Overview
Hyperhidrosis is sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate its temperature. It most often affects the underarms, the palms of the hands or the face. The treatment is given by injections into the skin of the affected area. The injection temporarily blocks the nerve signal that activates the sweat glands, which reduces sweating for several months.
Indications
- Excessive underarm sweating
- Excessive sweating of the palms
- Excessive sweating of the forehead
- Sweating that continues despite antiperspirants
What to expect
- 1A consultation to confirm the diagnosis and look for a medical cause of the sweating
- 2The skin is cleansed and disinfected, with numbing cream if needed, especially for the hands
- 3A grid is drawn on the area, with a point every 1 to 2 cm
- 4Superficial micro-injections at each point of the grid
- 5Sweating decreases gradually over 1 to 2 weeks
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- A neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis
- Allergy to the injected product
- A skin infection on the area to be treated
- Certain medicines, in particular aminoglycoside antibiotics
Frequently asked questions
When does it start working, and how long does it last?
Sweating decreases gradually in the days after the injection, and the full effect is reached in about 2 weeks. It usually lasts 6 months. The treatment is repeated when the sweating returns.
Do the injections hurt?
There are many injections, but they are superficial and use a very fine needle. They are more sensitive on the palms, where numbing cream is usually applied before the session.
What precautions should I take afterwards?
You can return to your usual activities straight away. For 24 to 48 hours, avoid intense exercise, saunas and strong heat. Small red marks or bruises may appear at the injection points and fade within a few days.
Who should not have this treatment?
The treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis, an allergy to the injected product, or a skin infection in the area. Some medicines are incompatible with it, so your current treatments are checked at the consultation.