Excessive sweating (known as hyperhidrosis) can occur even when you are not hot, anxious, or exercising. It is usually symmetrical and can be localised to one body area eg. armpits, palms or soles of feet.
Initially it is worth trying simple measures such as wearing loose clothing, avoiding triggers and using antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride, which you can buy over the counter or have prescribed by your GP.
If this is unsuccessful you may wish to consider botox treatment, which works particularly well for armpit sweating.
BEFORE TREATMENT
Avoid antiperspirants for approximately 24 hours before treatment.
DURING TREATMENT
Treatment consists of many small injections just under the skin in the affected area. The botulinum toxin stops the nerves in the skin that control the sweat glands from working. Botulinum toxin is not licensed to treat sweating of the palms and face. This is because there is a risk that the injections may stop some of the nearby small muscles of the hands or face from working.
AFTER TREATMENT
The effects lasts approximately 4-9 months. Once effects have worn off the treatment may be repeated.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
The armpit is a sensitive area – injections here can be a bit painful, but are only short lived and tolerated by most people.
Compensatory sweating can occur in 5–10% of people treated. This is a phenomenon where the patient experiences increased sweating at another site, eg in the palms. If this does occur, the effect will wear off as the treatment effects wears off over 4-9 months.