Hyperhidrosis treatments: eliminate excessive sweating disorder

Why does hyperhidrosis occur?

Most of the time the cause is unknown, however often people are genetically predisposed to excessive sweating. This is called primary hyperhidrosis, and accounts for 90% of cases. Primary hyperhidrosis usually commences during teenage years or in the early twenties. It also usually occurs when you are active or stressed during the day and effects localised areas e.g. underarms, hands & feet, and the face. In people who suffer from primary hyperhidrosis the sweat glands are no different from people without the condition, the main reason for the excessive sweating is thought to be an overactive sympathetic nervous system.

Secondary hyperhidrosis tends to be more generalised and usually continues overnight whilst sleeping. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by underlying medical conditions that need to be excluded by a physician.

What are effective hyperhidrosis treatments to start with?

After trying regular antiperspirants, it is good to find one with high aluminium chloride content (usually 20% aluminium e.g. Driclor or Rexona Clinical Protection). This can be effective for treating sweating in various locations, not just the underarms e.g. the hands & feet, face and torso. It is important to apply it in the evening before sleeping. However these products can cause localised irritation to the skin which might not be tolerated by some.

What are some advanced medical techniques?

If you find that the antiperspirants with 20% aluminium chloride are not effective or the localised irritation makes them hard to use, then it is best to then come in for medical assessment with one of our physicians. After going through your history and examination an appropriate treatment will be decided.

For underarm (axillary) hyperhidrosis, localised injections with a well-known and extensively researched medication is very effective and lasts for 6-9 months. This treatment is now is much cheaper since the procedure has a Medicare rebate and the medication is covered by the PBS, a government scheme that subsidises the cost of medication in Australia. This treatment can also be very effective for treating hands, feet and facial sweating.

An alternative treatment for hand and feet sweeting is iontophoresis. This will require you to purchase an iontophoresis machine which electrically charges water that you then immerse your hands and feet in. This treatment isn't as effective as the localised injections and requires a time commitment (initially around 20min/day per area treated until reduction of symptoms then a few times a week).

If you suffer from more generalised hyperhidrosis then, once serious underlying medical conditions are excluded, an oral medication may be prescribed. These can be very effective, however the dose needs to be adjusted to minimise side effects.

Is surgery a viable hyperhidrosis treatment?

There are surgical techniques that can provide longer term benefits. Endoscopic thoracic sympathetomy (ETS) can be done by vascular surgeons, however is not without risk. A majority of patients suffer compensatory hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in areas that were not treated, often from the waist down) and around 50% of patients regret they underwent the procedure.

Still sweating? What to do next

If you have tried using a clinical strength anti-perspirant and are still suffering sweat problems then we can help. Contact us now to book an appointment for treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions) using the form on the right-hand side of this page.