At Central CosMedic, Dr Danielle Waxman offers assessment and treatment for excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, for patients across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay.
Sweating more than you need to can affect your confidence, your clothing choices and everyday tasks like shaking hands. Excessive sweating is a recognised medical condition that affects many people in New Zealand, and there are effective ways to manage it. This page explains the causes, how treatment works and what to expect.
Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down. With hyperhidrosis, the nerves that control the sweat glands are overactive, so you sweat much more than your body needs, often regardless of temperature or activity.
This is the most common type. It has no underlying medical cause and often runs in families. It usually affects specific areas, such as the underarms, hands or feet, and often starts in childhood or the teenage years.
This is sweating caused by another medical condition or medication. It is important to identify and address any underlying cause, which is one reason a proper medical assessment comes first. If your sweating is due to a medical condition, it is worth checking with your health insurer whether treatment is covered.
Hyperhidrosis treatment involves a series of small injections of a prescription medicine just under the skin of the affected area. It works by blocking the chemical signal from the nerves that tells the sweat glands to activate, which reduces the amount of sweat produced in that area.
Because it is a prescription medicine, treatment is only available after a consultation with a doctor. Other options, such as prescription-strength antiperspirants, may be suggested first depending on your situation.
Treatment is only offered after a consultation, and only when it is a sensible option for you.
Dr Waxman takes a full health history, including any medications you take, and asks about when and where you sweat and how it affects your day-to-day life.
She considers whether there could be an underlying cause that should be looked at first, and whether injections or another treatment would suit you best.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the costs, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, you agree on a plan together, including when to review the result and when repeat treatment is likely to be needed.
Treatment of the underarms usually takes around 30 minutes. A number of very small injections are given across the treatment area using a fine needle. The hands and feet are more sensitive, and Dr Waxman will talk to you about ways to keep you comfortable. Most people return to their usual activities straight away.
Most people start to notice less sweating within 3 to 12 days, with the full effect around 7 to 10 days after treatment. The effect wears off gradually, usually over 6 to 12 months, and treatment can then be repeated.
Common side effects include tenderness, redness and minor bruising where the injections were given. Some people notice more sweating in other areas of the body. When the hands are treated, temporary weakness in the hand muscles can occasionally occur.
This treatment is not suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain nerve or muscle conditions. Your health history is reviewed before anything is recommended, and Dr Waxman will talk through the risks and potential benefits so you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns after treatment, contact the clinic.
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz. Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
