Do you have to clamp your arms to your sides every time you're in public? Are you unable to wear some of your favourite clothes and colours because someone might see the stains?
It's possible you have hyperhidrosis.
This condition affects approximately 2 million UK citizens, and it can cause extreme self-esteem issues. Luckily, there are treatments that can help, and they don't require surgery.
Let's stop that sweating and heighten your self-esteem. See if you're an ideal candidate for the best non-invasive treatment and discover the answer to your question: "Why do I sweat so much?"
Why Do I Sweat So Much?
Normally, the nervous system sends signals to the brain requesting the sweat glands to produce perspiration. This occurs if an individual is too hot, is running a fever or is physically exhausted. Perspiration is carried to the skin's surface as the body heat rises, where it cools the body.
When the body no longer needs it and circumstances do not encourage sweating, the nerves that signal sweating turn off.
However, if someone suffers from hyperhidrosis, these nerves are unable to switch on and off correctly. Consequently, the individual will sweat constantly for no reason.
Unfortunately, hyperhidrosis is underprescribed by doctors and relatively few studies have been conducted on its prevalence.
Types
There are two primary types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis, sometimes referred to as focal hyperhidrosis, occurs without any apparent cause. Usually, individuals with this condition suffer from uncontrollable sweating from the armpits, face, palms or feet.
There are approximately two to four million sweat glands in a human body, many of which are ecrrine sweat glands. In primary hyperhidrosis, these glands do not turn off.
Researchers are studying the causes of primary hyperhidrosis. It is suspected to be a hereditary condition.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
In secondary hyperhidrosis, another condition causes the increase in sweating. Perspiration occurs all over the body or in one distinct area.
Many medical issues can lead to hyperhidrosis:
- Infection
- Menopause
- Diabetes
- Obesity
In alleviating the medical cause, secondary hyperhidrosis can be eliminated or minimised.
Diagnosing
If you can relate to most of the following questions, you may have hyperhidrosis:
- Have you experienced excessive sweating for at least six months?
- Is there no apparent cause for the perspiration?
- Do you sweat evenly on both sides of the body (for instance, on both feet)?
- Do you experience intense perspiration at least once a week?
- Did the symptoms begin before you turned 25?
- Is there a history of excess perspiration in your family?
Additionally, consider the location of the sweating. If it occurs in the armpits, feet, palms or head, it is likely hyperhidrosis.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Although you should speak to your GP about the situation, there are several options for patients suffering from this condition. Medicines can be supplied or the nerves themselves can be surgically altered.
However, there is one effective, non-invasive approach that has worked on countless others like yourself.
Botox Injections
Injections of botulinum toxin, sometimes called "Botox," are common and convenient treatments for anyone with hyperhidrosis.
During this procedure, Botox is applied to the armpits to discourage sweating. It has been proven successful and accepted as a prescribed medicine by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, as well as the FDA in America.
Approximately 50 units of Botox will be applied to each armpit through multiple, small injections. Patients report the procedure has minimal pain. In fact, numerous state it is much less painful than waxing.
The treatment itself only takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and the results are impressive. Within five to seven days, patients will enjoy a 75% to 95% reduction in sweating.
Furthermore, there is no "recovery time." Individuals can return to their daily activities immediately.
Is It Effective?
It is extremely effective! Countless studies and patient testimonials have verified the amazing outcomes of Botulinum toxin type A injections.
The MHRA approves it as a safe drug, and researchers have found it to be an effective and safe therapy. In fact, one study of 145 patients measured the aftermath of individuals who received the treatment compared to those who were given placebos.
Prior to the injection or placebo, the patients had a mean sweat rate production of 192?136 mg per minute. Two weeks after the injection, the patients who were given Botox had a reduced sweat rate of 24?27 mg per minute.
How Does It Work?
Botulinum toxin is produced by a bacteria. The toxins in the protein that is created block the chemical glands in the axilla. Specifically, it blocks the release of acetylcholine.
As a consequence, the neuromuscular junction's nerve endings (which regularly send signals encouraging or discouraging perspiration) stop responding to nerve impulses, which ultimately stops the secretion of sweat.
While this procedure will discourage sweating for months, it is not permanent. Because the nerve endings and motor end plates re-establish themselves and nerve terminals reconnect to the end plates, sweat is eventually produced when the signals begin anew.
How Long Does it Last?
Typical injections of 50 units per axilla allow patients to enjoy anywhere from 4 to 8 months free from the perspiration that once influenced everyday decisions.
Each patient is unique in how quickly their body will break the Botox down. Extreme stress and exercise can increase metabolic functions, lessening the duration.
Side Effects
One of the most advantageous points of this procedure is the unlikelihood of any serious side effects. In controlled clinical trials, the MHRA reported only 11% of patients suffered any adverse outcomes.
Side effects categorised as "common" include the following:
- Headaches
- Hot flushes
- Minimal pain during injection
Approximately 4.5% of patients may experience excessive sweating in other areas for a single month. This side effect typically disappears within four months.
Serious side effects are extremely rare but include nausea, muscular weakness and pruritis.
Good Candidates
Are you a good candidate?
If you answer "yes" to the following questions, you probably are!
- Did antiperspirants, topical treatments, and antihidrotics have no effect on your perspiration?
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Do you work around people?
- Have you ruined some of your favorite clothes from excessive sweating?
- Are you embarrassed by your underarm sweating?
Anyone who can identify with these factors may benefit from a Botulinum toxin type A injection.
Show Your Glands Who's Boss
If you've been asking yourself "Why do I sweat so much?" you most likely are suffering from hyperhidrosis. Don't let the perspiration ruin your life.
Contact us today to arrange an appointment at one of our beauty clinics in Birmingham. Our professionals will work with you to take the power out of your glands and put it back into your hands.
You'll never have to worry in public again.
