EmbodyForYou.comthe online guide to health and beauty
EmbodyForYou.comthe online guide to health and beauty
Excessive perspiration can be an extremely embarrassing condition, which can affect social and work place interactions.
Clothing can be quickly stained and hundreds of pounds spent on dry cleaning and replacement of clothing.
The modern solution is Botulinum Toxin (Botox®, Dysport®). Botulinum Toxin is a natural purified protein, which works by preventing the presynaptic release of acetylcholine in sympathetic nerve endings associated with the eccrine sweat glands.
The Cause of Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is caused by over activity of eccrine sweat glands in the skin. The eccrine glands exist in various concentrations throughout the skin. They maintain body temperature within a narrow range in the face of external heat, or increase in physical activity.
Eccrine sweat evaporates on the surface of the skin and effects a transfer of heat, primarily by direct conduction from the vascular supply to the skin.
Sweating can reach volumes measured in litres per hour
Although the glands are normal, there is an abnormal neurologic response to stimuli in the hypothalamic sweat centres. The eccrine sweat glands are concentrated in the palms, soles and under the armpits (axillae), and number around 2-4 million per person.
Surrounding the eccrine glands are myoepithelial cells, which contract on stimulation from the sympathetic nerves. These nerves utilise acetylcholine as their neurochemical transmitter at the nerve endings. This is where the treatment works. Higher cortical functions in the brain (anxiety, stress etc.) together with thermal stress induced by heat or exercise results in stimulation of the glands directly.
Treatment for Excessive Sweating
The treatment is administered through a very fine needle into the affected skin. Sweating diminishes substantially within 48 hours and results can last from 6-12 months. The procedure is quick, simple and effective. Contact us for an appointment to solve your excessive perspiration problems.
Traditional Treatments for Excessive Sweating
Traditional dermatology therapies have included aluminium salts used in cosmetic antiperspirants, iontophoresis or drugs such as glycopyyrolate.
Surgical approaches have involved direct excision (surgical removal) of the axillary skin or neurosurgical sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis of the palms.
Topical therapy has been limited in success. Drugs have unpleasant side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth and limited effectiveness on sweating.
Sympathectomy has a recognised complication rate including Horner's syndrome, pneumothorax (lung perforation) and injury to other nerves. Surgical removal of affected skin creates unwanted and unsightly scarring often with prolonged recovery and limitation of movements.
Use the links below to search for Hyperhidrosis practitioners.