Hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterised by excessive sweating that occurs in up to 1% of the population.
The excessive sweating can occur in the hands, in the armpits or in the feet. Although nobody understands the exact cause of this excessive sweating in specific individuals, it is known that the sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
Hyperhidrosis can be broadly categorised in one of two classifications Primary / Idiopathic or Secondary.
Primary Hyperhidrosis is much more common condition than secondary hyperhidrosis, its affects are most commonly found in areas such as the Scalp / Facial, hands, trunk and thigh, feet and armpits. Where as Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the whole body.
Primary Hyperhidrosis usually begins during childhood or early adolescence, the symptoms often become more apparent during puberty, and then persist for the rest of the person's life. Nervousness and psychiatric disorders are rarely the causation of Primary Hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating is very embarrassing on both a social and professional level.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis is usually caused by an underlying condition. Secondary Hyperhidrosis usually causes excessive sweating of the entire body, this can be due to many things including: psychiatric disorders, endocrine treatment for malignant disease, obesity, endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism and the menopause.
Botulinum A (Botox) for Hyperhidrosis
Topical medications, oral medications, iontophoresis, and surgery have not proven to be very effective in the majority of patients suffering from Hyperhidrosis, Botulinum toxin has been found to give effective relieve from this embarrassing condition.
Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox, is made from naturally occurring bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. Botulinum toxin has become the treatment of choice for a number of conditions, in patients suffering from cervical dystonia (spasms of the neck); it is also used effectively by doctors to treat facial wrinkles, migraines and excessive sweating.
Botox is currently used at the Aesthetic Beauty Centre to decrease sweating in the underarms palms and feet. Botulinum toxin is injected into the affected area in order to prevent the sweat glands from overproducing sweat.
Sweat glands are stimulated by nerves that release a chemical called acetylcholine and cause sweat production. Botulinum toxin, when injected into the vicinity of the sweat glands, blocks the release of the acetylcholine, thereby temporarily reducing or abolishing sweat production.
The Treatment
After the area to be treated has been numbed with topical cream or the injections, Botox injections are performed in the area to be treated. The needle that is used is a very small needle which is the same size as an acupuncture needle. A series of injections will be subsequently administered to the desired treatment site.
After the injections, the skin may appear slightly bruised, and the skin will feel numb from the anaesthesia/nerve block. After 2 hours, normal activities can be resumed including exercise. In approximately 3 to 5 days after the injections, a decrease of sweating in the treated areas will be noted. The effects usually last for approximately 6 to 9 months.
Follow up injections may be needed to achieve the desired affect but this will be discussed with you at the free consultation.
Common questions concerning Hyperhidrosis treatment are answered here
