While some sweating is normal and healthy for the human body, sweat overproduction can become an issue and affect a person’s daily life. Hyperhidrosis is the medical name for excessive sweating, which is the result of overactive sweat glands. The condition typically occurs in the hands, underarms, and feet.In people with hyperhidrosis, sweating is not merely brought on in normal quantities by heat and exercise, but it often occurs excessively even when resting and cool. This can be a great inconvenience and difficult to manage when going about one’s daily activities. However, there are treatment options available for hyperhidrosis that Dr Omarjee may prescribe to his patients at The DOC Clinic.

Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) consultation 1, The DOC Clinic Melbourne

Causes

Hyperhidrosis occurs when there is an overstimulation of receptors in the sweat glands – specifically, the eccrine glands. Its exact causes are unknown, but it is thought to be impacted in part by genetics and secondary causes such as obesity, medications, or other underlying medical conditions.

The condition can be generalised (excessive sweating occurs all over the body), or focal (excessive sweating affects certain areas, such as the hands, underarms, face, or feet). Although people with the condition may sweat at unexpected times, such as in cool weather while at rest, attacks of sweating may have certain triggers. These triggers may depend on the person and their individual condition, but commonly, episodes of sweating may be triggered by:

Hot weather
Exercise
Spicy food
Alcohol consumption
Stress

Those with a family history of the condition may be more likely to develop it themselves. Examining the type and severity, in consultation with a medical practitioner, is often the first step to hyperhidrosis treatment. There are two general types of hyperhidrosis:

Primary hyperhidrosis

This refers to excessive sweating that is not caused by an underlying medical issue or medications. In these cases, it may be genetic and often develops during puberty as a result of faulty nerve signals that cause hyperactivity of the sweat glands. The condition usually affects specific parts of the body in a way that is symmetric – affecting both the left and right sides of the body.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is ‘secondary’ when it is caused by an underlying medical condition or a medication side effect. The condition may affect larger areas of the body and typically begins in adulthood. Treatment would involve determining the underlying medical issue, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, menopause, some cancers, or other disorders. Medications such as antidepressants, diabetes medications, or hormonal treatments can also lead to secondary hyperhidrosis.

Dr Ed during hyperhidrosis treatment 2, The DOC Clinic

Symptoms

A certain amount of sweating is normal and healthy. However, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is characterised by excessive sweating, beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. It is typically intermittent, which means excessive sweating happens in episodes; however, in some cases, it can occur continuously. You may have hyperhidrosis if you sweat when you are not hot or doing physical activity, if sweat drips visibly from your hands or down your body, or if your sweat continually makes your socks and shoes wet.

While the condition may not be painful, it can cause significant discomfort for many people, leading to side effects such as social issues, embarrassment, loss of confidence, and depression. It may be necessary to wipe your hands continuously or change your shirt multiple times a day, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient when doing daily tasks or in work environments. The condition may also lead to a higher risk of skin infections.

Hyperhidrosis requires clinical diagnosis. When meeting with Dr Omarjee for hyperhidrosis treatment, he may ask questions about your symptoms and assess the severity and localisation of the condition. Dr Omarjee treats under arm (axilla) hyperhidrosis.

Diagnosing hyperhidrosis

Sweating is a normal bodily function that helps regulate your body’s temperature. Typically, sweat is stimulated by high temperatures, exercise, emotions, stress, and certain foods. Some people may sweat more than others. Sometimes, sweat can also be triggered by medical conditions and hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause or certain illnesses.

If you are concerned about excess sweating, it may be beneficial to take certain steps to help minimise sweating, such as:

Wearing breathable fabrics
Taking off layers of clothing in hot weather
Changing out of sweaty clothing promptly
Using antiperspirant deodorant
Take notice of and avoid any foods that increase your sweating
Drink plenty of water, especially when exercising or on hot days

Hyperhidrosis is usually treatable, so speaking to a doctor about it can be beneficial. In recent years, more treatment options have become available, making treatment of hyperhidrosis easier for clinicians. It is diagnosed by a medical practitioner after a physical examination of the symptoms. Typically, there is no particular test for diagnosis, although iodine-starch tests can be performed to identify the localised areas of concern.

At The DOC Clinic, treatment of under arm (axilla) hyperhidrosis may begin with an initial consultation about your experience of hyperhidrosis and medical history. You should let Dr Omarjee know about any pre-existing conditions you may have and any previous treatments. This is because the treatment of hyperhidrosis may begin with treating the condition potentially causing it. In some cases, the condition can be addressed with topical treatments or oral medications.

Aesthetic hand treatment at the DOC Clinic Melbourne 3

Treatment of hyperhidrosis

If previous treatment attempts have failed and axilla hyperhidrosis persists, Dr Omarjee may recommend hyperhidrosis treatment. This is minimally invasive and uses the same methods and substance as treatments that target wrinkles and jaw grinding. The substance is administered to localised areas, which means Dr Omarjee is able to target the primary areas of excess sweating under the arms. This can provide relief for around five to six months.

Unlike treatments for wrinkles and jaw grinding, the procedure for hyperhidrosis targets areas of the body where perspiration is most prevalent. Specifically, it targets the nerve signals responsible for activating the sweat glands, which aims to reduce the amount of excess perspiration. At your consultation, you can discuss a regular treatment plan if you wish to maintain the results.

After treatment

It may take several days for the treatment to become effective. This can depend on your body’s response to the treatment, the treated area, and the particulars of your condition. The procedure can be effective for many patients and typically lasts for up to six months, after which point, you may need another appointment.

After the procedure takes effect, the sweat glands should not be as active, reducing the amount of sweat produced. However, in some severe cases, surgery may be required, which may involve clipping the affected nerve. The appropriate course of treatment may depend on your individual symptoms and the severity of your condition.

Like all procedures, under-arm hyperhidrosis treatment comes with possible risks and complications. You should ensure that you understand all that the procedure involves before proceeding, including the risks, costs, aftercare, and possible outcomes. You are welcome to discuss all of these factors with us at your first consultation at The DOC Clinic.

Consultation with Dr Omarjee

If you have concerns about excessive sweating, a consultation with Dr Omarjee may help. He can assess your condition and recommend a treatment option that meets your needs and preferences. With many years of experience, Dr Omarjee aims to tailor each procedure specifically to the patient, providing individualised and patient-focused treatment experiences. Book your consultation at The DOC Clinic to learn more about hyperhidrosis treatment.

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Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)