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Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis treatment for a sweat-free summer

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Temperatures are finally starting to reflect the time of the year so it seems summer’s here at last. But for those who suffer from excessive sweating, the arrival of summer can be bad news.

Perspiration is common for the majority of us in the warmer months. You may find you are getting through more deodorant than usual, feeling thirstier (to replace those lost fluids), and need to wash our bodies, clothes and bedding more often.

Sweating is a natural reaction to regulating our core body temperature, and it is very effective at doing so too. But if you feel you are producing more (than what seems normal) amount of sweat it may be that you’re suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating, and although it doesn’t pose a serious health risk it can be embarrassing and frustrating for the sufferer.

What causes it?

Hyperhidrosis is believed to be caused by a problem with the sympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for much of the body’s unconscious jobs such as passing urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It’s also responsible for producing sweat – a system designed to help the body regulate its temperature.

When the brain fails to communicate when and how to regulate the production of sweat, this is when hyperhidrosis occurs.

Other causes include the menopause, an over-active thyroid, drunkenness or being ‘high’ from drugs and certain medications.

Can it be treated?

Excessive sweating is in fact treatable and if you suffer from it to the point that it’s ruining the enjoyment of your everyday life then treatment definitely should be considered.

Here at The Private Clinic we offer a proven Botox treatment that can banish excessive sweating for up to a year.

What’s involved in hyperhidrosis treatment?

You will have an initial consultation which will involve a practitioner talking you through the procedure and you will be asked about your medical history. You may require an iodine and starch test which will find out the areas where sweating is the most apparent

A topical local anaesthetic will then be applied to the areas that you want to be treated. 20 minutes later once the anaesthetic has had effect, a tiny amount of Botox solution will be injected into the skin using a very fine needle, targeting about 10-15 sites spaced about 1cm apart.

When does it take effect, and how long will it last?

You should notice that your sweating has reduced considerably within 3 to 7 days of treatment. The effects of the injection should last between 6 and 12 months. As soon as you notice a return to excessive sweating you can come back to us for more treatment.

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Previous patient and hyperhidrosis sufferer Scott came to us recently to discuss treatment. He led an active lifestyle and at the age of 32 he finally felt it was time to explore treatments that would rid him of the problem that was heavily impacting his life.

“Working in a mostly male environment it’s something that the boys often make fun of”

Dr Simon Connelly performed the injections on Scott, which only took around 30 minutes and 4 days later Scott started to feel the effects.  He had found inner confidence in not needing to worry anymore about excessive wet stains coming from his under arms.

“I will definitely continue to have this treatment. I am delighted with the results and I’m looking forward to my first holiday in a long time where I can buy whatever colour of shirt or t-shirt without trying to hide how much I am sweating!”

Read Scott’s full story here

The Private Clinic

We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the best doctors in the country working with us. Hyperhidrosis treatment is carried out at the following clinics;

Harley Street London, London City, Birmingham,  Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Princes Risborough, Northampton

*All images, videos and testimonials are based on the personal experiences of our patients and represent individual body shapes and results. Results may vary from person to person. All testimonials are provided voluntarily by our patients and clients and all photos and videos have been consented to and have not been altered in any way.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) treatments for men and women: The Silent Handicap

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Unless you’re actively kicking up a sweat at the gym or taking part in a marathon, excessive sweating can make you feel uncomfortable and out of place.

Termed as the ‘Silent Handicap’ by Hyperhidrosis specialist, Dr Carl Swartling (2011), Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a common condition that isn’t often discussed in social circles, with men and women often feeling too proud or embarrassed to consult their GPs. Those affected can become very self-conscious and may start avoiding certain colours and types of clothing, usually opting for white or black items, as they make transpiration less noticeable. Many also often think that there aren’t any solutions to improve upon it.

Excessive sweating can interfere with social, romantic and professional encounters for both genders and in certain severe cases, it can interfere with practical activities – such as holding a pen – if the amount of sweat prevents you from holding objects.

The signs and symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

If you feel that the amount of sweat you’re producing interferes with your everyday life and is making you become self-conscious and/or socially withdrawn, then you may be suffering from Hyperhidrosis. The condition is divided into two strands – primary and secondary.

The latter is rare and is usually caused by an underlying condition. Although it can manifest in any area, it may only affect one side of the body, or all of it, and is sometimes symptomatic of a neurological cause.

Visual scale for the quantification of Hyperhidrosis.
Visual scale for the quantification of Hyperhidrosis.

For most, Primary Hyperhidrosis is the right cause of concern, with usually one area being symmetrically affected. The underarms, palms, feet and face tend to be most affected. The cause of Hyperhidrosis is currently unknown, but researchers claim that a genetic link might be at play.

