Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Treatment
Medically assessed, with treatment options discussed at consultation.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can affect the underarms, hands, feet and face, and can interfere with daily life. At PCMC we assess excessive sweating and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate.
Underarm Botox® – $900 (both underarms)
Includes consultation and treatment.
BOTOX® is registered in New Zealand for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the underarms. Treatment temporarily reduces the nerve signalling that activates the sweat glands in the treated area, which in turn reduces sweat production.
Many PCMC patients experience a reduction in excessive sweating for around six to nine months, although the effect can be shorter or longer. Results vary.
Pricing for other areas, such as the palms or forehead, is determined during consultation.
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
Sweat glands are part of the body's normal temperature-control system. Sweating can be triggered by things such as:
• heat
• exercise
• fever
• spicy food
• anxiety or stress
With primary hyperhidrosis, sweating can also happen without an obvious trigger.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is different. It can be related to another medical condition or, in some cases, medication. That is why a consultation looks at whether there could be another reason for the sweating.
Treatment Options Available
The appropriate approach depends on where you sweat, how severe it is, how it affects you and whether there could be an underlying cause.
BOTOX® TREATMENT
• Temporarily reduces the nerve signalling that activates the sweat glands in the treated area
• A series of small, shallow injections across the underarm skin
• The appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes
ANTIPERSPIRANTS
• Stronger or clinical-strength aluminium-based antiperspirants
• Often one of the first things people try for excessive underarm sweating
TOPICAL OR ORAL MEDICATIONS
• Selected options, discussed at consultation
IONTOPHORESIS
• Commonly used for excessive sweating of the hands and feet
When to seek medical advice
Sweating can sometimes be a sign of something else. Seek medical advice if your sweating:
• has started suddenly or changed significantly
• affects much more of your body than one localised area
• regularly occurs during sleep
• is noticeably different on one side of your body
• began after starting or changing medication
• occurs with other unexplained symptoms
What to Expect
The first step is a consultation. We will talk about how much you are sweating, when it happens, how it affects you, your medical history and whether there could be another reason for the sweating.
Before treatment we may use a starch iodine test, also known as the Minor test, to identify exactly where excessive sweating is occurring, which helps your clinician map the area to be treated.
Treatment involves a series of small injections into the underarm area. Topical anaesthetic can be applied for comfort, the appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes, and normal activities can usually be resumed afterwards.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects include temporary tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising around the injection sites, and temporary muscle weakness around the treated area.
Your clinician discusses the risks as well as the benefits, and gives individual aftercare advice.
Pricing and Consultation
Underarm Botox® is $900 for both underarms, including consultation and treatment.
For other areas, such as the palms or forehead, pricing is determined during a consultation to assess your needs.
Results vary. Suitability is assessed during consultation. T&Cs apply.
You don't necessarily have to just live with it
If excessive sweating is affecting what you wear, how you work or how comfortable you feel day to day, talk to the PCMC team about whether treatment may be appropriate for you.
Botox®, Prescription Medicine
Mandatory medicine information
For the treatment of forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet round the eyes. Also for the treatment of migraine headaches, platysma muscle prominence and underarm hyperhidrosis.
Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you.
Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units.
For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz
Allergan, Auckland.