Treatment For Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating may not be a life-threatening condition, but it can be emotionally and psychologically draining. Don’t worry, this is a common condition that can be addressed and there are several treatments for excessive sweating that are highly effective and will help rebuild your confidence.

What Is Excessive Sweating?

First of all, let’s make it clear: there’s nothing wrong with sweating. It’s normal. It’s a natural process that maintains the body’s optimal temperature and prevents us from overheating.  

However, some individuals have overactive sweat glands that secrete more than what is normally needed to regulate their body’s healthy temperature. In medical terms, hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating, also known as polyhidrosis or sudorrhea. 

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3% of the population or up to 950,000 Canadians– 300,000 of whom have severe cases of the disorder. 

When left unaddressed, studies suggest that hyperhidrosis negatively impacts a person’s overall quality of life and overall health, worse than similar dermatological conditions like acne and blemishes or psoriasis. It affects their level of self-confidence, social life, work productivity, ability to form friendships and relationships, and even their clothing choices.

Unfortunately, not everyone with hyperhidrosis may need the help of a healthcare professional to treat their excessive sweating, because they are unaware that it is, in fact, a treatable condition.

Types of Hyperhidrosis

There are two types of hyperhidrosis:

1. Focal Hyperhidrosis 

This type of excessive sweating usually begins during childhood or adolescence and is not a symptom of other medical conditions nor a side effect of prescription drugs. The exact cause of this hyperhidrosis is unknown. The sweating occurs in specific areas with a symmetrical component, where both the left and right parts of the body are equally affected. People with hyperhidrosis typically require treatment for excessive sweating in the following areas:

• Underarm area (axillary hyperhidrosis)
• Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
• Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
• Face (facial hyperhidrosis)

2. Generalized Hyperhidrosis

The other main type of hyperhidrosis is caused by contributing factors like an underlying medical condition (such as endocrine disorders, obesity, diabetes, menopause, nerve damage, or prescription medication). Unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, most people with this condition experience heavy sweating in larger or more generalized areas of the body, which commonly happens at night when they are sleeping, known as night sweats.

Treating hyperhidrosis

Depending on the severity of your case, treatment for excessive sweating can range from medications, topical treatments, Botox injections, and surgical procedures. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is best treated by addressing the primary medical condition that might be causing the symptom.

Botox as a newer treatment option

At APT Medical Aesthetics, we specialize in using Botox injections not only for facial rejuvenation but also as a viable excessive sweating treatment. When you come into our Oakville clinic, a medical expert from our team will make a proper diagnosis through an initial consultation and a physical exam. A sweat test and other lab tests may be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Under the supervision of a licensed skin specialist, a nurse will prep the area by cleaning it and applying a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. Then, they will inject a minute dose of the Botulinum toxin injections into your underarms.

The Botox works by using nerve blocking medications to stop the nerves from transmitting by blocking the uptake of acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitters that tell muscles to contract. It essentially paralyzes the muscles and blocks the pathway signaling your overactive glands to produce sweat.

Botox is a localized excessive sweating treatment, meaning it only works on the specific area where it was injected and other parts of your body can still sweat to regulate temperature.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

As a minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment, Botox injections can be administered on the facial area and the hands. However, as a method of treating excessive sweating, it has only been approved for use on the underarm area.

Studies have shown that Botox can successfully treat palmoplantar hyperhidrosis in up to 80% to 90% of the cases, although the longevity of the results does not last as long as other underarm sweating treatments. There is also evidence suggesting that Botox injections can reduce sweating in the forehead by up to 75% for up to five months. On the other hand, more research has to be done on the potential success of Botox in treating extremely sweaty feet.

Results You Can Expect from Botox Excessive Sweating Treatment 

Many patients who get Botox injection as an excessive sweating treatment report that they notice a significant difference at least two to four days post-treatment that continues to improve after two weeks.

How Long Do Treatment Results Last?

Botox offers impressive results lasting between six to 12 months or even longer, depending on the person’s metabolism. However, it is important to note that Botox is not a permanent cure for people with hyperhidrosis. Our healthcare providers may recommend that you come back every seven to 16 months for maintenance treatments to keep the symptoms from coming back.

Book Your Free Consultation

If you are looking for a life-changing treatment for excessive sweating to boost your self-confidence, drop by our Oakville clinic today. APT Medical Aesthetics is a leading medical spa, offering the industry’s most advanced beauty and skincare treatments. We have a dedicated team of professional Botox injectors who would be more than happy to guide you through the process in a comfortable and safe environment.

Book your free consultation today!