Underarm Sweating Treatments
Hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating. This is a common problem and can occur under the arms, on the palms of the hands, on the back and face. It is likely due to altered signalling in the sympathetic nervous system pathway. In most cases it is benign and non-harmful, but it can be annoying. There are multiple treatments available ranging from antiperspirants, lotions, tablets, iontophoresis, radiofrequency and injectables. Different treatments suit different patients, so you should discuss these options with your doctor.
We offer the following treatments for Hyperhidrosis, click to expand and learn more.
-
Antimuscarinic medications which are tablets can help control sweating. These medications decrease stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and as a result decrease sweating. They are very well tolerated in most patients, but are a maintenance treatment and require ongoing therapy
-
Patients that are suffering from underarm hyperhidrosis, and have not responded to standard treatments, may be eligible for a dermatologist only procedure, involving the injection of a neurotoxin into the armpit. This is a very safe procedure and works by stopping the nerve endings in the area from stimulating the release of sweat. It is not permanent and in most patients last for around 4 months.
With a valid referral a portion of this procedure is rebatable from medicare. If you would like to book in for this, please let us know prior to the appointment.
-
This is a procedure in which an electrical current is passed through skin soaked in tap water or normal saline, allowing ionised (charged) particles to cross the normal skin barrier.
It reduces sweating by:
the ions physically blocking the sweat ducts in the stratum corneum.
the electrical current disrupting normal sympathetic nerve transmission.
decreasing the pH in the sweat gland due to an accumulation of hydrogen ions.
Patients start treatment at our practice, usually 3 times per week, and after 4 weeks notice significant improvement. At this stage they can continue maintenance treatment, or purchase a recommended device for home use. Iontophoresis works best for palmar (hand) and plantar (foot) hyperhidrosis.
-
Microneedles are able to efficiently deliver energy to the deep dermis where eccrine ducts (sweat glands) are located. By heating the tissue, it is possible to destroy the sweat glands. This gives the potential to permanently reduce sweating
RF microneedling is best suited to underarm sweating, 3-4 treatments are required to achieve sweat reduction, and occasionally an annual top up treatment is required. No referral is required for this treatment.