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Sweating happens to us all and is a natural part of life. But if it’s interfering with your everyday life – either sweating more than usual or having to constantly change clothes due to problems like sweat patches – you might have a medical condition called excessive sweating also known as hyperhidrosis. Today, we’ll talk about excessive sweating, how to treat it, and what can be behind it.
What is excessive sweating?
It’s exactly how it sounds – where the body produces too much sweat. Medically, it’s known as hyperhidrosis and can affect 1-3% of the population. While that might not seem like a large number, with a UK population of tens of millions, it’s equivalent to thousands of people.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
Experts are still on the fence about what might be causing it. Some think that diet can play a role, many believe there’s a genetic or family link, and certain medicines and illnesses may also affect the amount you sweat.
What can be done to treat excessive sweating?
There are things you can do at home and at our skin clinic to help improve the condition. At home remedies can include:
- Switching to an anti-perspirant, which can reduce the amount you sweat
- Gentle exercise, to prevent overheating or an increase in sweating
- Moisture-wicking clothing, which may stop sweat patches
- Changing socks and shoes more regularly
- Showering or washing when needed, without doing so excessively
- Keeping a food diary, to see if you have any sweating triggers
What about medical treatment for hyperhidrosis?
Interestingly, one of the best medical treatments for excessive sweating is actually a well-known anti-ageing treatment: anti-wrinkle injections. When used for wrinkle treatment, the active ingredient reduces signals from the nerves to the muscles, effectively reducing movement in the targeted area for a smoother, more refreshed look. Similarly, when used for excessive sweating, anti-wrinkle injections reduce signals between the nerves and the sweat glands, which reduces the amount you sweat.
How can anti-wrinkle injections for hyperhidrosis help me?
You’ll see a dramatic reduction of sweat production in the treated areas, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks to work and then lasts for an average 4 months. The procedure is quick to carry out and side-effects are typically limited to mild redness, bruising or tenderness in the treated area for a few days.
Where can I book hyperhidrosis treatment?
It’s available here at our clinics in Rickmansworth & Essex. Get in touch with our team to find out more.