Hyperhidrosis Treatment In London

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To socialise is to be human, we understand the barriers hyperhydrosis can create.

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Hyperhidrosis can broadly be placed in two categories. Generalized, where excessive sweating is widespread and primary, where unusual levels of sweating occur in specific areas, often the palms, soles, face, underarms, groin, or scalp.

Generalized hyperhidrosis is commonly symptomatic of other conditions, such as thyroid, or gland disorder, or the menopause. Primary hyperhidrosis is usually genetic and tends to become evident in late childhood, or adolescence.

You may be referred to, or choose to see a dermatologist for primary hyperhidrosis. They are the recognised specialists in the field, equipped to help, by providing treatment and appreciating the impact of the condition.

Personal Support & Diagnosis

Hyperhidrosis is misunderstood, considered by some to be a hygiene issue. Due to this and the way people suffering can feel about discussing their situation, there is under reporting and missed diagnosis.

The reality is that hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, with significant implications. A consultant dermatologist will understand and want to know how the condition is affecting your life, in practical, social and psychological ways.

Appreciating the negative impact and lifestyle changes you make to deal with hyperhidrosis can help identify other options to assist, alongside core treatment.

Your consultant can also assess whether there are secondary medical issues, such as bacterial overgrowth, infections, or if your skin is being damaged. A key part of creating a personal treatment plan.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Medication is available to block the effects of chemicals which activate your sweat glands, taken orally, or as a cream. This is helpful in some cases, although not for everyone and can have unwanted side effects.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are often effective. A method used to create a similar outcome, by blocking signals from the brain to the sweat glands.

Surgery can be an option but this involves cutting nerves which control sweating in the affected area and should only be considered in exceptional cases. There can be complications and the procedure is not always successful.

An established alternative is an approach called iontophoresis. This is equally safe and normally helpful on a range of areas affected by primary hyperhidrosis.

Iontophoresis Treatment

Iontophoresis involves treating affected areas of skin with a low level electric current, passed through water, or a wet pad where this is not practical.

Electrolytes can be added to the water to improve conductivity, as can anticholinergics (sweat gland blocking agents). Their use will depend on how severe your symptoms are and response to initial treatments.

In the early stages, you will need to have several sessions quite close together. Once a fair degree of improvement is seen, frequency of treatment can be gradually reduced to a maintenance level.

Iontophoresis treatment in our London clinic has proven successful for many patients. Clinical trials show an 80% to 90% efficacy rate for treating hands and feet, a little lower for other areas. You are welcome to see more on the medical use of iontophoresis.

A safe and efficient approach to a condition which has no long term cure. Controlling the unwanted issues across all areas is still beneficial, helping people lead a life they feel far better about.

All our staff understand the importance of this and the downsides hyperhidrosis can bring. If you would like to arrange to see a consultant for personal assessment and treatment, please get in touch at any time.