Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment in Sheffield

Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, is a common condition that can significantly affect confidence, comfort and everyday life. It may occur even when you are not exercising or feeling particularly warm.

At DermaCutis, we offer specialist assessment and personalised treatment for hyperhidrosis, including injectable treatments for excessive underarm sweating where clinically appropriate.

Our approach focuses on identifying the cause of excessive sweating, discussing the available treatment options and developing an individualised management plan.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by sweating beyond what is required to regulate normal body temperature. Although sweating is a natural and essential bodily function, people with hyperhidrosis may experience excessive perspiration that interferes with daily activities.

Commonly affected areas include:

• Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
• Palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
• Soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
• Face and scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis may begin during childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood.

For some individuals, excessive sweating causes considerable embarrassment, affects clothing choices or makes social and professional situations uncomfortable.

Hyperhidrosis can be classified into two main types.

Primary hyperhidrosis

This occurs when the nerves responsible for stimulating sweat glands become overactive, resulting in excessive sweating without an identifiable underlying medical cause. It commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet or face and often begins at a young age.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating can sometimes be associated with an underlying medical condition or medication. Potential causes include thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, certain medications and other medical conditions. At DermaCutis, a medical assessment helps determine the likely cause of your symptoms and whether further investigations may be necessary.

Several treatments are available for excessive sweating, depending on the area affected, severity of symptoms and response to previous treatments.

Options may include:

Prescription-strength antiperspirants

Products containing aluminium salts can help reduce sweating and are often recommended as an initial treatment.

Iontophoresis

This involves passing a mild electrical current through water to help reduce sweating, particularly affecting the hands and feet.

Oral medication

Certain medications may reduce sweating in selected patients, although potential side effects need to be carefully considered.

Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections may be considered for excessive sweating when topical treatments have been insufficiently effective or are unsuitable.

Botulinum toxin type A is an established medical treatment for severe primary hyperhidrosis.

It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, thereby reducing sweat production in the treated area. Unlike antiperspirants, which act at the skin surface, botulinum toxin targets the nerve signals responsible for activating the sweat glands.

Treatment involves a series of small injections placed superficially into the skin of the 

desired area. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting and generally takes approximately 20–30 minutes, although appointment times may vary.

A consultation is required beforehand to confirm the diagnosis, assess suitability and discuss the potential benefits and risks.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that botulinum toxin can significantly reduce sweating in appropriately selected patients. An improvement may begin within a few days, although the full effect can take approximately two weeks to develop. The effects are temporary and commonly last around 3–6 months, although individual responses vary. Some patients experience a longer duration of benefit.

Repeat treatment may be considered when symptoms return, following clinical reassessment.

Results cannot be guaranteed, and not every patient will experience the same degree or duration of improvement.

The injections are administered using a fine needle and are generally well tolerated.

Patients may experience brief stinging or discomfort during the procedure.

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur at the injection sites.

Other potential risks, contraindications and treatment limitations will be discussed during 

your consultation.

Most patients can return to their usual daily activities shortly after treatment.

You will receive individualised aftercare advice, which may include temporarily avoiding strenuous exercise, excessive heat and irritating products applied to the treated area.

At DermaCutis, hyperhidrosis is assessed and managed with a medical, evidence-based  

approach.

As a Consultant Dermatologist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, Dr Gaikwad understands the physical and psychological impact that excessive sweating can have.

Our priorities are:

• Accurate diagnosis and identification of potential underlying causes
• Individualised treatment recommendations
• Careful assessment of suitability for injectable treatments
• Clear discussion of expected outcomes, potential side effects and limitations
• Ongoing support and review where appropriate

If excessive sweating is affecting your daily life, a  dermatology consultation can help identify the most appropriate management options. At DermaCutis in Sheffield, we provide individualised assessment and advice for patients experiencing hyperhidrosis.

Please book an initial dermatology appointment for an in depth discussion of your 

hyperhidrosis.

This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. All prescription treatments are subject to clinical assessment, suitability and prescribing requirements.