What are the benefits of Botulinum Toxin treatment for Palmar Hyperhidrosis?

Palmar hyperhidrosis is an incredibly distressing and disruptive condition which causes excessive sweating on the palms of the hands.

Sticky, clammy hands and slippery fingers are common consequences of palmar hyperhidrosis – and although it is not categorised as a serious illness, it can have a significant impact on daily life, from affecting your ability to work to causing social embarrassment and anxiety.

Fortunately, contemporary treatments using botulinum toxin can help to dramatically reduce excessive sweating and restore quality of life and wellbeing.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for a condition which causes excessive sweating in one or more areas of the body – most commonly affecting the underarms and hands. Symptoms can be mild or severe and intensity varies – some sufferers say that they find the condition worsens in response to triggers such as alcohol or spicy foods.

There isn’t a specific set of criteria for diagnosis of hyperhidrosis – as what is normal or excessive looks different for everyone. But there are a few signs and symptoms which can indicate that hyperhidrosis is an issue for you, including:

• Avoiding physical contact such as hugging and shaking hands because you feel self-conscious
• Avoiding participating in certain physical activities or wearing certain items of clothing because you fear it will make the sweating worse
• Sweating that interferes with your job or daily activities, such as driving, using a computer keyboard, phone or machinery
• Spending a significant amount of time cleaning and tending to affected areas
• Feeling anxious, depressed and socially withdrawn as a result of excessive sweating

Managing and concealing hyperhidrosis can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. Often it is the emotional and social impact of dealing with hyperhidrosis which has the most negative affect on wellbeing and quality of life.

What causes palmar hyperhidrosis?

There are two types of hyperhidrosis – primary, and secondary. Secondary hyperhidrosis has a known cause and is triggered by another existing condition or (trigger) such as menopause and pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, medications and low blood sugar.

But most people who suffer with excessive sweating are affected by primary hyperhidrosis – which has no known cause. Experts believe that it is caused by disruption with the signals sent between the nervous system and the sweat glands, but they aren’t sure why this happens. This is one of the reasons why treatment options have been so limited – until now.

What treatments are available for palmar hyperhidrosis?

 Currently treatment options are limited when it comes to effectively preventing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. In fact, patients often find that they are advised to make lifestyle changes to lessen symptoms – but palmar hyperhidrosis can be more challenging to manage than other types as it can be difficult to prevent or hide sweating on the hands.

That’s why innovative treatments like botulinum toxin injections are becoming popular for people suffering with palmar hyperhidrosis. Safe, quick and non-invasive, this treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin beneath the skin in a targeted manner around the area or areas affected. It works by interrupting or blocking the nerve signals to the brain, stopping excessive perspiration from occurring as a result.

Botulinum toxin treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is highly effective, with an 85% reduction in excessive sweating observed in some studies. Results are long-lasting, too – they vary from person to person, but you can expect to experience a reduction in sweating that lasts between 6 and 12 months.

Botulinum toxin treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis in Cheshire

We offer dedicated hyperhidrosis treatment using botulinum toxin injections at our exclusive aesthetics clinic in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Take a look at our treatment page here – or if you’d like to discuss treatment options further or ask questions, please get in touch with us today to book a complimentary consultation.