Excessive Sweating / Hyperhidrosis London

Hyperhidrosis is when an individual experiences excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. This condition affects approximately 3% of the population and can be classified into primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis, also known as focal hyperhidrosis, occurs when excessive sweating is localised to specific body areas, such as the palms, soles of the feet, underarms, or face. This condition usually begins during adolescence and is not associated with an underlying medical condition.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to an underlying medical condition or medication use. Medical conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, menopause, and certain infections or cancers.

The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. Excessive sweating can occur in specific areas of the body, such as the palms, soles of the feet, excessive underarm sweating, face, and scalp, or it may happen throughout the body.

Other symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:

1. Damp or wet palms, soles of the feet, or other affected areas.

2. Clammy or cold hands and feet.

3. Skin irritation, such as redness or a rash, in the affected areas.

4. Unpleasant body odour caused by bacterial growth in the sweat.

5. Difficulty holding objects due to wet hands or feet.

6. Social anxiety or embarrassment caused by excessive sweating.

These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and self-esteem, especially if the condition is severe or affects areas that are highly visible or used for social interaction, such as the hands and face.

It is important to note that some medical conditions or medications can also cause excessive sweating, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are several ways to treat excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. The treatment options range from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications and surgical interventions. The treatment choice depends on the severity of the condition and the areas of the body affected.

Here are some common treatment options for hyperhidrosis:

1. Antiperspirants: Antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride can be effective in reducing sweating. These antiperspirants, such as underarms or palms, are applied to the affected area and block the sweat glands.

2. Prescription medications: Prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines, can help reduce sweating. These medications work by blocking the chemical signals that stimulate sweat glands.

3. Iontophoresis: Iontophoresis involves using a low electrical current to reduce sweating. This treatment is particularly effective for hyperhidrosis affecting the palms and soles of the feet.

4. Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections can block the chemical signals that stimulate sweat glands. This treatment is particularly effective for hyperhidrosis affecting the underarms.

   It is important to consult a one of our healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment course for individual hyperhidrosis cases. At Hedox Clinic we can evaluate the severity of the condition, the areas of the body affected, and the underlying cause, if any, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.