A complete guide to hyperhidrosis

Everybody sweats when they’re too hot. It’s a natural bodily process, designed to cool your body down. But do you feel like you sweat too much? If so, you could be suffering from hyperhidrosis. The team at 23MD are experts on this condition – including effective hyperhidrosis treatments – and here they answer some of your most frequently asked questions:

 

What is hyperhidrosis?

 

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by extreme day-to-day sweating. It can affect the whole body; however, in most cases, it’s experienced in one particular area (such as the underarms, palms of the hands or soles of the feet). It isn’t life-threatening or a serious risk to your health, but it can be embarrassing – and most people seek hyperhidrosis treatment to help with the daily effects.

 

Who is affected by hyperhidrosis?

 

Hyperhidrosis is a very common condition, affecting approximately 1-3 people in every 100. It can start at any age, but most people notice the first signs during childhood or early adolescence.

 

Do I sweat excessively?

 

There’s no guideline to say what counts as a ‘normal’ level of sweating – it varies from person to person. But as a general guideline, if excess sweating has started to interfere with your daily life, it may be a sign that you sweat more than average.

 

How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

 

Perhaps excessive sweating causes difficulty with simple everyday tasks – such as holding a toothbrush or using a computer keyboard. Maybe you avoid physical contact (for example, shaking hands) or find yourself taking more frequent showers than usual. These are all common indicators of hyperhidrosis and, if any apply to you, it may be worth contacting a dermatologist or specialist clinic – such as 23MD.

 

 

What causes hyperhidrosis?

 

Sweating is controlled by the body’s nervous system. It’s like a thermostat; if you get too hot, signals are sent from the brain to the sweat glands, instructing them to produce sweat and cool you down.

When hyperhidrosis occurs for no obvious reason (for instance, in the absence of an underlying problem or medical condition), it is believed to be caused by a fault in this process. The brain continues to send signals to the sweat glands, even when you’re cool, and the result is profuse unnecessary sweating.

Hyperhidrosis is also commonly experienced during pregnancy and menopause. It can be a symptom of low blood sugar and it is a possible side effect of some prescribed medications.

 

How can hyperhidrosis be treated?

 

Simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce the effects of hyperhidrosis. For example, it’s usually worth investing in a powerful antiperspirant spray. You should avoid triggers (such as alcohol and spicy foods) as much as possible and it’s a good idea to wear loose clothing made from light fabric.

If this doesn’t help, a number of excessive sweating treatments are available for you to try. These include everything from oral tablets to open surgery. However, one of the most popular options is to have botulinum toxin injections – such as those offered at 23MD.

When administered to the affected area, botulinum toxin injections block the signals from the brain to the sweat glands – preventing the unnecessary production of sweat. The results can last for several months and, when they eventually wear off, the procedure can be easily repeated.

 

 

Where can I have hyperhidrosis treatment in London?

 

23MD is one of the leading cosmetic boutiques in London to offer hyperhidrosis treatment. Our principal cosmetic physician, Dr Kersh, has a wealth of experience in this area and – by using simple botulinum toxin injections – she can stop excessive sweating and create drier underarms for up to 200 days.

If you would like to find out more about hyperhidrosis and the available treatment, please get in touch. Either call us today on 020 707 80302 or fill out our online contact form and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible. There’s no need to put up with sweat for any longer!