Sweating during sport or in warm temperatures is completely natural and an important way of protecting the body from overheating. Sweating is pathological if you sweat constantly and excessively. This increased sweating mainly occurs on the hands, feet and in the armpits, but there is also generalized hyperhidrosis with increased sweating all over the body.
People affected by hyperhidrosis usually suffer greatly from the condition. Although there is no health risk, it can result in considerable psychosocial restrictions in professional and private life.
It is important to differentiate whether the hyperhidrosis is idiopathic (without an identifiable cause) or whether it is caused by a disease such as diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism.
In the case of generalized hyperhidrosis, the underlying disease, if present, must be treated. In the case of idiopathic hyperhidrosis, systemic therapies are used to reduce sweating.
Localized hyperhidrosis of the armpits, hands and feet can be treated with creams or solutions containing aluminium salts. If the effect is insufficient, therapy with low-voltage water baths (known as iontophoresis), which can be carried out at home, is also suitable, particularly in the area of the hands and feet.
In the armpits, but also on the hands and feet, sweating can be treated very successfully with BTX, which is injected superficially into the skin and thus inhibits the sweat glands. The effect usually lasts for 4-6 months and the therapy can be repeated as often as required. This therapy is not a compulsory health insurance benefit, but is covered by certain supplementary insurances. Your dermatology specialist at Dermanence will be happy to apply to your health insurance company for a cost credit.