Excessive sweating, often known as hyperhidrosis, is estimated to affect between 2–5% of the global population. Many people with the condition remain undiagnosed because they feel embarrassed to seek help or assume their sweating is ‘normal’. Around half of those affected are thought to consult a healthcare professional, despite the availability of effective, minimally invasive treatments.
For those living with hyperhidrosis, the condition can have a major impact on quality of life, affecting confidence, self-esteem, and social interactions, which in turn can influence daily activities and wellbeing.
Understanding the Cause
Before starting treatment, it’s important to determine whether your excessive sweating is primary hyperhidrosis (where sweating occurs without an underlying medical cause) or secondary hyperhidrosis, which may be linked to another health condition.
If your sweating is secondary, treating the underlying issue, such as thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or hormonal changes, can often resolve the problem.
For this reason, we recommend consulting your GP before beginning any form of treatment, to rule out potential medical causes.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating, most commonly affecting areas such as the:
- Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
- Soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
- Face or scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to overactive sweat glands and heightened nerve activity.
How Do Injectable Treatments Work?
Injectable treatments for excessive sweating work by temporarily reducing the communication between nerves and sweat glands. This helps to decrease sweat production in targeted areas.
During the procedure, a series of small injections are placed just under the skin in a precise grid-like pattern to ensure even coverage. These treatments act on the local nerve endings responsible for triggering sweat glands, helping to reduce perspiration and improve comfort.
How Effective Is It?
The treatment is highly effective for many individuals, often leading to a significant reduction in sweating, up to 80–90% in most cases. Results are long-lasting, typically lasting 6–12 months, and improvements can usually be seen within two weeks following treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
After a thorough consultation, your aesthetic nurse will clean the area and will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to maximise comfort.
The treatment involves multiple small, superficial injections using a fine needle. Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling may occur, but these effects are temporary, and most clients resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Injectable treatments for hyperhidrosis are well-researched and considered safe and effective when performed by trained, qualified medical professionals.
If you would like to find out more about excessive sweating treatment, please call us on 01296 614 441, and book a Free Consultation.
