WHAT IS HYPERHIDROSIS?
What is it?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, which means excessive sweating and is unpredictable in its occurrence. Sweating is one of the most important methods in which the body looses heat. However, people with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amount far greater then needed to control body temperature.
What causes it?
It is not known why some are effected. Approximately 30% to 50% of those with hyperhidrosis have a relative with a similar problem. Hyperhidrosis is caused by over activity of one type of sweat gland, the exocrine gland. Found all over the body surface, these glands are concentrated on the palms of hands, soles of feet and armpits.
How common is hyperhidrosis?
Usually starting in the teens and twenties, approximately 23% of the population has some form of hyperhidrosis, yet less than 40% seek medical advice.
TYPES OF HYPERHIDROSIS:
Primary or Focal Hyperhidrosis:
The most common form, involving excessive swearing on the feet, hands and in approximately 30% to 40% of the armpits are affected. Less often, the face is affected and even more infrequent is gustatory hyperhidrosis, whereby sweating on the face is triggered by hot, spicy food. Botulinum Toxin injection treatment is recommended for the treatment of primary or local hyperhidrosis.
Secondary or generalised hyperhisrosis:
Affecting the entire body, it is much less common. Usually caused by an underlying illness such as infection, diabetes or an overactive thyroid gland. This excessive sweating usually stops once the illness is treated.
How does the Botulinium Toxin work?
FDA approved for the treatment of severe sweating, small doses of Botulinium Toxin is injected into the area using a very fine needle. As a result, the release of the chemical called acetylcholine is prevented. Acetylcholine carries signals from the sympathetic nervous system to the sweat glands, to stimulate sweat production.
How is it administered?
Treatment is considered painless by the majority of Patients and takes approximately 5-10 minutes (depending on the number of areas treated). Diluted with saline, it is administered using a very fine needle.
How soon will I see results?
Botulinium Toxin can provide relief from excessive sweating for 6 months and in some cases 10 months. From excessive sweating to wrinkle injections, we provide a personalised service tailored to the individual needs of our patients.