Excessive sweating

Sweating is an essential process for the functioning of the body and everyone sweats to different degrees . In normal times, that is to say without intense physical activity or exposure to high temperatures, the body produces about 0.5 liters of sweat per day. Hyperhidrosis is defined by profuse sweating , which follows increased production of sweat by the sweat glands .

This situation can really be experienced as a daily handicap for some people. It can also promote certain dermatological lesions.

Primary hyperhidrosis is localized and usually affects the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or the armpits . This form is usually bilateral.

Much more rarely, the whole body can suffer from excessive sweating and it is then necessary to look for an underlying condition (metabolic, endocrinological, etc.).

Axillary hyperhidrosis

In the armpits, excessive perspiration is often responsible for bad body odor , linked to bacteria present on the surface of the skin. The sweat halos are the cause of social embarrassment that can go as far as withdrawal and isolation. For reasons of hygiene, this situation often makes it necessary to take several showers a day as well as to change clothes frequently.

Hyperhidrosis of the hands

Excessive sweating in the palms of the hands can quickly make everyday life difficult. Actions such as holding the steering wheel, shaking hands or using tools become tricky. When significant, palmar hyperhidrosis is difficult to live with. Always sweaty hands hinder the possibility of various professions (musicians, hairdressers, commercial etc).

Excessive foot sweating

If hyperhidrosis affects the soles of the feet, wearing shoes and walking can become difficult.

In addition, feet that sweat a lot promote the development of nail and skin fungus , as well as warts .

Overactive sweat glands can have different causes:

• Factors such as stress and intense emotions tend to stimulate the mechanisms responsible for sweating. It is also a real vicious circle, since the fear of sweating will result in an increase in sweating.
• Dietary habits that involve the consumption of caffeine, alcohol or spicy food will also promote increased sweating.
• Exposure to high heat and intense physical exercise promote perspiration.
• Hormonal variations during puberty, pregnancy or menopause are responsible for a disturbance in perspiration.
• Certain medications such as antidepressants , certain diseases such as hyperthyroidism or Parkinson’s disease can be associated with hyperhidrosis.
• Being overweight can explain excessive sweating.

Today, Botox injection is the most effective solution for alleviating hyperhidrosis , regardless of the area concerned: it has been used for more than 10 years in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and significantly improves the quality of life .

Furthermore, botulinum toxin is used in dermatology to reduce expression lines on the face, but also in neurology and digestive medicine. It is a safe and reliable treatment.

In the context of excessive sweating, the injection of botulinum toxin has replaced endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, a classic surgical procedure for this type of problem. BotoxⓇ is a non-invasive treatment that works by temporarily blocking the transmission of nerve signals to the sweat glands, responsible for sweat production. Results are temporary and require maintenance sessions, usually every 4-8 months.

When local antiperspirant treatments based on aluminum salts have been ineffective, botulinum toxin then represents the alternative of choice.

At Skin Marceau, a team of dermatologists treats hyperhidrosis of the armpits and hands with botulinum toxin .

The results of Botox injection to treat hyperhidrosis are visible within the first few days (about 5 to 6 days) after the injection. Perspiration gradually decreases. However, it is important to note that the effects are not permanent, and that new injections will have to be made every 4 to 8 months, depending on the case. It is a very well tolerated and very effective treatment: 80 to 90% of sweating decreases.