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Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

at Omniya Clinic in London

What is excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?

It is normal to sweat when your body temperature gets too high. However, if you sweat uncontrollably when your body doesn’t need to cool down, you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating can prove extremely embarrassing, and many people choose to hide the problem rather than seeking help. Symptoms are mostly found on the underarms, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Here at Omniya, our expert dermatologists are able to assess your concerns and discuss possible treatment options. Depending on the cause, we offer a range of solutions to help control the condition.

What treatments are available at Omniya?

There are a number of treatments that can be used to reduce or stop excessive sweating. Botox injections offer one of the most popular treatment methods. It is a common and non-surgical option that blocks chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands, therefore preventing them from producing sweat.

The procedure is relatively short, typically taking between 15 and 30 minutes. After discussing your symptoms with one of our specialists, they will determine how many injections will be required.

Initially, Botox injections take between 2 and 7 days to take effect. However, following this period sweating will be reduced for 3-6 months. Botox injections offer a very effective option, being recorded to reduce excessive sweating by up to 80%.

A number of surgical options are also available; we will be able to discuss the various options with you during your initial consultation, which can be booked here.

The severity of symptoms can also be managed by various other means. There are a range of solutions that might prove beneficial for someone suffering from hyperhidrosis, including buying specialised antiperspirants and deodorants, wearing sweat pads, or even using medication. However, please seek professional advice from one of our specialists at Omniya, or your family doctor if you are considering self-management of your symptoms.

What are the causes of excessive sweating?

Sweating is controlled by our sympathetic nervous system. However excessive activity here is not the only cause of hyperhidrosis. Over the years, several studies aiming to determine the causes of hyperhidrosis have been conducted, but it is still not entirely clear where the condition originates. 

It is important to distinguish the difference between what causes your sweating, and what triggers or worsens it.

Below are some of the main reasons that people suffer from excessive sweating.

Anxiety
Feeling anxious increases your body temperature and levels of perspiration. Stressful situation such as emotions or exercise can trigger excessive sweating. 

Genetic Conditions
Researchers have determined that excessive sweating can be inherited from a parent. There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalised hyperhidrosis. The latter is caused by medication or an underlying health issue. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is influenced by our genetic makeup.

Obesity
Overweight and obesity is one of the main causes of hyperhidrosis. Obese people sweat more because of a high level of fatty deposits in the skin. Being overweight means that your body is working harder to function properly; this exertion can cause excessive sweating.

Underlying Illness
When excessive sweating is due to an underlying illness or physical change, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis.  Menopause, fever, leukaemia and malaria are among the conditions and illnesses that can cause excessive sweating. It can also occur as a side effect of other medication that you are taking.

Spontaneous
There is not always a clear cause for excessive sweating. Doctors are still unsure as to why it effects some people seemingly at random.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) FAQs

How long will the Botox treatment for excessive sweating last?

You can expect to see results for between 6-12 months after your Botox treatment.

Is it safe to have more Botox treatment when the excessive sweating returns?

Yes, as the first injections of Botox will no longer be in your system.

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