Hyperhidrosis
Sweating allows the body to regulate its temperature, but abnormally excessive sweating, a condition commonly known as hyperhidrosis, can negatively impact quality of life. Hyperhidrosis mostly affects the palms, underarms, face and soles of the feet. Primary hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive apocrine glands or sympathetic nervous system. Anxiety, being overweight or hyperthyroidism are other possible contributing factors. Patients can consider undergoing treatment if excessive sweating causes embarrassment or inconvenience to their daily lives or recurrent bacterial or fungal skin infections.
Treatment For Hyperhidrosis
Antiperspirant
Topical antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride and alcohol are suitable for patients with mild conditions. Application is easy but effects may not be long-lasting.
Botulinum Toxin Injection
Botulinum toxin blocks signal transmission from the nerve ending to the sweat gland. Injecting botulinum toxin into the skin of affected area can prevent glands from producing sweat. Effects typically last for six to nine months.
Subdermal Shaving
Subdermal shaving is a minimally-invasive surgery to remove the sweat glands. Sweat glands in the lower dermis are removed with an electric shaver under local anaesthesia. Recovery time is short and scarring is minimal as the shaver is only 4mm wide. Potential complications may include hyperpigmentation, skin necrosis, wound infection and haematoma.
miraDry Microwave System
The miraDry Microwave System is a quick and non-invasive procedure that can reduce excessive underarm sweating and odour. The system delivers precisely controlled microwave energy in the form of heat to the region where the sweat glands reside. Most patients report average sweat reduction of up to 80% after one to two treatments. The procedure lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. Local anaesthesia is administered for patient comfort and some localised soreness or swelling can be expected. The axillary area may feel puffy but swelling will gradually subside in one to two weeks. One should be able to resume normal activities the following day.
Video-Assisted Thoracic Sympathectomy
Dividing the sympathetic nerves inside the rib cage can effectively improve excessive sweating conditions on the palms and in the underarms. While removing parts of the sympathetic nerves has no health consequence, some patients may sweat more in other parts of the body such as in the lower limbs or waists.