Sweating is a normal function of human skin but excessive sweating can be extremely debilitating. The armpits are most frequently affected, with palms and soles of feet being next in line. Other areas of the body may also sweat excessively. Sufferers of hyperhidrosis often go to a great extent to conceal their condition, with multiple changes of clothing, avoiding white shirts, frequent showers, trying multiple anti-perspirants, and having much higher laundry and dry cleaning bills.
The most common self-prescribed treatment is an anti-perspirant, which should ideally be used twice a day, for maximal efficacy. The most effective over-the-counter product is called Driclor, which contains 20% aluminum chloride, and is for overnight use only. Prescribed anti-cholinergics produce variable results, and is often associated with side effects such as drowsiness and blurred vision.
Iontophoresis has proven effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet with limited use for the armpits. Iontophoresis is defined as the topical introduction of ionised drugs into the skin using direct current. The way iontophoresis stops excessive sweating is unknown. It is speculated the treatment causes the sweat duct to be blocked by formation of a thick plug.
Surgical options for treating excessive underarm sweating include liposuction. An older operation called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, which surgically disrupts the nerves causing sweating, has fallen out of popularity, due to the risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis of untreated areas, eg. face or chest.
The most popular treatment today for underarm hyperhidrosis uses anti-wrinkle injections, which is commonly used for treating wrinkles of the face, but can also decrease sweat production to more normal levels in the underarms. Usually a vial of 100 units of anti-wrinkle injections is required. There is no downtime, and results last 6-8 months.
As Sweat Reducing Injections is approved to treat the medical condition Hyperhidrosis (excess underarm sweating), a pharmaceutical benefit maybe claimable through some private health insurance extras cover, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. If you have extras cover, please contact your individual health fund to discuss your eligibility.
Cost: $950 – $1050 for 100 units of Anti-Wrinkle Injection.