It’s summer time and here in San Diego, we’ve experienced a lot of heat and humidity. While many of us are bothered by the heat and complain about sweating, some people  experience increased sweating, or Hyperhidrosis, all year round. Sweating cools the body which prevents us from overheating. People with hyperhidrosis still sweat even when the body doesn’t need cooling due to overactive sweat glands.

It’s estimated that about to 2 to 3% of the population suffer from this often embarrassing condition.

In Primary Hyperhidrosis, the areas most commonly affected are underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. People with this condition sweat so much that at times they can’t open a door knob and they stain their shirts no matter how much antiperspirant they wear. Because the skin is wet, skin infections can develop. Profuse sweating also contributes to social anxiety and can affect both children and adults. (Secondary Hyperhidrosis, which also occurs when you are asleep, may be the result of certain diseases, foods or medication. It’s important to discuss treatment options with your primary care physician).

Luckily, there are easy and readily available treatments for Primary Hyperhidrosis. Your physician may discuss a few possible solutions, such as Drysol (aluminum Chloride), iontophoresis, and Botox^®. Drysol solution is the least invasive treatment, requiring application to the affected areas a few times a day. Iontophoresis is a treatment done at home where the hands and feet are immersed in tap water and an electrical current is delivered by way of a medical device. It takes about 40 minutes done 2 – 3 times a week. After a few weeks, people may only need occasional treatments. This regiment, however, treats only the hands and feet.

Botox^®, onabotulinumtoxin A, is another treatment that’s very effective for underarm sweating. Botox^® is injected with a very small needle into the axilla or armpit. This treatment can last from 4 to 8 months or longer and favorable results can be experienced in as little as a week. There have been several randomized controlled trials showing that Botox^® is a safe and effective treatment for Hyperhidrosis.

At Metro Aesthetics and Wellness, we’re happy to offer this Botox^® treatment. Please contact us online or give us a call at 619.481.4651 for an appointment. We’ll give you the help and support you need.