Sweating is a normal and necessary function of the body, helping us regulate our temperature. But when sweating becomes excessive and happens even when you aren’t hot or exercising, it can become uncomfortable, embarrassing and difficult to manage.
This is known as hyperhidrosis, and it can affect several areas of the body, including the underarms and face.
Underarm hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the underarms, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, is one of the more common forms of focal hyperhidrosis.
For some people, it can mean having visibly wet patches on clothing even when the weather isn’t particularly warm. Constantly worrying about sweat marks can also affect what you choose to wear and make social or professional situations uncomfortable.
What treatments are available?
There are a number of ways to manage excessive underarm sweating.
For milder cases, strong antiperspirants containing aluminium salts can be purchased from pharmacies and some high-street retailers. These work by temporarily reducing the amount of sweat reaching the skin.
There are also specialist antiperspirants and underarm products designed specifically for excessive sweating. Wearing breathable clothing and using absorbent underarm pads can provide additional practical help.
If these measures aren’t enough, a healthcare professional may discuss other treatments, including prescription topical treatments, iontophoresis or botulinum toxin. In more persistent cases, specialist treatments may be considered.
How does Botox help underarm sweating?
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat excessive sweating as well as for cosmetic purposes.
When injected into the underarm area, it works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands. This reduces the amount of sweat produced in the treated area.
Treatment involves a number of small injections across the underarm to ensure the affected area is treated as evenly as possible.
The effect is temporary and varies between individuals. When the effect wears off, treatment may be repeated following an appropriate assessment.
At Flawless Aesthetic Clinic, I will discuss your symptoms, the area affected and your expectations during your consultation before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
Facial hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the face and scalp can be particularly difficult to manage because it is highly visible.
Facial sweating may occur around the forehead, temples, hairline or other areas of the face. It can be triggered by heat, exercise or emotional situations, but for someone with hyperhidrosis it may happen without an obvious trigger.
Like sweating elsewhere on the body, facial hyperhidrosis can have an impact on confidence and everyday life.
What can help facial sweating?
High-street and pharmacy antiperspirants are generally more suitable for areas such as the underarms than the face, as facial skin can be more sensitive and some products may cause irritation.
Depending on the cause and severity of the sweating, a GP or specialist may recommend prescription treatments or other medical options.
Botulinum toxin can also be used for certain types of facial hyperhidrosis, with treatment tailored carefully to the area affected.
How does Botox work for facial sweating?
Botulinum toxin works in the same basic way as it does for underarm sweating: it temporarily interrupts the nerve signals that tell the sweat glands to produce sweat.
However, treating the face requires a particularly careful approach because there are important muscles, nerves and structures in this area. The injection points and amount used therefore need to be individually assessed.
A consultation is essential to determine whether facial botulinum toxin is suitable for you and which areas, if any, would be appropriate to treat.
How much does treatment cost?
The cost of hyperhidrosis treatment depends on the area being treated and the number of injection points and amount of botulinum toxin required.
For underarm hyperhidrosis, treatment is typically £250–£400 at Flawless Aesthetic Clinic.
Facial hyperhidrosis is assessed individually, as the treatment area and requirements can vary considerably.
Is excessive sweating affecting your confidence?
If excessive sweating is interfering with your clothing choices, work, social life or confidence, it is worth discussing the options available rather than simply accepting it as something you have to live with.
At Flawless Aesthetic Clinic, I offer consultations to discuss whether botulinum toxin treatment may be suitable for your particular symptoms and the area affected.
Book your consultation: www.flawlessaestheticclinic.co.uk
Treatment is subject to consultation and suitability assessment. Individual results and duration of effect vary. Botulinum toxin treatment carries potential risks and side effects, which will be discussed during your consultation. Persistent or newly developed excessive sweating may require medical assessment to exclude an underlying cause.