What research has definitely shown is that the condition isn’t a direct threat to your health – though it may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which in turn can worsen the condition.

Living with Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a long-term condition with no cure, but there are ways to manage it and to adapt to it effectively. You can start by trying to alter your lifestyle and avoiding spicy food, caffeinated or hot drinks, and alcohol, as they’re known to induce sweating. It’s helpful to note what triggers your episodes and reducing your exposure to them, and other stressful situations.

There are topical lotions and oral medication that can somewhat ease the condition, with some even relying on the use of electronic treatments, acupuncture and other alternative medicines to try and manage their sweating.

Treating Hyperhidrosis

In 2004, the FDA approved the use of Botulinum Toxin type A (commonly used for Wrinkle Relaxing Injections) for the treatment of excessive sweating. The substance works by temporarily blocking the nerves that encourage your sweat glands to become overactive.

The treatment is delivered by injecting small amounts of the toxin into to affected area, but whether it under the arms or the soles of the feet, the application of this treatment has to be exact, so it shouldn’t be performed by anyone who isn’t a medical practitioner.

The Private Clinic

Having over 30 years of experience in minimally invasive treatments, we know how important it is to have experienced and knowledgeable Nurse Prescribers and Aesthetic Doctors delivering our medical treatments. Members of our team are experts in their field, who place patient safety and satisfaction above all other considerations.

Hyperhidrosis treatment is available at our Glasgow, Manchester, London City and London Harley Street clinics.

Why do we sweat? And how can you treat excessive sweating?

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We explore what causes us to sweat, and how you can treat excessive perspiration. 

While the grey clouds and drop in temperature suggest that summer’s left us for the other side of the world, think back a couple of weeks when temperatures hovered in the sweltering thirties (oh, those were the days) and you’ll also remember feeling somewhat sticky.

Sweat. It’s one of life’s least glamorous necessities and a natural bodily function we all have to endure. It not only keeps us cool, but also helps in the body’s battle against infection, as well as balancing hormones during stressful situations. Dressed up with somewhere to go on a hot day, however, it’s also rather frustrating.

We have between two and five million sweat glands on our body which when combined produce an average of one and a half gallons of sweat every day. While this might sound excessive, it is perfectly normal and 99% of the time you probably won’t notice you are secretly leaking a liquid to cool you down.

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Most of the sweat we produce is created to balance our temperature and hails from the eccrine sweat glands. This sweat is watery and odourless.  When we sweat for an emotional reason,the sweat comes from apocrine glands which, unlike heat sweat,  is oily and produces the unpleasant odour we associate with feeling a bit clammy.

Apart from in highly stressful situations or during excessive exercise, neither of these glands should cause you too much trouble. Excessive sweating (known formally as hyperhidrosis), meanwhile, is a completely different experience. Those with hyperhidrosis can sweat up to five times as much as those with normal sweat glands and the triggers aren’t always clear. Excessive sweat is linked to the errine glands rather than apocrines which means it doesn’t have an unpleasant smell, but that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing or pleasant to endure.

Your weight and overall health can play a huge part in the amount of sweat you produce. The body needs to produce more sweat to cool you down if you’re overweight, for example. Though, perhaps rather bizarrely, sweat can also be a sign of health. If you exercise regularly, your body will have trained itself to release more sweat sooner to cool down and manage your temperature throughout your workout.

While most sufferers are perfectly healthy despite the excess liquid, too much perspiration can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you do sweat more than you feel you should, it is important to understand what type of sweat you are experiencing and whether you are at risk:

Localised (primary focal) hyperhidrosis:

Focal hyperhydrosis is characterised by an excess of sweat in a particular region of the body, most commonly the underarms, palms, soles, groin or scalp area. It is thought to affect around 3% of the population, most of whom are usually aged between 25-64. In primary focal hyperhidrosis, sweating is restricted to one or two areas and sufferers are otherwise healthy; it is very rare that an isolated area of excessive sweating is a sign of disease or illness.

Generalised (secondary general) hyperhidrosis:

Secondary general hyperhidrosis is less common than the localised form of the condition. It is characterised by a large amount of perspiration across the entire body rather than one specific area, particularly during sleep. The condition is known as ‘secondary’ because it is usually caused by an underlying medical condition or a reaction to medication.

