Do you suffer with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?
Excessive sweating can be an embarrassing problem but there are treatments available. At Yorkshire Aesthetics we provide an injectable treatment for primary hyperhidrosis affecting the arm pits, using botulinum toxin type A (e.g. Botox, Azzalure) to block the action of the sweat glands. This treatment is also effective in the treatment of facial hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis does not have an underlying medical cause. It usually develops during adolescence and can affect the arm pits, face, palms and soles of feet. Excessive sweating can also be related to side effects from medication (e.g. antidepressants) or medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, Frey’s syndrome, infection, malignancy (cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease) and hyperpituitarism. Excessive sweating related to an underlying condition is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis, and a referral will be made the to patient’s GP or consultant for management.
Homberger, Grimes, Neumann et al (2004) identified Primary hyperhidrosis as being localised, visible excessive sweating of at least 6 months & no apparent secondary cause & has at least 2 of the following characteristics:-
Both sides of the body are affected & the areas are relatively symmetrical
Age of onset under 25
Family history of primary hyperhidrosis
The localised sweating stops when asleep
It occurs at least once a week
It impairs daily activities
What treatment is available?
For underarm sweating a first line option would be to try antiperspirants which contain aluminium salts, however these can cause skin irritation. For facial hyperhidrosis an anti-cholinergjc ointment such as glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin can be prescribed. These medications temporarily block the nerve endings near the sweat glands. Potential side effects of this type of treatment include dry eyes, blurred vision, dry mouth. Surgery to remove the sweat glands in the arm pits is also an option, but has associated risks.
One of the most effective treatments is injection of botulinum toxin type A superficially in the skin of the affected area. After an initial consultation to assess medical suitability, your nurse practitioner will complete a prescription and you can book in for your treatment. On the day of treatment do not apply any deodorant/ antiperspirant after showering & under arms need to be free of hair (shaved). Patients are advised to wear dark coloured clothing to avoid staining if the iodine and starch test is required to identify the areas of sweating.
A local anaesthetic cream can be applied to the skin to help numb the area before treatment. There can be small bruises at the injection sites afterwards. Following treatment, potential side effects include a sore throat or mild flu like symptoms. Occasionally an increase in sweating might occur in other areas. For 2 weeks after treatment avoid excessive heat/ saunas/ stream rooms. Most patients notice an improvement in 5-7 days. At the 2 week review appointment any small areas of break through sweating are identified & treated. The results can last approximately 6 months up to 12 months. The price is £450 including any fine tuning injections at the review appointment.
For more information or to book in for a free consultation with one of our nurse practitioners at your nearest clinic visit www.yorkshire-Aesthetics.co.uk. or call (01943) 876868 for an appointment.