People who are prone to sweating quickly or profusely often find it pleasant when the warm summer temperatures say goodbye and winter gradually arrives. However, cool temperatures do not always protect against sweating. In some men and women, the sweat glands are overactive, causing them to sweat regardless of external influences or physical exertion. This disorder of the sweat glands is known as hyperhidrosis. In addition, the wrong clothing or overheated rooms can also cause us to sweat in cool temperatures (even without hyperhidrosis) – and ultimately even start to freeze due to the heat build-up. The following news article provides tips and treatments to get a grip on sweating in winter!
When is sweating “no longer normal”?
Sweating is an important task of our body. Sweat serves to regulate temperature and also transports metabolic waste products and toxins to the outside. However, sweating can also take on pathological proportions due to certain disorders. There are different forms of this:
However, not all heavy sweating is immediately hyperhidrosis. The amount of sweating varies from person to person. Hyperhidrosis occurs when perspiration is much stronger than is necessary for the body’s heat regulation. In addition, sweating in the case of hyperhidrosis occurs regardless of triggering factors such as hot temperatures or physical exertion.
It is not always easy to distinguish between normal and abnormal sweating. A doctor should be consulted if this is suspected. The doctor can use special tests to determine whether hyperhidrosis is present and initiate appropriate treatment.
Treating hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin
One way to reduce excessive sweating is treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox®) . The active ingredient inhibits the transmission of stimuli to the sweat glands, thereby reducing their overactivity. As a result, less sweat is released through the skin. The effect lasts for several months until the botulinum toxin is broken down by the body. For lasting results, it is therefore necessary to repeat the treatment at regular intervals (approx. every 6 to 12 months).
What exactly happens during the treatment?
The Botox® treatment is quite uncomplicated and is carried out on an outpatient basis in the practice. It usually takes no longer than 30 minutes in total. The active ingredient is injected directly into the treatment area using a thin cannula. A special anesthetic cream can be applied to the treatment area for additional anesthesia, or the area can be made less sensitive to pain with a local anesthetic injection. After the injection, the botulinum toxin gradually unfolds its effect. In the case of hyperhidrosis, it can take up to four weeks for the result to be fully achieved.
Complications or risks are not normally to be expected. The injection sites may be temporarily swollen or reddened. Mild itching is also possible. Experience has shown that the symptoms subside after a few days. The decongestion process can also be supported by careful cooling.
Important: pay attention to the experience and qualifications of the practitioner!
To ensure that the Botox® treatment is safe and to the patient’s satisfaction, the qualification of the practitioner is of great importance. Injection therapies such as Botox® or fillers have become mainstream and are marketed as so-called lunchtime treatments – i.e. treatments that can be carried out quickly and without a great deal of effort. This often neglects the fact that patient satisfaction and safety can only be guaranteed if the practitioner has the right knowledge and experience. The therapies are often also offered by laypersons and alternative practitioners who have no qualifications for the treatment and therefore increase the risks – even more clearly: alternative practitioners are prohibited by law from using Botox®!
Patients should therefore always check who they trust to rule out avoidable complications and risks. For example, the DGBT (German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum and Filler Therapy), for example, offers a doctor search of proven experts in the field. Dr. Kors is also a member of the DGBT and has been performing injection treatments for more than 20 years. If you have any questions about Botox®, fillers or hyperhidrosis, please contact our practice for a personal consultation. and let us advise you personally !
