Don’t hide away from hyperhidrosis

You might have noticed a couple of head-turning adverts pop up on your TV screen recently marketing an intriguing new product – whole body deodorant. The likes of Sure and Lynx claim these sprays can be used “wherever you sweat” because, as we all know, it’s not just our armpits that can get sweaty. But for people who struggle with excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, are these new deodorants a solution? The answer is no. But there is a safe and effective treatment available at YourGP…

Why do we sweat?

Sweating is your body’s natural response to a rising temperature. Your nervous system triggers your sweat glands into action in order to keep your body at an optimum temperature. As the water in your sweat evaporates, the surface of your skin cools down.

Not all sprays are equal

For most people, the armpits can be kept fresh with a quick spray, either with a deodorant that contains antimicrobial agents to reduce the bacteria that cause body odour, or with an antiperspirant that contains active ingredients such as aluminium salts to temporarily block sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin’s surface. But for some people, deodorants and antiperspirants are simply not enough to stop their excessive sweating.

When the sweat response goes into overdrive

Faulty nerve signals can trigger eccrine sweat glands to become overactive, resulting in excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. It most commonly affects the hands, feet and armpits, although other areas of the body can also be affected. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, almost 5% of the world’s population is affected by this condition.

Living with hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can have a huge impact on a person’s everyday life. Not being unable to control excessive sweating, feeling embarrassed by visible sweat patches and noticeable odours, and having to resort to multiple changes of clothes throughout the day has the potential to affect confidence, mental health and wellbeing.

End the embarrassment

For anyone that suffers from hyperhidrosis, these new whole-body deodorants are sadly not the solution for you because they don’t address the faulty nerve signals responsible for the condition. However, there is an injection treatment that can help. This particular injection is most commonly used as an anti-wrinkle treatment, but it has been proven to be highly effective in treating hyperhidrosis too. It works by essentially blocking the nerve signals responsible for sweating and stopping the sweat glands from producing too much sweat. Available at YourGP, we can treat your armpits and forehead. What’s more, the results last up to a year. In fact, for some patients, results can last even longer.

Speak to an expert

If you’re worried about excessive sweating, book a consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced doctors. We have diagnosed and successfully treated countless hyperhidrosis patients, so book an appointment at YourGP via our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.