What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating far beyond what the body needs to do normally to control our body temperature. This results in moisture laying on the surface of the skin instead of evaporating like it normally would. For people with hyperhidrosis this causes them problems with needing to wash more frequently and change wet clothes sometimes several times a day. It can occur on any part of your body but most often is found under your arms, on the palms of hands, soles of feet, forehead and upper lip and trunk of the body. Some sufferers from hyperhidrosis may have other family members who have a similar condition suggesting a possible genetic link.

Why do we sweat?
Everyone sweats to some extent. This is to help the body to control its temperature and hydrate the skin. It is tightly controlled so that just enough moisture is released which will then evaporate from the surface of the skin. This action helps to keep us cool. We sweat more when exercising and this can result in our bodies becoming damp because the moisture cannot evaporate fast enough.

What causes me to sweat too much?
For most people the answer would be exercise, some foods especially spicy foods, types of clothes and possibly stress. For those suffering from hyperhidrosis there may be no apparent trigger to their increased sweating. Your GP will eliminate other possible causes.

Is it affected by hot temperatures?
Not necessarily, someone with hyperhidrosis is just as likely to sweat too much when it is cold as when it is hot.

Is it affected by stress?
It is not thought to be caused by stress but most sufferers do find the condition distressing and this may worsen their condition.

Why does it only affect one part of my body?
This is unknown. Research does not show any changes to the structure of the sweat glands in the affected areas or how they respond to signals from the body. It is thought it may be a dysfunction of the hypothalamus (part of the brain) which is responsible for controlling sweat production.

How can I control my sweating?

• Choose clothing that will keep you cool. Natural fibres like cotton are cool but they absorb sweat and can stay damp once they get wet; some synthetic fibres are warm but they draw sweat away from the body and feel dry. You may find it more comfortable to have a change of clothing available during the day.
• If your feet are the problem try using absorbent insoles and leaving shoes to dry out rather than wearing the same pair on consecutive days.
• Keep your work environment cool and well ventilated.
• Avoid the food and drinks that seem to trigger your sweating. These are different for everyone and you will probably know what causes problems for you.
• Stress, tension and anxiety are common for everyone, although people with hyperhidrosis have extra difficulties coping with sweating. Think about how you can reduce stress during the day, plan your activities carefully and try to make time to relax.
• Depending on the areas that you are suffering with, you may find some actions/treatments more effective than others.

Are antiperspirants effective?
There are some stronger antiperspirants e.g. Driclor® and AnHydrol Forte® available from your pharmacist and GP if necessary. They can be quite effective for some people, however others may find they irritate their skin after using them for a while. If this happens you should consult your GP.

Where can I get help from?
If you have not yet tried stronger antiperspirants (strong solutions of aluminium chloride), your local pharmacist may be able to help. If you have already tried stronger products you should consult your GP who has a number of other treatment options available to them.

Can hypnosis help me?
Yes, hypnosis can help in two ways. It is the most effective of all treatments for facial sweating and blushing. Also for anybody who is affected by sweating under stressful situations hypnosis can cure this. Anybody can be hypnotised, if they are willing, and there are no possible side effects.

What is Iontophoresis?
This is the delivery of ions to the skin via a mild electrical current, using ordinary tap water as the medium. Our skin’s natural electrical charge is negative, and changing that to positive blocks the sweat glands via an unknown mechanism. It has been used for decades, and is totally safe. It is avoided in pregnancy, or if a person has any metal implants.

How is Iontophoresis used?
It is used for hand or foot sweating. The hands (or feet) are immersed in a shallow container of water with a tiny electrical current. These specialised electronic devices were only accessible in hospitals, but are now available for home use.

How can I get an Iontophoresis device?
You can purchase one from us, details here.
Alternatively you can buy direct from the manufacturer, details here.
You can buy the British version directly, details here.

Can I claim any of these costs back?
If a doctor recommends the device, the cost should be claimable as a tax expense using the MED 1 claim form. You can get this form here.

Does Botulinum Toxin work for sweating?
Botulinum Toxin, more correctly known as Botulinum Toxin, is the most effective of all treatments for axillary (armpit) sweating. It can be used for hand sweating, but it is very painful to use there, and could possibly affect the muscles of the hand. It works for groin sweating, but again is painful in that area.

Does Botulinum Toxin hurt when injected?
Only minimally. Because the skin of the armpit is thin, Botulinum Toxin injections there are barely felt. The needles used are extremely fine, and they themselves are not felt. The Botulinum Toxin itself stings a little.

How long does Botulinum Toxin work?
This varies from person to person, but the effect of Botulinum Toxin will last from six to nine months, and will then need to be repeated. Subsequent injections often last longer.

Does Botulinum Toxin stop all the armpit sweating?
No, not all of it, usually about 80%. This four-fold decrease means that hyperhidrosis sufferers, after Botulinum Toxin, sweat far less than the average person.

Is Botulinum Toxin safe?
In the armpit, yes. There are no muscles there that it could affect. In other areas, for example the hands or face, it could temporarily weaken the muscles if injected into the wrong place.

Is Botulinum Toxin not expensive?
No, not when you consider the cost of frequent changes of clothing, deoderants etc. The cost of embarrassment and social phobia is also high. For therapeutic use, the cost of Botulinum Toxin treatment is claimable against tax with the government MED1 scheme. So if you pay 40% tax you get that amount refunded. You can download this here.

I feel that I am the only one with this problem. Is there anywhere on the internet I could discuss it with others ?
Yes, irishhealth.ie has a relevant discussion group. You can access it here