Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
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Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can affect your confidence, your clothing and your daily routine. LivingCare's specialist dermatologists assess and treat excessive sweating at our Leeds clinic, starting with a consultation to understand your symptoms and agree the right approach for you.
Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating. It happens when the sweat glands receive faulty signals from nearby nerves and become overactive, so your body sweats more than it needs to. Excessive sweating is common [1] and, while it is not harmful to your health, it can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing.
You may find yourself avoiding exercise or close contact or needing to shower and change your clothes more often than feels normal.
There are two types. Primary hyperhidrosis has no specific underlying cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is linked to another factor, such as pregnancy, anxiety, low blood sugar or the menopause [1].
Hyperhidrosis does not have a definitive cure, but it can be managed effectively - and one recognised option for underarm (axillary) sweating is botulinum toxin (Botox) injections [1].
At LivingCare, you will first see one of our accredited dermatologists for a consultation to discuss your symptoms. If they decide that botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are appropriate for you, you will be booked in for the procedure at a convenient time.
You will be asked not to shave your underarms or use any deodorant for 24 hours before your appointment.
During the procedure, an iodine solution and starch powder are applied under the arm so the dermatologist can see which areas produce the most sweat. As the iodine is painted onto the skin, we recommend wearing dark clothing to avoid staining.
Once these areas have been identified, the dermatologist gives a series of small injections into the skin using a fine needle. This may cause mild discomfort, and the whole procedure usually takes no longer than around 20 minutes.
Afterwards you can return to your normal activities straight away.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a purified protein produced by bacteria [2]. When it is injected into the skin, it blocks the faulty nerve signals that trigger overactive sweating from reaching the sweat glands [1].
You should notice your symptoms reduce from around two weeks after the injection. This is not a cure, but it can significantly reduce excessive sweating in the treated area. The effect typically lasts around 4-6 months, and the treatment can be repeated [2]. Results vary from person to person, but over time the effect can last longer with repeated injections.
Whether this treatment is suitable is a decision your dermatologist makes with you at consultation. You will not be able to have the injection if you are pregnant, considering pregnancy or breastfeeding; if you are allergic to botulinum toxin or any of its ingredients; if you have an active infection of the underarm skin; if you have a neuromuscular junction disorder (such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome); if you have previously not found benefit with botulinum toxin; if you have certain bleeding disorders; or if you have certain heart or muscular conditions. Certain antibiotics, muscle relaxants and anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines may also affect treatment decisions. Your dermatologist will review your medical history and current medicines before proceeding.
Botulinum toxin injections carry a low level of risk, but as with any procedure, some side effects can occur. These may include:
If any of these occur, they usually settle within a few days. Our dermatologists take care to minimise risks and will give you detailed aftercare guidance.
There is no downtime after the injection. You can resume all normal activities and return to work straight away. The main thing to remember is to avoid deodorant for at least two to three days afterwards, following the aftercare advice your dermatologist gives you.
At LivingCare, excessive sweating is assessed and treated by accredited dermatologists as part of the Yorkshire Dermatology Centre of Excellence, within the LivingCare Group. You will be seen quickly, with no GP referral needed and the choice of self-pay or insurance.
Every treatment starts with a consultation, so you get a clear, honest assessment of whether botulinum toxin injections are right for you before anything is agreed. To find out more, explore our dermatology service or book a dermatology consultation at our Leeds clinic.
Exceptional care, without the wait.
Dr Kashif Bhatti
Private GP
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You can self-pay for treatment at LivingCare or use your medical insurance. Click here to learn more.
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Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
