Did you know that 5% of people experience excessive sweating, otherwise known as hyperhidrosis?
Let’s start by saying: sweating is normal. We have lots of sweat glands within our skin to help control our body temperature. As the water in the form of sweat evaporates, our skin cools down which stops us from overheating in hot climates, during exercise and during hormonal changes. However, for some people, excessive sweating (or hyperhidrosis) can occur without these triggers – even at rest, in a cool room. This can be quite debilitating and lead to social anxiety and low self-confidence (on top of a ruined wardrobe); a common theme shared by many of our patients.
Whilst hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects sufferers all-year round condition, our patients often report that their symptoms are more troubling during social interactions in the summer as we tend to wear fewer layers, so the effects of excess sweat are more obvious. It’s a condition that tends to be triggered during the teenage years so lots of people will have suffered in silence for some time.
This is exactly why we offer treatment for excessive sweating at Victor & Garth.
To begin with, a patient would book a consultation where we can discuss their reasons for presenting and goals. It is expected that they would have tried other conservative measures, such as an aluminium chloride antiperspirant, by the time they decide to visit the clinic. It’s also important to consult your GP beforehand to ensure there is not an underlying health condition causing your symptoms. The majority of patients tend to seek treatment for excessive sweating in the underarm area, but other common places include the face & scalp, hands & feet and groin.
If there are no contraindications to receiving treatment, we can proceed. We would administer neurotoxin into the dermis of the skin to block the release of a chemical (acetylcholine) from the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Multiple injections using a low dose of neurotoxin are placed roughly a centimetre apart using a very fine needle. The process is relatively painless, but for something that is so simple to treat physically and the improvement it can have on one’s psychological well-being can be life-changing.
How long do the effects last?
It may take up to a week to start seeing results, but these will last anywhere from 3-4 months. You would expect to see sweat levels reduce to an average person’s baseline, or in some cases, you can experience up to 90% dryness.
Hyperhidrosis treatment is available at Victor & Garth, with prices starting at £425.