Hyperhidrosis – Excessive Sweating

Is your face drenched in sweat after a short walk nearby to get a coffee? How about having a wet patch at your underarm area during an important meeting?

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a very common medical condition. It can be distressing and embarrassing for most people. Excessive sweating can potentially have serious impact on your work and social life.

Excessive sweating can be improved with treatment. However, treatment can be challenging and it may take a while to discover the best treatment for you.

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1) Topical treatment

You may have tried different brands of anti-perspirant products in the supermarket or your local pharmacy. They contain chemicals that block your sweat glands. They are not very pleasant to use and they do not work well for most people. Sometimes, they can cause irritation to the skin if used too frequently or in large amount.

Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor if you suffer from excessive sweating.

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2) Oral medication

There are oral medications for excessive sweating. They are available by prescription only. They act by blocking a chemical known as acetylcholine existing naturally in your body which contributes to sweating. Oral medications available in Singapore are Oxybutynin and Propantheline bromide.

Oxybutynin is most commonly used. Studies have shown that it successfully treated approximately 80% of people suffering from excessive sweating after 12 weeks of treatment. The effect varies from person to person.

Oral treatment is simple and flexible and most people like the fact that they are in control of their sweating condition the effect is reversible. The medication effect wears off after about 6-8 hours.

What about side effects?

Oxybutynin does have some side effects such as dry mouth and constipation but most people tolerate them very well. It is important to consult a doctor to understand the medication and potential side effects before starting.

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3) Botox treatment

Excessive sweating in armpits, palms, scalp and feet can be treated with Botox injection.  Multiple tiny injections of Botox are given around the affected areas to block off the sweat glands temporarily. The effect can last for about 4 to 6 months, after which time the treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Click here to know more about Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis

Click here to know more about Botox for lines & wrinkles treatment

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4) Surgery

This is usually the last resort if all the other treatments do not work. Surgery for excessive sweating is performed by the surgeons.

Excessive sweating can be treated. If you wish to understand more, please visit us at S Aesthetics Clinic to speak to our doctors.