73 High Street South, Kew VIC 3101 (03) 9853 2111
Excessive Sweating

WHAT IS EXCESSIVE SWEATING?

Sweating is considered excessive when it is more than what you would expect based on the level of your activity or stress or on the surrounding temperature. Excessive sweating usually affects the underarms, palms and soles of the feet. Because of these, it can disrupt everyday activities and cause social anxiety or embarrassment.

At your first visit your condition will be assessed and any underlying medical problems will be excluded. Several treatments are available including botulinum toxin injections for underarm sweating.

Anti sweating injections are a highly effective treatment for underarm sweating. Patients with excess underarm sweating who have failed treatment antiperspirants such as Drichlor, are entitled to a Medicare rebate for botulinum toxin injections.

If you are deemed eligible for the medicare rebate by one of our accredited dermatologists, the current out of pocket fee is approx. $200 for the procedure when performed at Kew Dermatology.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

How much sweating is too much?

Sweating varies from person to person, but if it becomes bothersome, you may already consider treatment. With underarm sweating, for example, ask yourself the following questions to determine if your sweating is excessive:

  • Are you worried about lifting your arms because there are always sweat patches?
  • Do you have to wear only certain kinds of clothing to hide sweat patches, or otherwise always wear a jacket?
  • Does your sweating limit your activities or otherwise embarrass you?

What causes excessive sweating?

Other conditions or diseases can cause excessive sweating (secondary hyperhidrosis), but it mostly occurs in people who are otherwise healthy (primary hyperhidrosis) – when the nerves that trigger the sweat glands become overactive.

How is excessive sweating treated?

We will evaluate your condition at your first visit to rule out any underlying medical problem. There are several treatments available for primary hyperhidrosis including:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants (e.g., Driclor = the strongest non-prescription treatment available)
  • Oral anticholinergics
  • Iontophoresis: Ionised water is passed through the skin using electricity
  • Injections under the arms, which are highly effective for underarm sweating
  • Surgery may be recommended in some cases

How long does the injection treatment take?

An hour before your procedure, we apply numbing cream to your underarms for a painless and quick procedure, although many of our repeat patients don’t feel this is necessary. You can return to your usual activities right after the injections.

How long do the injections last?

You will start to see results in the first week, and the effect can last up to 6 months. The treatment can be repeated every 4 months as needed.

Who qualifies for the Medicare rebate?

A qualified dermatologist has to determine if you are eligible for a Medicare rebate on the procedure. Eligibility requires that the sweating is primary hyperhidrosis (i.e., not caused by any other condition), and that it is severe enough. Eligible patients can claim a rebate for a treatment up to three times per year. This makes your treatments significantly less expensive than cosmetic clinics who do not have qualified dermatologists performing the procedure. Please call our friendly staff for any enquiries about appointments and costs.