When It Is More Than Just the Summer Heat
During warmer weather, we all expect to perspire more. Sweating is the body’s natural way of regulating temperature, but for some people, it happens excessively and can have a real impact on everyday life.
Excessive sweating is known medically as hyperhidrosis. It can affect the underarms, hands, feet, face or other areas of the body, sometimes even when the person is not particularly hot or exercising.
It is a common condition, but one that many people feel uncomfortable discussing.
How Can Excessive Sweating Affect You?
Hyperhidrosis is not simply a cosmetic concern. It can affect confidence, clothing choices, work, social situations and personal relationships.
You may find yourself:
- avoiding particular colours or fabrics;
- changing clothes during the day;
- worrying about visible perspiration;
- feeling anxious about shaking hands;
- avoiding social occasions; or
- relying on strong antiperspirants without seeing enough improvement.
Summer can make the problem feel even more noticeable, but people with hyperhidrosis may experience symptoms throughout the year.
Is All Excessive Sweating Hyperhidrosis?
Not necessarily.
Excessive sweating can sometimes occur without an obvious cause. It can also be associated with certain medical conditions, hormonal changes or medicines.
If sweating has started suddenly, happens mainly at night, affects your whole body or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should speak to your GP. It is important to rule out an underlying medical reason before considering an aesthetic treatment.
What Can You Try at Home?
Some practical changes may help manage perspiration:
- Choose loose, breathable clothing.
- Avoid tight synthetic fabrics.
- Use a stronger antiperspirant rather than deodorant alone.
- Identify whether spicy food or alcohol makes symptoms worse.
- Change socks regularly and alternate footwear.
- Speak to a pharmacist about suitable products.
If these measures are not enough and excessive sweating is affecting your confidence or daily activities, a professional consultation may be helpful.
How Can Botulinum Toxin Help?
Botulinum toxin is commonly associated with anti-wrinkle treatments, but it also has recognised medical uses, including the temporary management of excessive underarm sweating.
The treatment works by blocking the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands in the treated area. This can significantly reduce perspiration rather than simply covering odour.
A series of small injections is placed into the treatment area. The appointment is relatively quick, although a full consultation must always take place first to ensure the treatment is appropriate.
How Quickly Does It Work?
The reduction in sweating is not immediate. Most patients begin to notice an improvement gradually following treatment.
Results are temporary and will vary from person to person. Repeat treatment may therefore be needed when the effects wear off.
Possible side effects can include tenderness, bruising or swelling around the injection sites. All potential risks, benefits and expected results will be discussed during your consultation.
Is the Treatment Right for Everyone?
No aesthetic or medical treatment is suitable for everybody.
At Face & Skin, your medical history, symptoms and expectations will be considered before any treatment is recommended. If there is a possibility that your sweating has another medical cause, you may be advised to speak to your GP first.
Our aim is to provide honest, medically led advice, not to recommend a treatment unless it is suitable for you.
Take Back Your Confidence
Excessive sweating can feel embarrassing, but it is a recognised condition and there are treatment options available.
You do not have to continue planning your clothes, work or social life around it.
Face & Skin provides medically led excessive sweating consultations and treatments in Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire.
Book a complimentary consultation with Dr Shah to discuss your symptoms and find out whether treatment could be suitable for you.
Face & Skin
2 Kellard House
London Road
Woolmer Green
Hertfordshire SG3 6FP
Free parking available.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Dr Shah & Dipti