Hyperhidrosis is the name given to excessive sweating. It can affect any area of the body but is most common around the armpits, forehead and palms of the hands.
Hyperhidrosis can be a very embarrassing problem, with up to 3% of adults suffering in the UK. Excessive sweating is not only visible on clothes but can also cause an intense and unpleasant body odour.
Tiny amounts of Botulinum are injected through an ultra-thin needle into the areas affected and work by blocking the effects of the nerves that cause hyperactivity of the sweat glands. You can generally expect the effect to last for 6-12 months, though the actual period will vary from person to person.
You will be asked to shave your armpits the day before. The consultation will take about 60 minutes, during which Dr Blatchley will map out the areas of sweating with a special test.
To prepare for the appointment you will need to:-
- Shave your armpits
- Wear a loose singlet style t-shirt to allow full access to you armpits
- DO NOT use antiperspirants for 24 hours and certainly not on the day as this will interfere with the test to map the sweat areas. Since the sweat test uses iodine you should wear a cotton vest/singlet so that it can be washed later.
- Inform the doctor if you are allergic to Iodine
