Sweating plays an important role in your wellness, allowing you to cool down and maintain a normal body temperature. When you sweat excessively, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, you perspire well beyond your body’s needs — and it fuels a range of problems, such as anxiety, embarrassment, dehydration, and skin infections.
At our offices in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and Rye, New York, Robert Schwarcz, MD, and his team offer Dysport® injections as a treatment for excessive sweating. If you’re among the 3% of the population who lives with hyperhidrosis, here’s what you need to know about it and how Dysport can help.
For normal perspiration, your nervous system prompts your sweat glands to release fluid as your body temperature increases. When you have primary hyperhidrosis, the nerve meant to trigger that release is faulty. This type can be hereditary.
When you have secondary hyperhidrosis, an underlying condition or medication you take causes excessive sweating. Conditions linked with secondary hyperhidrosis include diabetes, thyroid disease, infections, nervous system disorders, and certain kinds of cancer. Menopausal hot flashes may also spur your symptoms.
If you have secondary hyperhidrosis, managing the underlying condition may be enough to alleviate your symptoms. If a medication is to blame, for example, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternate drug.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce mild hyperhidrosis symptoms, regardless of the cause. Such changes may include wearing breathable clothing, avoiding hot temperatures, and showering more often.
For moderate to severe hyperhidrosis and mild symptoms that don’t improve through altered habits, treatment may involve a prescription antiperspirant, cream, or wipes. An antidepressant or nerve-blocking medication may help as well.
At our office, Dr. Schwarcz provides Dysport injections for good candidates. Many excessive sweaters prefer this option, as it doesn’t require much effort on your part, doesn’t cause side effects related to oral medications, and brings results that can last for 4-12 months.
Like Botox®, which also treats hyperhidrosis, Dysport contains a purified protein that can temporarily stop the secretion of a chemical your body releases to trigger your sweat glands. For excessive sweating treatment, the injections are placed just below your skin’s surface.
While many people tolerate the brief pinching sensation during the injections, you can request a topical numbing ointment or ice beforehand for added comfort. Afterward, you can go about your day as usual.
Individual results vary, but many patients notice improved hyperhidrosis symptoms within four days of the Dysport treatment and up to 87% decreased underarm sweating within two weeks.
You don’t have to live with hyperhidrosis. To learn more about Dysport for excessive sweating and get started toward relief, call the office near you or request an appointment online with Dr. Schwarcz today.
