Excessively sweating? What you can do about it

Sweating is a normal bodily function but when does it become a concern? If you sweat excessively, this can induce anxiety and stress at the first sight of an elevated temperature or heart rate. If this is the case for you, you should know that you don't have to suffer in silence, and there are ways you can treat it.

Why excessive sweating is a concern for many

If you suffer from excessive sweating, you are likely self-conscious about it. Whether it's sweaty palms, underarms or just all over sweating, it's not only inconvenient but it can be very embarrassing too. If you experience more than normal sweating, you should book in to see your doctor to discuss your options.

Sweating, what's normal, what's not

Sweating is natural and it keeps us cool. It causes moisture to accumulate on our skin, cooling us down as it evaporates. Sweating can also be caused by hormonal changes, the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, or when you feel intense emotions such as anger or stress. Sweating, as unpleasant or uncomfortable as it may feel, has advantages that surpass managing our body temperature, some of these include:

- Filtering pollutants from the body

- Protecting against dangerous bacteria on the skin's surface

- Boosting blood circulation through vasodilation

How do you know if you're sweating too much or not?

For most, it's obvious that they sweat more than normal as they'll be very aware of it.

If you're not too sure, here are some signs that you may be sweating more than normal:

• Sweating that results in irritable skin disorders

• Sweating a lot when exertion is minimal

• Sweat that is noticeably soaking through clothes

• Sweaty palms that show up on clothes or paper when touched

• Damaged shoes due to excessive moisture

• Sweat that is very noticeable

An easy way to determine whether your sweating is excessive or not is by establishing whether it impacts your day-to-day life, if it does, it's worth visiting the doctor to discuss your options.

What can cause excessive sweating?

Here are some general factors that can influence how much you sweat or don't sweat include:

• Health status

• Age

• Certain health conditions

• Muscle mass

• Body size

• Genetics

• Level of fitness

Some other reasons you may be sweating excessively

Medications

Some medications may make you sweat more than normal, if you have noticed a difference in the amount you sweat since starting a medication, have a chat with your doctor.

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions can cause excessive sweating as can hormonal changes.

Hyperhidrosis

The disorder hyperhidrosis is brought on by nerves overstimulating the sweat glands and it is a common reason for excessive sweating. The sweat glands in patients with hyperhidrosis secrete more sweat than is biologically necessary, even in the absence of a typical cause such as heat, physical effort, stress etc. Primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis are the two types of hyperhidrosis.

Treatment for excessive sweating

Sometimes all that's needed to keep excessive sweat under control is a high-strength antiperspirant. These can typically be bought from the supermarket or pharmacy. If you've tried these to no avail, your doctor may prescribe you something stronger or may recommend excessive sweating injections to the areas of concern.

What are excessive sweating injections?

Botox is used to inject the area and it works by stopping the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that binds to your sweat glands and signals perspiration production. The overactive nerves that cause excessive sweating are paralysed and prevent you from sweating when injected with botox.

Areas where excessive sweating treatments can be injected

The most commonly treated areas are:

• The armpits

• Palms of the hands

• Soles of the feet

• The face

How long does it take to notice results from excessive sweating injections

After receiving Botox injections, you can immediately resume your normal activities. Results can be noticed in a couple of days post-treatment with the injections taking full effect after 2 weeks.

How long will the results last?

Botox has temporary effects, which means you'll need repeat treatments to maintain your results. Additional injections are recommended every 6 to 12 months.

What are the side effects of excessive sweating injections?

Common potential side effects of excessive sweating injections include:

• Pain or bruising where the injections have been administered

• Skin irritation

• Headache

• Minor bleeding

• Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects are rare however, your injector should notify you of these before treatment.

How long does an excessive sweating treatment take?

A fine needle is used to administer the botox into the armpit. It's usually injected in around 20 to 25 spots. The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

How much do excessive sweating injections cost?

The price can vary depending on how many units you require and the clinic you attend for the beauty treatment Gold Coast but you can expect to pay at least $800 for underarm treatment for approximately 100 units each underarm. The hands and feet tend to be slightly more. You may be entitled to a rebate if you've been formally diagnosed with hyperhidrosis. The best way to get a price is by booking an initial consultation with an experienced cosmetic injector.

How effective are excessive sweating injections?

Botox is an extremely effective way to treat excessive sweating. It can reduce underarm sweating by up to 87% which can be a complete game changer for those who suffer from this problem.

Why consider excessive sweating injections

If you suffer from excessive sweating, you'd know first-hand how much of an impact it can have on your day-to-day life. It can restore confidence and allow you to get on with your life without having to worry about sweating too much.

Book a consultation for excessive sweating with the girls at Bella Donna Injectables and Skin!

As the Gold Coast's leading injectable and skin clinic, we aim to provide the most comprehensive and tailored treatment options that can improve not only your physical appearance but medical conditions such as excessive sweating. We offer free consultations and we'd be more than happy to have a chat with you about excessive sweating injections if it's something you are considering for yourself. Get in touch today.