Axillary Hyperhidrosis
What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?
Axillary Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormal and excessive sweating from the armpits, feet and hands. The sweating is not necessarily related to exercising or heat. People with Axillary Hyperhidrosis may sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes.
Besides disrupting normal daily activities, this kind of heavy sweating can cause social anxiety and embarrassment. Luckily, Dr Lesego has some treatment options available to help you control your sweating.
Diagnosing Axillary Hyperhidrosis
During your appointment, Dr Lesego order certain tests to further evaluate the cause of hyperhidrosis. These tests may include blood or urine tests to see if your sweating is caused by a medical condition, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or an overactive thyroid. Other tests that are available include an iodine-starch test, skin conductance and a thermoregulatory sweat test.
Treatment options for Axillary Hyperhidrosis
If Dr Lesego finds that you have an underlying medical condition that is contributing to the sweating, then that condition will be treated first. Dr Lesego may refer you to another specialist in this case. If no clear cause is found, then treatment will focus on controlling the sweating.
Treatment options include:
- Dysport. Dysport is a muscle-relaxing agent derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The treatment interrupts nerve impulses from the brain to relax muscle activity without directly affecting the muscles nerves and muscles. Dysport injections can alleviate severe sweating by blocking the nerves that supply the sweat glands. During the procedure, injections are made with a very small needle just below the surface of the skin, and it's relatively painless.
- Botox. Botox is a neurotoxin made from microbes used to treat a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. It’s completely safe if used appropriately by a medical professional. You may be a suitable candidate for Botox if your armpit sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. During the procedure, the Botox is injected directly into the armpit area. This will prevent your nerves from signalling your sweat glands, so you don’t sweat.