Hyperhidrosis, Excessive Sweating

The Problem

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which a person sweats excessively. The sweating may affect the whole of your body, or it may only affect certain areas.

Commonly affected areas include the:

• Armpits
• Palms of your hands
• Soles of your feet
• Face and chest
• Groin

Both sides of the body are usually affected equally – for example, both feet or both hands. The sweating doesn't usually pose a serious threat to your health, but it can be embarrassing and distressing.

Treatment to prevent hyperhidrosis…

Botulinum toxin type A, commonly known as ‘Botox’, is a treatment given by injection into the skin. Botox is a preparation of protein which, when small doses are injected into the skin, blocks the nerves that supply the eccrine glands; this prevents the glands from producing sweat.

The treatment is not a cure for hyperhidrosis – it only provides temporary relief. It needs to be repeated every three to six months for maximum effect.