What is Excessive Sweating? 

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can be localised or affect the whole body. There are different kinds of hyperhidrosis. Localised symmetrical hyperhidrosis is the most common form. It affects a particular part of the body (for example the hands or the feet) on both sides. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence. 

What Causes Hyperhidrosis? 

There are many reasons for excessive sweating, however, there is no one definitive cause. Generalised hyperhidrosis affects the whole body and can be caused by other conditions such as an overactive thyroid, diabetes, infections and menopause. Anxiety can also trigger or worsen hyperhidrosis and medication can cause excessive sweating as a side effect. 

Ways to Help with Excessive Sweating: 

• Wear loose clothing to keep your body cool and help minimise the signs of sweating. Don’t wear tight clothing made of fabrics such as nylon. 
• Opt for footwear that won’t increase your sweat levels and wear socks that absorb moisture well, change them twice a day where possible. 
• Try to wear different shoes on a daily basis – leather shoes are a good option. 
• Try and avoid things that will make your sweating worse such as eating spicy food and drinking alcohol. 

When to Get Help with Excessive Sweating: 

It’s recommended that you visit your local GP if you’ve been suffering from excessive sweating for a while and: 

• The symptoms have lasted for at least 6 months 
• Your family has a history of excessive sweating/hyperhidrosis 
• You’re currently taking medication for another condition 
• You have tried to manage it yourself but nothing is working 
• It affects your daily activities 
• It happens more than once a week 
• It is happening regularly through the night  

How is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed? 

A doctor can assess for the different kinds of hyperhidrosis. They can also test for underlying problems such as thyroid problems, diabetes and infections. Once diagnosed, you can then discuss potential treatments available. At DermConsult we offer a variety of different hyperhidrosis treatments which have proven to help excessive sweating in a number of clients. 

How to Stop Excessive Sweating 

Treatment depends on the type of hyperhidrosis. If there is an underlying cause, treating that will most likely resolve the sweating. If not, commercial aluminium chloride antiperspirants can prove helpful. 

Failing that, many other options are available. These include Botulinum toxin (Botox®); this can be injected in very small controlled doses to block the nerves which activate the sweat glands. This treatment usually works very well and can last up to 6-12 months, after which the treatment can be repeated. Another option for localised sweating is Ionthophoresis treatment which involves a procedure that sends mild electric currents through water into the skin using a device. If sweating is more generalised, anti-cholinergic tablets (tablets that block the nerves which stimulate sweat glands) may be effective. 

To find out about our bespoke hyperhidrosis treatment plans, book a consultation today.