Hyperhidrosis

Sweating is a natural and normal function of the human body. The body sweat is in response to things like change in temperature and exercise. When sweating occurs at inappropriate times, or it is more than is needed this is called excessive sweating or Hyperhidrosis. This can have a significant negative impact on how you feel, what you do and what you wear

You are not alone, this affects up to 3-5% of the population and it can be treated. Many people have Hyperhidrosis and often try to cope with it by hiding it or altering their activities. There is no need to do that anymore. Read on if you would like to know the facts and the solution to your problem. The team at Face Today Medi-Clinic is dedicated to helping you.

What is hyperhidrosis ?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical name given to the condition of excessive sweating. Sweating is a normal and totally natural process through which the body loses heat. However, some people suffer from excessive sweating, which is also known as hyperhidrosis. To some it’s a minor annoyance. But for those who suffer from excessive sweating it’s a serious consideration that can affect daily life, relationships and careers.

Hyperhidrosis- the facts
Hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition that affects mostly the hands, feet or underarms. Everyone sweats to some extent. This is an important process to help the body to control its temperature and hydrate the skin. In Hyperhidrosis the brain over stimulates the glands that are responsible for sweating. It is common for it to run in families and up to one third of people have another member of the family affected.

• It affects 3-5% of the population, in other words 1 in 20 people suffer from severe hyperhidrosis which usually starts during the teens and twenties. Moderate hyperhidrosis is more common and the majority of people suffer from this at some point in their lives.
• Hyperhidrosis affects men and women, all races and every age group.
• Excessive sweating can occur at any time, while you are in a cold room, while you are calm, restful and without any stress or anxiety.
• Most sufferers find the problem distressing and this may worsen their condition.

However, many things can trigger normal sweating and this is also true for hyperhidrosis – it is just the amount of sweating that varies

What problems does Hyperhidrosis cause?
Those who are plagued with Hyperhidrosis are always reluctant to interact fully in social and business settings, never knowing when they will experience the embarrassment of profuse sweating. People who experience Hyperhidrosis are reluctant to share a hug, to dance, to play cards, to get close. Even something as simple as a handshake can be embarrassing. Other problems include....

• The need to wash more frequently.
• Changing wet clothes several times a day.
• Embarrassment at work or social situations.
• Lack of confidence.

How does the treatment work?
The prescribed hyperhidrosis injected substance can be used to treat excessive underarm sweating. The prescribed hyperhidrosis injected substance targets sweating at its source. Once injected by your Doctor, the substance enters the specific glands in the underarms responsible for excessive sweating. There, it blocks the release of a chemical that signals the perspiration. The procedure takes around 20-30 minutes. On average, you will notice a reduction in sweating 3 to 7 days following treatment.

How long will the results last?
Most people notice a slow return to sweating approximately 7-8 months following treatment but it is not uncommon to get 11-12months of relief. However, the amount of time the injected substance remains effective may vary. When your symptoms begin to return, see your doctor. If you decide to stop treatment there will be no lasting change in the areas treated. Sweating will gradually return to the level it was prior to treatment.

Possible side effects
Worldwide, the pescribed hyperhidrosis injected substance has been used since 1989 to treat a variety of conditions, including cerebal palsy in children and movement disorders [head, neck, shoulder and face]. As with all medicines the pescribed hyperhidrosis injected substance may cause some side effects. Generally, any side effects experienced with the substance are temporary. The most common side effects for primary hyperhidrosis are a perceived increase in sweating in areas other than the underarms, pain at the injection site, hot flushes and transient arm weakness.

What triggers Hyperhidrosis?

• Exercise.
• Heat or cold.
• Alcohol, coffee or tea, smoking, hot or spicy food.
• Stress, anxiety or strong emotions.
• Certain times of the day.