“Sadness, anger, and hopelessness” are some of the feelings described by people who suffer from Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. It is a common medical condition that can be exacerbated by heat. The record high temperatures means that the sufferers of Hyperhidrosis are going to have a difficult time. The good news is that hyperhidrosis can be treated by Botox.
Botulinum toxin, often referred to as Botox, is an extremely successful treatment for hyperhidrosis. Particularly in the underarm area, it stops excessive sweating by 80%. The plastic surgeon, Prof. Dr Fuat Yuksel, at Longevita explaines how Botox injections work on hyperhidrosis: “Botox can be used on the underarms, especially. However, we use a much higher dose. Usually, for a full-face Botox we use 1ml. But for underarms we use 1ml per each side. After the application of Botox, the sweating will be reduced by 70% to 80%. And the effect will last for 4 months”
According to the NHS, in the UK alone, 1 to 3 people out of every 100 have hyperhidrosis. It could be primary, where you sweat from a particular part of the body like hands or feet, or secondary, where you sweat all over. For hundreds of thousands in the UK who have this condition, the coming heatwave would cause far more physical and psychological problems than usual because the sweat would just keep going. Hyperhidrosis affects every aspect of daily life, from travelling to work to simply hugging.
Way of Living
Hyperhidrosis can have a significant impact on the way you live your life. According to the results of a study published in the Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, hyperhidrosis influenced the “material, colour and design” of the clothes that people with this condition chose to wear.
Since pit stains are more visible in light colours, many choose to wear blacks or whites (white has no dye, so it doesn’t turn dark). Those who have this condition are also unable to enjoy outdoor activities like basking in the sun, so flying out to a relatively cooler climate in the middle of a heatwave is also unlikely to help.
Hobbies
If you have hyperhidrosis, it can become even more difficult for you to engage in hobbies. According to the research mentioned above, profuse sweating discouraged people from cycling, doing gym workouts or yoga, and even playing musical instruments, either due to embarrassment or experiencing physical difficulty performing these tasks. Those who sweat through their palms found it difficult to hold a book or not let its pages become wet.
In the middle of a heatwave, it would also become even more difficult to perform household chores, where you’re either near a heat source (oven) or have to turn the fan off to clean. In the study, people found these tasks, along with taking care of children, to be more challenging, especially during the summer. This can become even more physically challenging in the sweltering days that are to come.
Self-Image
In social situations, sweat stains can make people feel dirty and embarrassed. And this can have a direct effect on their confidence and self-esteem. Researchers investigated the impact of hyperhidrosis on the self-perception of people, and they reported that those who had this condition felt “disgusted” with themselves and even felt less feminine.
Since sweating will be exacerbated during the heatwave and the humidity won’t let the sweat cool off, it will have an even more detrimental effect on your emotional well-being.
Participation In Social Activities
Schools, offices, pubs, and restaurants are going to be baking in the upcoming days. And this doesn’t bode well for those who have hyperhidrosis. Even “normally,” it can be hard for them to share a physical space with others.
Researchers report that people with hyperhidrosis find it difficult to share office space or classrooms. They would rather not go anywhere than attend parties or go to restaurants and cinemas. However, it isn’t always possible to avoid social situations. For many people, public transportation is the way to go to work or someplace.
Relationships and Intimacy
The research shows another way in which hyperhidrosis negatively affects the lives of people: it’s hard to show affection in physical ways, such as cuddling, hugging or holding hands.
Whenever they are near other people, they become anxious for fear of their condition being noticed. They may also think twice before just touching even those who’re close to them.
Hyperhidrosis Sweating: How Can It Be Reduced?
There are different ways in which people with hyperhidrosis try to deal with their situation, such as using an antiperspirant or prescription cream, wearing light clothes, avoiding spicy foods or drinking alcohol.
Iontophoresis is another treatment that temporarily blocks sweat glands. However, you may need multiple sessions of this treatment, each lasting for more than half an hour several times a week. Considering that won’t be too feasible during the heatwave, you can consider getting Botox.
Botox also works by blocking the signals that stimulate the sweat glands. However, it is more convenient considering that you’ll need 1 session of it and the results last anywhere between 4-14 months.
Conclusion
Hyperhidrosis is not just emotionally distressing but also physically debilitating and even dangerous at times. And excessive heat can make things worse for those who have this condition. During the heatwave, this problem will only be compounded. It’s better to consult a doctor before it hits completely so that you’re prepared.
