Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating, which can be difficult in social or professional situations. Adore Clinics offers tailored treatments to help relieve symptoms and potentially improve quality of life.
Sweating is a normal bodily function that helps regulate body temperature. If you have hyperhidrosis though, you may experience persistent and often unpredictable sweating beyond what is needed to maintain your temperature.
Hyperhidrosis can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, underarms and face.
The common impacts of hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis may cause discomfort or concern in social situations. You may be:
● Anxious about shaking hands
● Nervous about visible sweat stains
● Concerned about body odour
● Reluctant to give presentations or be the centre of attention.
If you’ve ever felt the need to hide your hands, change outfits frequently or avoid certain activities, you’re not alone. Many individuals with hyperhidrosis experience similar feelings, but few are aware that they have a medical condition that can be treated.
In a 2017 study, 69% of people said hyperhidrosis had impacted their emotional health. They reported:
● Feelings of anger, sadness and hopelessness
● Constant worry about sweating
● Low self-esteem
● Low self-confidence.
What causes excessive sweating?
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis, each with distinct causes:
Primary hyperhidrosis: This type has no known medical cause and is thought to be linked to overactive sweat glands. It typically affects specific areas of the body and often begins in childhood or adolescence.
Secondary hyperhidrosis: This occurs due to an underlying medical condition, medication or lifestyle factor. Causes include hormonal changes, infections, neurological disorders or certain medications.
Diagnosing hyperhidrosis
To diagnose hyperhidrosis, your doctor needs to rule out any medical causes of excessive sweating, such as diabetes, menopause, infections or nervous system disorders (among others). Your doctor may order some tests, examine you and discuss your symptoms.
If a medical cause is ruled out and primary hyperhidrosis is confirmed, your doctor can walk you through available options for hyperhidrosis treatment in Sydney and help you decide on an approach that suits your lifestyle and goals.
Excessive sweating treatment options
There are several approaches to excessive sweating treatment, which can be tailored to your needs and preferences. These include:
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Wearing breathable fabrics, using medical-grade antiperspirants and making dietary changes may help manage mild symptoms.
Stress management can also play a supporting role. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness or regular low-intensity exercise may help moderate the emotional triggers that often worsen hyperhidrosis symptoms.
While these adjustments may not eliminate excessive sweating entirely, they can complement treatments and improve your day-to-day comfort.
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Your doctor can prescribe creams and medications to reduce your sweating.
Topical creams: Anticholinergic creams can be applied directly to affected areas to reduce the nerve signals that stimulate sweat gland activity. They are typically considered for localised sweating and are often used alongside other management strategies.
Oral medications: Medications that act on the nervous system may be considered when sweating affects multiple areas of the body. Your doctor will look through your medical history and discuss suitability and potential side effects before prescribing anything.
It is important to note that prescription creams and medicines do not work the same way for everyone. Response rates vary, and some people may need to try more than one approach before finding what works best for them.
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Injections to block the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands. Treatment takes 10–20 minutes, with 10 minutes of observation afterwards. Minimal to no downtime is expected post-treatment.
Results typically develop within a few days and tend to reach their full effect within one to two weeks. Individual outcomes vary, and your doctor will give you a realistic expectation of what to expect based on your specific situation.
Treating hyperhidrosis at Adore Clinics
At Adore Clinics, your treatment begins with a 1:1 consultation with Dr Daniel (AHPRA No. MED0002346964), where we can discuss:
with Dr Daniel, where we can discuss:
Your medical history and any relevant test results
Treatments you’ve tried so far
Lifestyle changes that may ease your symptoms
The potential benefits and risks of hyperhidrosis injections.
Preparing for your treatment
There are a few things you can do ahead of your hyperhidrosis treatment in Sydney to help ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
Avoid shaving the treatment area: If your underarms are being treated, avoid shaving for at least 24 hours before your appointment to lessen the risk of irritation.
Come clean: Arrive with the treatment area freshly washed and free of any deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion or cream.
Avoid blood-thinning substances: Alcohol and certain medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories, can increase the risk of bruising. Speak to your doctor before pausing any prescribed medication.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the lead-up to your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing: Loose, easy-to-remove clothing will make the process more comfortable, particularly if your underarms or another covered area is being treated.
You will be given full preparation guidance at your consultation, so you will know exactly what to do before you come in.
Risks and benefits of treatment
Injections to treat hyperhidrosis may have side effects, including:
Initial sharp pain at the site
Mild to moderate discomfort at the site
Some bleeding or swelling
Numbness (due to the substances used).
Long-term side effects can include an absolute reduction in sweat production across treated areas. Before proceeding, you will have the opportunity to discuss potential risks and possible outcomes in full.
Aftercare
Following your treatment, there are a few simple steps you can take to support your recovery and get the best possible outcome.
Avoid heat exposure: Steer clear of saunas, hot showers and high-intensity exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment.
Do not massage the treated area: Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treatment site in the days following your appointment.
Stay upright: Remain upright for at least four hours after treatment and avoid lying down on the treated area.
Avoid tight clothing: If your underarms were treated, wear loose-fitting clothing for the first day or two to minimise friction and irritation.
All of this will be discussed with you at your appointment, so you will leave feeling clear on what to do and what to expect.
Follow up
At Adore Clinics, we place a high value on your well-being. We’ll observe you carefully for about 10 minutes after your treatment. We’ll also ask you to come back for a review after 2 weeks so we can assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
But don’t wait for this appointment. If you experience any difficulties or have any concerns, please get in touch immediately. We’re here for you.
Get the help you need
Hyperhidrosis can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. Anything that makes you limit your social participation or decline professional opportunities shouldn’t be ignored.
Please book a consultation today to discuss your concerns and explore your treatment options.
More from Adore Clinics
Dealing with something other than hyperhidrosis? Whether you are exploring oily face treatments for men or looking into other concerns, Adore Clinics offers a range of treatments that may be right for you. You can learn more about our contouring treatments, skin treatments and HydraFacial, or get in touch to talk through your options.