What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. It commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet or face, and can happen even when you are cool or at rest. It is a recognised medical condition rather than simply a response to heat or exercise.

What causes excessive sweating?

Most cases are primary focal hyperhidrosis, where the sweat glands are overactive with no underlying medical cause; this often runs in families and tends to begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Less commonly, sweating can be secondary to another condition or medication, which is one reason an assessment with a clinician is important.

How is hyperhidrosis treated at Waterfront?

Treatment is tailored to you at consultation. For focal hyperhidrosis (most often the underarms), one established option is a course of botulinum toxin injections, which temporarily reduce the activity of the overactive sweat glands in the area treated. Your consultant will confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether this approach is suitable for you, along with the alternatives.

Which areas can be treated?

The underarms (axillae) are the most commonly treated area. Other focal sites such as the hands or feet can also be affected by hyperhidrosis, and suitability for treatment is assessed individually at consultation.

How long does treatment last?

The effect is temporary. Many people find the reduction in sweating lasts in the region of several months before a repeat treatment is considered. Your consultant will give you a realistic idea of timing based on your assessment.

Does the treatment hurt?

Injections are given with a very fine needle and most people describe only brief, minor discomfort. Your consultant can talk through ways to keep you comfortable during the appointment.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Any change is gradual rather than immediate, typically developing over the days following treatment. Your consultant will explain what to expect and when to get in touch if you have questions.

Are there any side effects?

As with any treatment there can be side effects, which your consultant will go through with you in full beforehand so you can give informed consent. A consultation allows any risks specific to you to be discussed.

How do I arrange treatment?

Treatment starts with a consultation, where a consultant confirms the diagnosis, checks the cause of your sweating and discusses the suitable options. You can book a consultation online or contact our team, who will be glad to help.

Excessive Sweating Treatment

Hyperhidrosis is a common medical condition characterised by excessive sweating that is greater than is required for normal body temperature regulation. It can significantly affect quality of life, causing embarrassment, social anxiety, occupational difficulties and interference with everyday activities.

Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the:
• Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
• Palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
• Face and scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)

Botulinum toxin injections are a well-established, evidence-based treatment for focal hyperhidrosis and can provide several months of effective sweat reduction.

What the procedure involves

Before treatment
• Consultation to determine suitability for treatment

During treatment
• Series of small injections placed just beneath the skin
• Armpits: 20–30 minutes
• Palms: 30–45 minutes
• Craniofacial: 20–30 minutes

The injections are a little uncomfortable but well tolerated by most patients. Ice can be used to effectively ease the discomfort if required.

Results
• Improvement usually begins within 2–7 days.
• Maximum effect at around 2 weeks.

Benefits
• Reduced sweating
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced clothing staining
• Improved confidence
• Better grip for sweaty palms

Risks and Side Effects
• Mild discomfort
• Redness, swelling or bruising
• Temporary hand weakness (palms)
• Headache, unwanted facial muscle effects (craniofacial treatment)
• Rare infection or allergic reaction

Patient Support

Patients may find the following resources helpful.

• Hyperhidrosis UK: https://hyperhidrosisuk.org
• International Hyperhidrosis Society: https://www.sweathelp.org
• British Association of Dermatologists: https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/

NICE Guidance
• https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hyperhidrosis/
• https://www.nice.org.uk

Get in touch

However you would like to get in touch — by phone, email, or our contact form — a member of our team will respond promptly. New patients can also book a consultation online.

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