Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition where an individual experiences excessive sweating in the armpit area, beyond what is needed for body temperature regulation. This condition can lead to significant discomfort, social embarrassment, and practical issues with clothing. It’s a common condition that affects both men and women, often beginning in adolescence or young adulthood.
Dermatologist Led Practice
100,000+ Consultations & Treatments
Key Points
- Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating in the armpits.
- It can cause discomfort, social anxiety, and embarrassment.
- Dermatologists play a key role in treatment with anti-sweat injections.
- A Medicare rebate is available for treatments performed by qualified dermatologists when certain criteria are met.
- Treatments are effective in reducing armpit sweating and can also help with odour control.
What is axillary hyperhidrosis?
Axillary hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands in the armpits produce more sweat than necessary for cooling the body. This excessive sweating can occur even without physical exertion or high temperatures. Contact Melbourne skin clinic for dermatology services and treatments tailored to your skin care needs.
- Overactive sweat glands in the armpits.
- Excessive sweating unrelated to heat or exertion.
Who gets axillary hyperhidrosis?
The condition can affect anyone but typically starts in adolescence or early adulthood. The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be linked to family history or certain medical conditions.
- Often starts in adolescence or early adulthood.
- Cause is usually unknown.
- May be linked to family history or other medical conditions.
Clinical features
The primary symptom is excessive sweating in the armpits, which can soak through clothing and cause noticeable sweat marks. The condition can also lead to skin irritation and an increased risk of skin infections due to the moist environment.
- Excessive sweating in armpits, often soaking through clothing.
- Can lead to skin irritation and infections.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on the clinical presentation and patient history. It’s important to consider secondary causes of hyperhidrosis, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, which require specific treatment.
- Diagnosed based on symptoms and history.
- Important to consider secondary causes like hyperthyroidism.
Impact and complications
Axillary hyperhidrosis can significantly impact social, emotional, and professional aspects of life, causing embarrassment and limiting clothing choices. It can also affect skin health, leading to irritation and infections.
- Impacts social and emotional well-being.
- Affects clothing choices and professional life.
- Can lead to skin health issues.
Treatment Options for Axillary Hyperhidrosis
In addressing axillary hyperhidrosis, the treatment strategy is centered on reducing sweat production to enhance the individual’s quality of life. Topical treatments include the use of aluminium chloride hexahydrate in high concentrations and compounded anticholinergic drugs, which can be applied as a roll-on or cream. Oral medications, specifically anticholinergic drugs, are also employed to decrease sweating.
Dermatologists trained by the Australasian College of Dermatologists administer anti-sweat injections, which are effective in reducing both sweating and odour. Patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under certain criteria when treatment is performed by a dermatologist. Surgery, such as sympathectomy, is considered a last resort and is reserved for severe cases, though it carries significant risks. Lifestyle adjustments, including wearing breathable fabrics and using absorbent materials, can also be beneficial. While there is no cure for axillary hyperhidrosis, these treatments can substantially alleviate symptoms and improve daily living.
- Includes topical agents, oral medications, and anti-sweat injections.
- Anti-sweat injections are particularly effective, with a Medicare rebate available when performed by qualified dermatologists.
- Surgery is an option for severe cases.
- Treatment goals are to reduce sweating and improve quality of life.
See what our patients have to say
Blog Posts
Beyond the Dark Spot
The lesser-known faces of melanoma In the discourse on skin cancer, melanoma is often depicted by its most recognisable form; a dark, ugly-looking mole. However,
The Impact of Hyperhidrosis
Life’s worries Sweat is something that most people hardly think about. It’s just something that happens when it’s hot, when your working out, or sometimes
Why am I sweating so much?
The 101 on hyperhidrosis If you are self-conscious about how much you sweat, you could be suffering from a condition called hyperhidrosis. Many people