A closer look into the definition of Hyperhidrosis and what can be done to treat it.
Hyperhidrosis is the term used for the medical condition of excessive sweating that is triggered by causes such as anxiety, rather than by normal homeostasis or body temperature control. It is typically an unpredictable and excessive amount of sweat, to the degree that it interferes with normal day to day functioning. It mainly occurs on the face, underarms, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.
This condition is often debilitating to people suffering from it, as it can cause embarrassment and social anxiety. The good news is that it can easily be treated. Both men and women seek treatment for hyperhidrosis, and treatment at LiveYoung is quick and relatively painless.
A Closer Look Into Hyperhidrosis:
Hyperhidrosis is most commonly caused by overactive sweat glands. As such, it usually is confined to one localized or targeted area (where the sweat glands appear to be working overtime).
The Canadian Dermatology Association reports that hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3% of the Canadian population. That means that approximately 950,000 Canadians suffer from this condition. Of those, 300,000 have a severe form of the condition.
Hyperhidrosis can have an effect on an individual’s daily activities. Excessive, uncontrollable sweating can negatively impact one’s productivity, confidence, social comfort, and overall emotional well-being. Studies have shown that this condition may affect a person’s quality of life in a similar way to those who suffer from severe acne or psoriasis.
How Can It Be Treated?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can be treated under the direction of a physician in several ways. These include topical treatments, surgical removal of sweat glands, or less invasively with the use of BOTOX® Therapeutic. Dr. Maureen Sweeney has been treating patients safely and effectively with BOTOX® Therapeutic since 2003 for a variety of different conditions, including hyperhidrosis.
In the same sense that treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic blocks nerve signals to reduce pain associated with migraine headaches, TMJ, and other conditions, it is also able to interfere with abnormal sweat production by blocking the release of sweat by the sweat glands. Injecting BOTOX® into targeted areas essentially disables the brain’s ability to tell the body to produce sweat.
The effects of treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic for excessive sweating provide relief for, on average, three to six months.
BOTOX® Therapeutic is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis. Most extended health plans cover a portion of the treatment costs for BOTOX® Therapeutic.
What to Expect on Treatment Day:
Treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic involves a series of injections spaced about 0.5 – 1 cm apart, distributed evenly along the treatment area. Treatment is relatively painless, with most patients reporting discomfort ranging from about 1-2 out of 10. Your appointment time will be approximately half an hour.
There is no downtime associated with treatment. Very slight swelling at the injection sites may be observable in some patients, which generally resolves within an hour. Superficial bruising may also occur. Treatment begins to take effect within a few days, with full effect realized at two weeks post-treatment. Patients typically enjoy results of treatment for up to six months and plan for treatment two to three times per year.
If you suffer from Hyperhidrosis and are in or around the Southern Vancouver Island region, contact us today to book your complimentary consultation and see if BOTOX® Therapeutic is right for you. Relax, knowing you can be sweat-free in time for summer!
Contact us to make your appointment today.
