In hot temperatures, during strenuous exercise or before an important appointment, heavy sweating is not unusual. For people who suffer from so-called hyperhidrosis, however, excessive sweating also occurs without any obvious external influence. The treatment of hyperhidrosis in Berlin includes various methods that we adapt to our patients individually. The primary aim of the respective therapy is to reduce the sweating attacks with the gentlest possible measures and thus enable those affected to feel more comfortable and safe in everyday life. The constant worry about the next excessive outbreak of sweating is a major source of suffering for many people.
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What causes excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?
There are various reasons for this, as there are different forms of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is severe sweating due to an unknown cause. The sweat glands produce sweat more frequently than would be necessary in view of the body’s natural processes. The exact reasons for this have not yet been conclusively clarified. However, doctors assume that the sympathetic nervous system sends out an increased amount of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which overactivates the sweat glands. Hyperhidrosis is usually caused by a familial predisposition.
In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis is more of a symptom than a disease in its own right. This is because an underlying illness (e.g. hyperthyroidism or an infectious disease with fever), an unhealthy lifestyle or changes in lifestyle (e.g. obesity, stress, pregnancy) lead to excessive sweating. In addition, the use of certain medications or agents can also cause secondary hyperhidrosis.
Frequently affected areas of the body
A distinction must also be made between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis when it comes to the areas of the body affected. The latter usually occurs all over the body. In contrast, primary hyperhidrosis is usually concentrated in one area. Theoretically, this can be any part of the body, but it is usually the armpit area where the heavy sweating occurs. Other typical areas for heavy sweating are the palms of the hands, the feet, the forehead and the head.
What triggers the relapses?
While in a healthy state, stronger influences such as hot temperatures or strenuous exercise are often necessary to make a person sweat profusely, even small stimuli are sufficient for hyperhidrosis. For example, slightly warmer temperatures or meeting other people can be enough to overactivate the sweat glands. Even the fear of the next sweat attack alone can lead to increased perspiration. However, not only negative emotions but also positive thoughts are possible triggers. It is often not even necessary to have recognizable triggers to cause an episode of hyperhidrosis.
Measures for the treatment of hyperhidrosis
In order to determine the appropriate hyperhidrosis treatment, a personal consultation prior to therapy is extremely important. First of all, any illnesses that can trigger hyperhidrosis should be investigated so that the treatment can be targeted at the respective cause.
In the case of primary hyperhidrosis, treatment usually initially involves special antiperspirants and creams that are applied to the affected areas. They constrict the sweat glands so that only a small amount of sweat can penetrate to the surface of the skin. This is intended to reduce hyperhidrosis. They also serve as a skin care product. Relaxation exercises can also be integrated into hyperhidrosis therapy. If those affected identify certain triggers (e.g. nervousness), behavioral and breathing exercises in the relevant situations can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of the sweats.
How can Botox® help with hyperhidrosis?
If the aforementioned approaches do not produce the desired results, it is possible to treat hyperhidrosis using botulinum toxin (Botox®). The active ingredient botulinum toxin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As a result, the sweat glands are no longer overactivated and therefore produce less sweat. Using a fine cannula, the Botox® is injected into the corresponding area, where it gradually develops its effect. In contrast to surgical measures that remove the sweat glands, hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox® does not achieve a permanent result. The botulinum toxin is broken down again by the body, so that after a few months the heavy sweating can reappear. However, injecting Botox® is a low-risk and low-pain procedure that can be repeated as soon as the hyperhidrosis reappears.
Further information on hyperhidrosis treatment: Your personal consultation appointment
If you suffer from heavy sweating and suspect hyperhidrosis, we at Dr. Kors’ practice will be happy to inform you about the respective treatment options. The treatment of hyperhidrosis in Berlin is individually tailored to you. As personal and honest advice and information are very important to us, we take enough time to inform you about all the details in a discreet consultation. One appointment with our practice team at any time.