Generalised hyperhidrosis can often occur alongside hyperthyroidism,  diabetes, pregnancy and the menopause, and it is important to notify your doctor should it suddenly occur. It can also be a side effect of serious conditions like cancer and Parkinson’s disease. If you are concerned about any serious condition or are experiencing hyperhidrosis in your sleep, it is always advisable to seek medical advice and examination.

sweat on face excess sweating treatment

Despite hyperhidrosis being a common condition, few realise that treatment can be surprisingly simple, providing there isn’t a serious medical concern behind it. Sometimes simply cutting out major causes like spicy foods and caffeine can make a huge difference, as well as limiting cigarette and alcohol consumption. Overweight sufferers can often find their problem cured by losing a few pounds; fat acts as an insulator and the body has to produce more sweat in order to cool itself down. The worst area for focal hyperhidrosis is the armpits (axillas) which is often highly obvious in appearance and can cause embarrassment. But there is also a proven treatment to ease the effects and stop the sweat.

At The Private Clinic we use premium quality botulinum toxin to treat the axillas. Botox takes as little as 30 minutes and is medically proven to block the nerve action of the problem sweat glands and thus stop the problem, with results lasting between 6-12 months. It is however highly specialised, meaning you should research your practitioner fully to ensure you are completely safe. Unfortunately the regulation of botox in the UK means many poorly qualified administers exist making it not only ineffective, but also dangerous. 

If you’re suffering with excess sweat, there are ways to get rid of the problem. Consult with a professional to ensure that your condition isn’t the result of something more sinister and, if you opt for treatment, ensure that your practitioner has extensive experience and knowledge.

Sweat is perfectly healthy, having your life ruined by it isn’t.

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The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic we understand that small problems can make a huge impact on your life. We have over thirty years of Harley Street medical excellence behind every treatment we offer and work with only the most qualified nurses and doctors to ensure your treatment is effective and performed safely.

Find out more.

What could excessive sweating be doing to your body?

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Excessive sweating is common. A jacket can hide its effects but there’s still the discomfort itself and resulting odour. Winter, with sharp temperature changes between inside and outside, can make it hard for the body to stabilise without sweating profusely. Social and stressful encounters can result in further discomfort. Of course, medical conditions, the side effects of medications, menopause, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, diet and genetics play a significant part in cases so a visit to the GP should often be the first step for anyone considering treatment for Hyperhidrosis.

However, what people often don’t realise is just what excessive sweating is doing to the body, beyond the visible.

Your body

As your largest organ, your skin (around 16% of your body’s weight) is also the front-line for many of your body’s essential functions. Maintaining a healthy balance of water and salts means the body is constantly at work; excessive sweating poses a considerable challenge. A glass of water can have an immediate effect and regular water intake can have a considerable impact on your health in important ways. According to Dr. Wayne Fichter,50 to 75 percent of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration and many don’t realise. The UK could well present a similar picture. As soon as the body starts to lose more than 2-3% of its total percentage of water dehydration begins. The signs abound.

Dr. Dave Carpenter, author of Change Your Water, Change Your Life, listed some common symptoms of chronic dehydration, which is greatly exacerbated by excessive sweating:

  • Joint Pain or Stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Acid-alkaline Imbalance
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Asthma and Allergies
  • Weight Gain

Focus on: The Spine

If you are suffering from any spine or joint problems, water could dramatically improve your situation. The spine and joints face a lot of stress and unfortunately when the rest of the body needs water it is taken from the spinal area.

Focus On: Odour

An unpleasant effect of excessive sweating is body odour. Sweat itself is odourless but bacteria on the skin goes to work breaking it down. The chemicals released in this process lead to the disagreeable odour. Of course, regular clean clothes and a good antiperspirant go a long way in mitigating and reducing sweating and its effects but not all our bodies are governed solely by rationale. Many of us need additional help.

Tips

Many people find it hard to regularly drink water so keep a bottle by your desk and have alongside every meal. If you are drinking alcohol, make sure you regularly ask for tap or bottled water throughout and after. Furthermore, gym/exercise clothing shouldn’t ideally be worn again without washing.

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Hyperhidrosis Treatment at The Private Clinic

An effective treatment for excessive sweating is available at The Private Clinic; Botox.

Botox or Botulinum toxin is more commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but it is also  frequently used on patients suffering with excessive sweating.

Botox for sweating treatment involves botulinum toxin being injected into the armpit and works by blocking the transmission of the nerve impulses to the sweat glands which as a result decreases the amount you sweat/perspire.

Botulinum toxin injections will not cure hyperhidrosis and patients will need to have repeat treatments every 6 to 12 months but it has been shown to result in an 82-87% decrease in sweating.

Botox for sweating is available in our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

It is very important you only seek hyperhidrosis treatment from a fully trained and qualified aesthetic professional. Our team of cosmetic nurses and doctors have years of experience and have treated many patients to help reduce excessive sweating.

Aesthetic Doctors

Aesthetic Nurses

To find out more about hyperhidrosis treatment at The Private Clinic, call call 0333 920 2471 or use our excessive sweating online contact form to request a call-back.