At Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC, we are passionate about helping people live their best possible life. With hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that involves excessive sweating, it can be hard to feel confident. Some people with this condition don’t participate in team sports that they’re interested in because they worry about excessive sweating. Others take extra shirts to work in case they sweat through them. If you suffer from excessive sweating, read on to discover what you can do about it.
How Can You Get Rid of Hyperhidrosis?
You can get rid of axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis with BOTOX Cosmetic injections quickly and effectively. Just five days after your injections are administered, you will start to notice symptom relief. After another nine days, you can enjoy your full results for up to two years. Individual results vary, but you can expect 82 to 87% less underarm moisture.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Before your treatment session begins, we will inspect your underarms to verify that they are free from irritation. If they are, we will clean them and administer roughly 50 injections into both of your underarms. The exact number of injections you will need depends on the severity of your symptoms. That may seem like a lot of injections, but don’t worry. Your treatment should not feel at all uncomfortable; the needle used to administer the drug is very small.
If you are worried about discomfort, though, we are happy to numb your skin prior to treatment. Just bear in mind that this will add a little time to your appointment. The topical anesthesia does not take effect immediately.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
The most important preparation step you need to take is to attend an initial evaluation. We will take a closer look at this momentarily. Another very important preparation step you may need to take is to discontinue the use of certain drugs, like oral muscle relaxants and blood-thinners.
Do I Suffer From Hyperhidrosis?
A medical professional can diagnose you with hyperhidrosis. However, there is a strong likelihood that you suffer from this condition if you sweat through your clothing even when you are not very hot or vigorously exercising. There is also a very good chance that you suffer from this condition if your sweating is not controlled by antiperspirants. Areas most commonly affected by this condition include the:
- Underarms
- Palms
- Soles
- Face
- Inframammary fold
Diagnosis of this condition starts with a simple discussion with a medical professional about the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history. Depending on this conversation, you may need to undergo lab tests, like blood or urine tests, to rule out hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, or other medical conditions that may cause excessive sweating. Finally, you may need to undergo a sweat test or iodine-starch test.
How Should I Prepare for My First Appointment?
In addition to being asked about your personal medical history, you will also be asked about your family medical history. Ask direct relatives, like your grandparents, parents, and siblings, if they have ever experienced similar symptoms. Also, be prepared to talk about whether your symptoms stop while you’re sleeping. You will also be asked about what drugs and supplements you take regularly and whether you avoid social situations due to your condition.
You should also be ready to talk about when your heavy sweating started and where on your body the sweating usually occurs. Make sure to mention whether both sides of your body are affected equally. You will also be asked about what, if anything, improves or exacerbates your symptoms. Additionally, you will need to advise us on whether your symptoms are periodic or constant in nature.
What Causes This Condition?
Primary hyperhidrosis is often genetic and cannot be attributed to a medical cause. Rather, the eccrine sweat glands become too active due to faulty nerve signals. BOTOX Cosmetic is highly effective for the treatment of this type of excessive sweating because the neurotoxic proteins in the injectable block some of the receptors in the nerves.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is usually caused by taking certain drugs, like antidepressants, analgesics, hormonal medications, or diabetes medications. However, excessive sweating all over the body can also be triggered by certain medical conditions, including:
- Menopause hot flashes
- Thyroid disorders
- Infections
- Nervous system disorders
- Diabetes
What Complications Can Arise From Not Treating This Condition?
Most of the time, people who suffer from this condition experience social and emotional effects. For example, this condition can make people feel too self-conscious to join their local running club or soccer team. It can be particularly frustrating when the condition develops later in life, and previous hobbies no longer feel accessible. Skin infections are another relatively common complication.
The Bottom Line
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis and antiperspirants are ineffective, you can treat your condition quickly and effectively with BOTOX Cosmetic injections. This FDA-approved injectable medication can improve your symptoms in just five days and provide optimal results in as little as two weeks. If you are ready to stop sweating excessively, contact us now at Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC to schedule an evaluation.