HYPERHIDROSIS

Sweating is a normal function to regulate one’s body temperature. However, if one sweats too much or too often, he/she may be suffering from hyperhidrosis. Palms soles and axillae are usually the most affected body parts.

Hyperhidrosis exists in 4 forms: emotionally induced, localized, essential, and generalized. It may be idiopathic or secondary to other diseases, metabolic disorders, febrile illnesses, or medication use.

Sweat not only affects appearance by leaving sweat stain on clothes, the odour produced by microorganism decomposing sweat ingredients will also affect interpersonal relationships.  One of the most affected area during sweating is the underarm, where the number of sweat glands is most abundant.

Hyperhidrosis can be controlled by botulinum toxin injection, surgical sympathectomy, or microwave therapy.  Botulinum toxin injection has emerged as one of the important treatment options for one who is plagued with hyperhidrosis.   It will block nerve signals to the sweat glands that leads to excessive sweating over a period of time that can range from 3 to 9 months.