Don't Sweat - Botox Can Help

Hyperhidrosis means sweating in amounts greater that the body actually needs to do to regulate its temperature. While everyone sweats when they are hot, exercising or feeling stress, people who have hyperhidrosis sweat heavily and sweat most of the time, even without the usual triggers. Although men and women are equally as likely to suffer from excessive sweating, it is women who are more likely to seek treatment.

Excessive sweating can occur across the body or just in specific regions such as the hands, feet, armpits and groin. Excessive sweating may be a sign of a medical disorder, such as an overactive thyroid, diabetes or heart disease. This is more likely if the increase in sweating occurs later in life.

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However, many people experience hyperhidrosis who are otherwise healthy. This is referred to as “primary hyperhidrosis”. Primary hyperhidrosis usually arises during adolescence and appears to be genetic. The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown. Anxiety can exacerbate sweating for many people, as can alcohol, caffeine, certain foods, and even some smells.

Some people with hyperhidrosis suffer lifestyle and career challenges. For people with armpit sweating, hiding embarrassing sweat spots under the armpits can limit their arm movements and pose. They may even be forced to change their shirts several times a day. Often, dampness from the sweat is accompanied by odour. Sweat by itself doesn't usually smell, but once it is on the skin, bacteria and other germs begin to break it down to cause body odour.

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you may feel awkward and uncomfortable in social situations. You may be self-conscious and afraid to touch or shake hands with people or raise your arm to reach for something. You may feel embarrassed about being in public, spending time with your friends and going to work or school. These are very normal reactions to having hyperhidrosis.

There are many treatments for hyperhidrosis including antiperspirants and prescription medications, but one that is becoming very popular is botox injections. Botox blocks the nerves that cause sweating; it is injected into the appropriate area and apart from the slight discomfort that is associated with very fine needle injections, it has no side effects and is highly effective. The procedure itself takes approximately 20 minutes and the effect can last from six to 12 months.

Hyperhidrosis is treated with botox injections at Mediclinic City Hospital by Dr. Anwar Al Hammadi, an American board-certified dermatologist.