Freedom from the embarrassment of underarm sweating

29th March 2022
Botox, Hyperhidrosis (sweating)

For some people, excessive sweating can occur even when there is no need for the body to be naturally cooled down – this type of sweating is called hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis can occur in any part of the body, but it is more common in areas such as the hands, feet, face and head, groin and the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis can be a source of stress and embarrassment, as well as discomfort for the person managing it. Sufferers can find that it interferes with their quality of life and self-confidence.

Thankfully, there is help available to alleviate the condition.

Underarm (axillae) hyperhidrosis

A very common area to be affected by excessive sweating is the underarms. Known as axillary hyperhidrosis, it can have a significant impact on people’s lives.

Sufferers can become constantly aware of embarrassing wetness or sweat stains on their clothes, which can impede their working and social lives.

Understanding hyperhidrosis

There are two types of hyperhidrosis, and each has a different cause:

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis affects at least 1% of the population*.

Where it isn’t triggered by other specific factors, it is thought that primary hyperhidrosis could be caused by a fault in the sympathetic nervous system, causing signals that stimulate the sweat glands.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis is a symptom of another condition or a side effect of medication.

If you experience any type of hyperhidrosis, it’s important to tell your GP in case it’s an indicator of an underlying condition.

Hyperhidrosis and quality of life

Because it feels out of the person’s control, hyperhidrosis can be stressful – constant self-consciousness can make it an isolating problem too.

It’s therefore not surprising that sufferers can experience feelings of anxiety or depression if hyperhidrosis becomes an overwhelming part of their life.

Certain times of the year can impact its severity – the late spring and summer months can be more challenging seasons.

Treatments for underarm hyperhidrosis

There are a number of suggested treatments and ways to manage underarm hyperhidrosis depending on your lifestyle and the severity of the condition.

Lifestyle changes

Avoiding man-made fabrics and tight-fitting clothes can help to keep your body cool, but also reduce obvious signs of sweating. Wearing black or white clothes also makes sweat less noticeable. Special clothing protectors can be worn under the arms to prevent sweat stains.

Washing with emollients and moisturisers rather than soap-based cleansers can also help.

For some people there are certain triggers that influence their hyperhidrosis, so working out whether this is something that contributes to your sweating can be empowering. Triggers might include drinking alcohol and eating spicy or strong-smelling foods.

Stress can also be a factor, so trying to manage stress may help (although this is often easier said than done!).

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants (as opposed to deodorants) containing aluminium chloride can be an effective first port of call.

Treatment involves applying the antiperspirant to the skin, leaving it on overnight and washing it off again in the morning. The skin must be dry and clean when the product is applied to avoid irritation.

Aluminium free antiperspirants are now also available.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a recognised treatment for hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet and underarms.

The treatment uses a machine that passes a low voltage electrical current through water, directly into the particular area of skin. Special electrodes are required for the treatment of the underarms.

Botox treatment for underarm hyperhidrosis

Botox is a widely recognised way to help manage hyperhidrosis and something that we can provide.

Botox works by reducing the nerves’ ability to send signals to the sweat glands, thereby significantly reducing the production of sweat.

It is an effective treatment for primary hyperhidrosis sufferers. For those with secondary hyperhidrosis, treatment results can vary. Our expert practitioners will thoroughly assess treatment suitability during your consultation.

Botox isn’t a cure for hyperhidrosis, and regular treatments (usually every three to six months) will be required to maintain the benefits. However, it is a safe and effective way of managing the condition.

I wanted to thank you for making all the treatment sessions a comfortable experience for me. I’m very self-conscious about the sweating problem but you put me completely at ease.
AC, who received botox treatment for underarm sweating at our clinic