. Bilateral and relatively symmetrical sweating

  2. Impairs daily activity

  3. At least one episode per week

  4. Onset before the age of 25 years

  5. Positive family history

  6. Cessation of sweating during sleep

What can be done?

 The FDA has approved of the use of Toxin for treatment of hyperhidrosis. Research and long-term data indicate that the unique chemical structure of Toxin can safely and effectively treat excessive sweating. When injected, in small amounts, into the right places, the medicine blocks the neurotransmitters that produce sweat and provides remarkable results.

How does it work? - An Underarm example

A small volume of medicine is injected through a very fine gauge needle into the underarm area. It works by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When these glands no longer receive the chemical signals, the excessive underarm sweating stops. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes, is relatively painless, and the effects of the treatment have been reported to last 6-9 months (Results vary from person to person and eventually will wear off).  Depending on the severity of the hyperhidrosis, multiple injections may be needed.

Within 1-2 weeks of the initial treatment there will be significant reduction in underarm sweating. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed during treatment. If this occurs, underarm sweating may continue from the untreated areas and a adjustment treatment may be needed.

How much does it cost?

The longevity of the procedure depends on the severity of the condition and the number of units of Botox that need to be used. For optimal results, 100 units (50 units under each arm) is needed.

Hyperhidrosis treatment is €500 with Elanamie Clinic.

 

Pre Treatment Instructions:

  • Shave underarms 24 hours prior to procedure.

  • 2 hours before procedure avoid hot beverages or going to gym (if doing “The Starch Test”).

  • Abstain from use of over-the-counter deodorants or antiperspirants for 24 hours (if doing “The Starch Test”).

  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to the procedure.

  • Avoid taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen 24 hours prior to the procedure (please check with your Doctor if you take either medication on a daily basis for an existing condition)

The Starch Test:

The “Starch Test” is sometimes performed to view where the affected areas of perspiration are located.  Not all providers perform this test, as it has been said to be  unnecessary.  Most providers inject into the area of hair growth, since sweat glands lie just next to each hair follicle.

Starch Test Info:

Patients should shave underarms and abstain from use of over-the-counter deodorants or antiperspirants for 24 hours prior to the test. Patient should be resting comfortably without exercise, hot drinks, etc for approximately 30 minutes prior to the test.

Here’s what to expect:

Iodine solution will be painted on.

Starch powder will then be sprinkled and allow to settle for 10 minutes.

A blue-black mark will identify affected area of perspiration.

The area will then be circled and marked.

Medicine is then injected just beside each pen mark.

 

Post Treatment Instructions:

  • No deodorant for 12 hours

  • No heavy exercise for 24 hours

  • After injections gently clean and dry your underarm using a mild soap/cleanser.

  • You may begin to experience results within 7 days, full effectiveness is achieved at 14 days.

  • Until the maximum effectiveness of treatment is achieved you can continue to use over the counter antiperspirants.

  • Contact Dr. Kelleher, if you are still experiencing sweating in the treated area after 14 days.

For more information about Hyperhidrosis see http://www.sweathelp.org/en/