Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating

What causes excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a very bothersome condition in which the sweat glands produce excessive amounts of sweat, usually for 24 hours a day.

The cause of excessive sweating can be:¹

• Diseases of the thyroid gland
• Obesity: poor heat tolerance
• Neurological disease (one of the symptoms of e.g. multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease)
• Menopause
• Alcohol and inappropriate diet ( hot and spicy foods)
• Low blood sugar
• Diseases of bacterial and viral origin
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Some types of lymphoma

Excessive sweating can be very distressing for many individuals and affect their daily life. One effective method of treating this problem is the application of botulinum preparations, which help to regulate the activity of the sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating.

Benefits of the application of botulinum toxin anti-sweating preparations:

• Efficacy: The preparations are considered one of the most effective methods of treating excessive sweating.
• Safety: Properly performed, the procedure is usually safe and has minimal side effects.
• Long-term results: The effect of the application usually lasts for several months, depending on the individual body's response.

Solving the problem of excessive sweating

For whom the anti-sweating treatment with botulinum toxin preparations is suitable

Excessive sweating can be caused by a variety of factors, and therefore not every patient is a good candidate for the procedure. The treatment is especially suitable for those patients who do not respond to conventional treatment or do not have other health problems that cause excessive sweating (hormonal imbalance and others).

With proper preparation and consultation with a specialist, removal of excessive sweating with botulinum preparations is a safe and effective procedure.

Consultation with a specialist

It is essential to have a consultation with a qualified professional before treatment. During the consultation, the doctor will assess your health, any allergies, medications you are taking and evaluate the suitability of using botulinum toxin products for the treatment of excessive sweating.

During the consultation, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the areas where the hyperhidrosis is occurring, such as the armpits, palms, soles or other parts of the body.

Skin care before the treatment

Before the procedure itself, it is important that the patient follows the doctor's instructions regarding skin care in the area - this may include avoiding the use of antiperspirants or other cosmetic products. You will learn all instructions from us in due course.

In which areas of the body can botulinum toxin preparations help against sweating?

The application of botulinum toxin is not limited to one particular area of the body. So what all can be solved by botulinum products:

• Excessive underarm sweating: Underarm area is one of the most common areas of treatment. Underarm sweating is problematic because of the appearance of unsightly and noticeable patches on clothing due to hyperhidrosis.
• Sweating palms: Excessive sweating of the palms tends to be bothersome and affects daily activities such as shaking hands or using electronic devices.
• Excessive sweating of the feet: Excess foot sweating causes unpleasant odor and discomfort when wearing shoes.
• Excessive sweating of the scalp and face: Some individuals may experience excessive sweating on the forehead and scalp area, which is especially a problem in warm weather and overheated rooms.
• Chest and back: This area is less common.

JIt is important to note that the appropriateness of treatment with botulinum toxin preparations depends on the individual needs and desires of the patient, as well as on the recommendation of the doctor. Discussion with a specialist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment procedure and location of treatment according to the patient's specific situation and needs.

Course of the procedure

1. Preparation of the patient: Before the actual application, it is important that the patient has clean and dry skin in the area to be treated. The doctor or nurse will clean the skin with a disinfectant solution.
2. Anesthesia (if needed): In some cases, it is possible to apply an anaesthetic cream before application. Especially if the patient is more sensitive to pain or if it is a more delicate area.
3. Marking the areas: This marking helps ensure accuracy in application and minimizes the risk of missing or excessive doses.
4. Botulinum toxin application: After preparing and marking the areas, the botulinum toxin preparation is injected into the sweat glands using very thin injections. The doctor proceeds with care and precision to achieve an even distribution of the substance and minimize the risk of side effects. The number of injections and the amount of product used depends on the extent of excessive sweating and the individual needs of the patient.

Recovery

After the procedure of removing excessive sweating with botulinum preparations, a long-term recovery is usually not necessary. The patient goes home without the need for hospitalization. He receives full instructions for the care of the treated area and we explain all possible side effects, in case of which it is necessary to contact us.

It is usually possible to resume daily activities immediately after the procedure, however certain post-treatment recommendations must be followed:

• Restriction of physical activity: To minimize the risk of transfer of botulinum products to other parts of the body and to maximize the effect of the application.
• Avoidance of heat: Patients should avoid saunas, hot baths or intense sunlight after the procedure. Heat increases the risk of swelling and discomfort in the treated area.
• Adherence to physician's instructions: It is important that patients follow the instructions and recommendations provided by their physician regarding the care of the area that has been treated with botulinum products.

Contraindications and complications

There are certain situations or medical conditions that may be contraindications to the procedure of removing excessive sweating with botulinum toxin products. The most common contraindications include:

• Pregnancy and lactation: the use of these preparations during pregnancy and lactation is not usually recommended due to insufficient information on the safety of this procedure for the mother and the fetus.
• Allergies to botulinum products: Patients allergic to botulinum toxin or its direct components should not undergo this procedure.
• Neuromuscular diseases: Diseases affecting a peripheral nerve, neuromuscular transmission or muscle.

Potential complications

Although the procedure of removing excessive sweating with botulinum products is generally considered safe, certain complications and side effects can occur, such as:

• Temporary muscle weakness: Botulin toxin blocks nerve signals leading to muscle contraction, which may lead to temporary muscle weakness in the treated area.
• Pain, swelling, and redness: After the procedure, there is sometimes slight pain, swelling and redness in the treated area, which usually subsides soon.
• Lack of effect: In some patients, the effect of the application is incomplete or temporary, leading to repeat treatments.

It is important for patients to discuss with their physician the potential risks and benefits of the procedure to remove excessive sweating with botulinum products.

Price of removing excessive sweating

The final price per treatment may vary depending on the size and number of areas treated. In our clinic, hyperhidrosis treatment costs from CZK 6,000.

PRICE LIST

The treatment of removing hyperhidrosis is performed only in our clinic in Karlovy Vary by appointment.

REFERENCES:

1) aad.org. Hyperhidrosis: Signs and symptoms. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-symptoms [2023]

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