Excessive Sweating Approved for Rebated Treatment

 Dr Michael Rich is one of only 10 dermatologists in Australia who have been approved by the Australian Government, as one of the initial doctors accepted by Medicare to inject and train other dermatologists in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Under the NEW regulations and we quote from the Department of Human Services document, “dermatologist only under section 100 arrangement will be able to treat severe axillary hyperhidrosis in patients aged 12 or more if, after treatment with topical aluminium chloride hexahydrate, patient is intolerant to topical aluminium chloride or the patient has not responded to the treatment”.

 Dermatologists are only allowed to use and we quote again “Botulinum Toxin Type A Purified Neurotoxin Complex , lyophilised powder for intramuscular injection 100 units (Botox) (manufactured by Allergan Australia Pty Ltd)” end of quote.

For more information on this government sponsored approach call us at enRich clinic 9500 9500

Overview

All healthy people sweat; but when, where and how much varies widely. I am sure as you already know factors that cause most people to sweat include exercise (especially strenuous exercise), hot weather, nervousness, anxiety or stress.

It is perhaps the perspiration that’s triggered by emotion that is of most concern. This type of sweating most commonly presents on your face or as ‘sweaty armpits’ , palms (hands) and or the soles of your feet.

Sweat glands belong to a complex part of the autonomic nervous system, which is stimulated by the sympathetic nerve branch. This part of the nervous system is responsible for releasing perspiration (sweat) throughout the body in times of activity such as exercise or when the body is exposed to warm conditions, and is a vital mechanism for naturally cooling the body.

However, some people have over active sweat glands medically defined as Hyperhidrosis. A person suffering with Hyperhidrosis will experience uncontrolled sweating and/or blushing, which will cause them to face major challenges every day.

Often people are judged based on a first impression. A cold, wet, clammy handshake can sometimes be perceived as a sign of insecurity or uneasiness.

Excessive and uncontrollable facial sweating or blushing may make a person appear to be nervous or a bit suspicious. This can be detrimental during a job interview or important meeting.

Just plain ‘sweaty armpits‘ and or ‘sweaty hands‘ can be enough to cause both embarrassment and difficulty in functioning in a normal, daily lifestyle.

Ultimately, some people find this condition can hinder both their social or relationship status, or their career path.

So how can we help?

Treatment Options

For some people who sweat excessively, the answer may be simple:

Antiperspirant Deodorants can be used on the hands and feet as well as the underarms. Antiperspirants block your sweat ducts with aluminium salts, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin. The downside is antiperspirants can cause irritation or even contact dermatitis (red, swollen, itchy skin). In fact, antiperspirants are the cosmetic product most associated with skin irritation.

Deodorants , which can eliminate odour but not perspiration, turn your skin acidic, which makes it less attractive to bacteria. Although you may have heard stories linking antiperspirants and breast cancer, there’s no evidence of such a link Deodorants, especially herbal or crystal, may be less irritating for most people.

Prescription Antiperspirant may be suggested by your doctor if the above products are not strong enough.

For more severe problems with sweating there are a number of other options available. However, it is important to realise that any of these procedures can result in increased sweating elsewhere on the body.

Iontophoresis is a procedure using a battery-powered device to deliver a low current of electricity to the affected area. Although Iontophoresis is painless and quite safe, it may be no more effective than a topical antiperspirant.

Liposuction – can be used for a variety of concerns. Not commonly known is its use for excessive sweating, “sweaty armpits’. Through tiny holes liposuction can remove sweat glands, although this cannot be guaranteed in many cases there is a dramatic and long term affect of reduced perspiring in this area.

Muscle relaxant injection, is by far the simplest and most reliable treatment available for most people. Using the same treatment that helps smooth facial wrinkles, the muscle relaxant is also an effective way to treat severe Hyperhidrosis as it reduces the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Although it is not a cure and requires repeat treatments usually every six to nine months, it has an extremely high success rate.

Surgery may be an option in rare cases. If excessive sweating occurs just in your armpits, removing the sweat glands may help. This is achieved through excision of the area or by liposuction.

Thoracic Sympathectomy is another surgical procedure, which involves cutting the nerves that carry the messages from the sympathetic nerves to the sweat glands.

The Procedure

The Muscle relaxant procedure begins with a quick, simple painless test which defines the target areas of greater sweat production. Ice is applied to the skin for patient comfort prior to the affected areas being treated. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes to perform. Patients generally experience very little discomfort.

Recovery Process

Within two weeks the sweating should significantly reduce, often with no sweating at all. Most patients report the results last for six months to one year depending on the amount of Muscle relaxant used.

Considerations

In a very small number of patients, the injections do not work as satisfactorily, or for as long a period as expected. In some cases compensatory sweating may occur in other body areas.

Risks and Complications

Bruising and numbness may occur temporarily to the site treated. Occasionally, when treating the palms of the hands, transient mild muscle weakness in the hand may occur. This always resolves after a few weeks.

FAQs

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis, in simple terms, can be defined as excessive sweating due to over active sweat glands. This shows as ‘sweaty armpits’ or ‘sweaty hands’.

Why use uscle relaxant?

For many years muscle relaxant has been used to relieve spasms, facial tics and, in giving cerebral palsy suffers the freedom of greater movement of their limbs.muscle relaxants have also become widely used in the cosmetic medicine field to soften or eliminate facial lines and wrinkles, and is now a used in the treatment of Hyperhidrosis.

What areas have the best success?

The armpits are generally the most successful area treated with Muscle relaxant injections followed by the hands.