Excessive sweating

HYPERHYDROSIS OF ARMPITS / PALMS /FEET

Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism, but when the body produces more sweat (excessive sweating) than is necessary to cool the body, this is known as Hyperhidrosis.

This is a problem faced by many people and can occur in various parts of the body. Excess sweat production can cause work and social embarrassment and makes everyday activities more difficult. Hyperhidrosis can also cause odour from the bacterial growth within the sweat produced. The most common parts affected are the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the underarms, but it may also affect the face, groin, head and back.

BRANDS OF BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A INJECTIONS

There are three popular and approved brands of Botulinum Toxin type A for injection in Singapore, namely Dysport, Botox and Xeomin.  Their efficacies are very similar, and they differ mainly through their dilution methods, concentration and dosing to produce the desired results.  A skilled physician will be able to produce the same results with all three different brands.

WHAT CAUSES EXCESSIVE SWEATING?

Sweat is usually produced by glands when the temperature is hot or during exercise, and if you have a fever or under stress.  This trigger is controlled by nerves that will shut off the production of sweat when these factors are not present.  Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the sweat glands never stop producing sweat, resulting in perspiration even in air-conditioned areas.

HOW BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS WORKS?

Botulinum toxin injections can be used as a treatment for excessive sweating. It paralyzes the tiny muscles just under the skin, which squeeze the sweat out from the sweat glands, up the sweat duct and out through the pores to the surface of the skin.

THE PROCEDURE

The treatment takes around 20 minutes and involves multiple small injections just under the skin. A numbing cream will help to minimize any discomfort. The injections are relatively painless and can feel like a small sting. You may notice some minimal bruising or numbness, but this will subside quickly. You should notice a reduction in sweat production after a week. There is also no downtime needed after treatments, and you may resume daily activities without any worry. The treatment is very effective, usually resulting in a 90% reduction in sweating. It can normally last for 6 to 8 months from just one treatment session.

MAINTENANCE

The effect of Botulinum toxin on the sweat glands last for 6 – 8 months, after which a top up treatment is required to maintain the prevention of excessive sweating.