EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS)
Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, is far more than just a cosmetic problem. Many sufferers experience visible sweat stains, clammy hands, or unpleasant odor, which can lead to insecurity, social withdrawal, and professional limitations.
The good news: Today, highly effective and sustainable treatments are available that can significantly reduce sweating and massively improve the quality of life.
Table of Contents
- What is hyperhidrosis?
- Causes & Forms
- Symptoms & affected body regions
- Diagnostics at the dermatologist
- Treatment options
- Botox therapy
- Other modern methods
- Everyday tips & sweat management
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis means that the body produces more sweat than is needed for temperature regulation.
Sweating can:
- occur in a localized manner (e.g., armpits, hands, feet)
- or affect the whole body
Sweating occurs independently of physical activity or temperature and can happen even at rest or with minor triggers.
2. Causes & Forms
2. Causes & Forms
Primary hyperhidrosis
- most frequently
- It often begins in adolescence.
- Cause: Overactive sweat glands, family history
Secondary hyperhidrosis
- Consequence of other diseases (e.g. thyroid, infections)
- Medication side effects
- hormonal changes
Before any therapy, it must be ruled out that a secondary cause is present.
3. Symptoms & affected body regions
3. Symptoms & affected body regions
Hyperhidrosis typically manifests itself in:
- Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis) → wet clothes, odor
- Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) → problems with writing, holding, greeting
- Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) → damp shoes, odor, fungal infections
- Face / Scalp → Feelings of shame, quickly visible blemishes
Symptoms can significantly impair quality of life, even though hyperhidrosis is medically harmless.
4. Diagnostics at the dermatologist
4. Diagnostics at the dermatologist
The diagnosis is made by:
- Medical history: triggers, frequency, severity
- clinical examination
- Exclusion of secondary causes through blood tests
- If necessary, an iodine-starch test to determine the sweating areas.
5. Treatment options
5. Treatment options
Depending on the severity, different forms of therapy are available:
Local treatments
- Aluminum salts (medical antiperspirants)
- Creams & solutions for sweat regulation
Systemic therapy
Tablets that reduce sweat production (in severe cases).
Botox injections
Gold standard for underarms, hands, forehead.
Iontophoresis
Electrical conduction currents to reduce sweat gland activity (especially hands/feet).
Surgical methods
Only in very severe cases (e.g., sweat gland removal).
6. Botox therapy for excessive sweating
6. Botox therapy for excessive sweating
The injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) is one of the most effective, fastest and best tolerated methods.
This is how Botox works:
- specifically blocks the transmission of nerve impulses
- Sweat glands are "calmed"
- Effect: 4–9 months, depending on the body region
Advantages:
- Immediate effect after a few days
- very high success rate
- minimally invasive, fast treatment
- no downtime
Applications:
- armpits
- hands
- feet
- Forehead / Scalp
INFOBOX:
Botox is extremely safe and the most effective non-invasive method to reduce underarm sweating in the long term.
7. Other modern methods
7. Other modern methods
Iontophoresis
- especially effective on hands and feet
- Sweat gland activity is reduced.
- ideal for long-term therapy
Surgical removal of sweat glands
- only in very severe cases
- rarely needed today
8. Everyday tips & sweat management
8. Everyday tips & sweat management
✔ breathable clothing
✔ Cotton instead of synthetic fabrics
✔ Regular change of clothes
✔ Apply antiperspirant in the evening (works better)
✔ Air out shoes daily & change socks
✔ Stress management (can trigger sweating)
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?
No, but it's very stressful.
Does Botox really help?
Yes, most patients experience a reduction in sweating of 80–95%.
How quickly does the treatment take effect?
After 2–7 days.
Is Botox treatment painful?
Very mild in the underarm area; hands/feet may be slightly more sensitive, but easily treatable with numbing cream.
How often do I need to repeat the treatment?
About 1-2 times per year.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Excessive sweating can be very restrictive in everyday life, but today it is highly treatable. With Botox, iontophoresis, and modern therapies, safe and effective solutions are available that allow those affected to lead a dry, confident, and carefree life again.