Excessive Sweating Treatments At Lumiere MediSpa In Oxford

Sweating is normal! None of really like it, but it plays an important role in regulating our body temperature, that without would let us overheat. However, if like me, you have had those embarrrasing moments where once again you are wearing the new grey shirt you bought, reach out to grab a cab and notice the deep staining of sweat seeping through your shirt under your arms, perhaps you should read this.....There is a treatment to reduce overactive sweating!

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a common medical condition where a person produces sweat in excess of what is required to control body temperature. This can lead to feeling self conscious, restricting your clothing colours and options, and even affect your daily life activities.

There are two categories of hyperhidrosis - primary and secondary.

Hyperhidrosis UK states that primary hyperhidrosis has no known cause. There are no underlying medical problems and it is not a side effect of medications. It affects particular parts of the body most commonly the hands, feet, underarms or the face/head and usually affects both sides. Many patients have more than one part of the body affected. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence and sometimes runs in families. Patients with primary hyperhidrosis rarely sweat when they are asleep and is a good indicator to differentiate from secondary hyperhidrosis.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is a generalised sweating that occurs over larger areas of the body and is caused by underlying medical conditions or medications. Sweating will also occur during sleep. If secondary hyperhidrosis is likely, you should discuss this with your doctor to find out the underlying cause.

What Treatments Are Available For Excessive Sweating?

Self help measures should initially be taken:

Avoid soap based products and use emolient based cleansers which will not strip away natural oils from the skin
Make sure you are wearing an anitperspirant and not just a deodorant. A deodorant will just mask sweat smells, whereas an antiperspitrant works to block sweat glands that are producing the fluid of sweat. If you have tried general antiperspiranmts from shops, speak with your doctor or pharmicist regarding prescription antiperspirants.
Wear clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool or silk and avoid man-made synthetic fibres. These fibres allow your skin to breathe.
Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid restrictive clothing.
Avoid foods or drinks that you notice start or increase sweating, such as spicy foods, alcohol and caffiene.

However if your hyperhidrosis is severe and you have tried these self help measures or find they affect your lifestyle, you could discuss with your doctor about other options such as medication or even surgery.

Fortunately there is also another option; Botox® for hyperhidrosis treatment has been a revolution for many of our patients. Botulinum toxin is frequently referred to as Botox® which is the brand name and original form of the drug produced by the company Allergan. There are now other companies who make the drug, such as Xeomin from Merz.

The toxin works by blocking the chemical at the end of the nerves so that it cannot work on the glands or muscles. In the case of the sweat glands it turns them off to reduce sweating. These medications are prescription only and do require a full consultation first to assess medical suitability and discuss any risks of the treatment.

For more information on hyperhidrosis we suggest visiting Hyperhidrosis UK and NHS Choices websites.

What Is Botox For Excessive Sweating Like?

The underarm area is the most commonly affected area and requires multiple small injections of the toxin a few centimetres apart in the armpit. It is only mildly uncomfortable, however a numbing cream can be applied first to reduce this. Although not licensed, it can also be used for treating hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet, parts of the body and even the face. Treatments will generally be effective for 6-9 months.

What Are The Risks Of Botox Hyperhidrosis Treatment?

There are rarely any serious side effects, however it can affect the nearby muscles making then weak. This could be of greater concern when treating facial hyperhidrosis, however all risks will be discussed during your initial consultation. Other potential risks include flu like symotoms, blurred vision and tiredness.