Hyperhidrosis (Sweat)

Hyperhidrosis Treatment Sydney

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating, which affects over 110,000 patients in Australia.

Sweating is natural and an essential bodily function that helps regulate your body temperature. The inability to control sweating, however, is a problem that often starts during puberty or teen years, which can lead to a reluctance to participate in daily activities.

All Types of Hyperhidrosis

It is entirely normal to sweat a lot if the outer temperature is high, or you have been participating in a strenuous activity or exercise, or even if you have a fever. However, excessive sweating that may require treatment can be differentiated by simply ‘sweating more than you should’ or ‘sweating far more than the situation calls for’

There are two kinds of hyperhidrosis. These include focal hyperhidrosis and generalised hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating in focal hyperhidrosis is confined to one area. These areas can include the hands (most common), the feet, armpits, groin or the face. Generalised hyperhidrosis is where a patient experiences excessive sweating over the entire body.

Hyperhidrosis Causes

There is no medical cause for focal hyperhidrosis. It may have a hereditary component. Generalised hyperhidrosis, however, occurs due to a medical condition. Medical conditions that may factor into hyperhidrosis include the following:

• Anxiety
• Certain medications
• Diabetes
• Heart attack
• Infections
• Low blood sugar
• Menopause hot flashes
• Nervous system disorders
• Some types of cancer
• Thyroid problems

Hyperhidrosis Treatments

Treatments for hyperhidrosis can vary from topical treatments such as aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants, which is medical grade. Procedures can be used such as dermal injections, which are now under the PBS with subsidy for patients for armpit hyperhidrosis, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Other treatment options include procedures such as MiraDry and sometimes surgical sympathectomy. There are tablets that we can also use for hyperhidrosis, which essentially reduce the sweat production.

Risks associated with hyperhidrosis treatments

Risks associated with hyperhidrosis treatments can include:

• Prescription antiperspirant – Our team may recommend an antiperspirant. This product, being an antiperspirant, may pose a risk of skin irritation. A nurse may also recommend applying to the affected area before bed, then washing the product off when you get up, taking care to not get any in your eyes. If your skin becomes irritated, a topical ointment or cream may help.
• Nerve-blocking medications – Some medications block the chemicals that allow the nerves to communicate with each other. This can reduce sweating in some patients. Side effects however can include a dry mouth (due to use of oral medication), temporary impaired vision or drowsiness, or bladder problems.

Hyperhidrosis Sydney CBD

When you come in to see our dermatologists at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, our team will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your skin needs.

Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.

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