Consultation for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, can be a distressing condition that impacts daily life and confidence. It commonly affects areas such as the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), palms, or feet. If you are concerned about excessive sweating, a consultation with a medical professional is the first step to understanding and managing this condition.

At PRP London Clinic, Dr. Hans provides thorough consultations to assess the nature and severity of your hyperhidrosis. He will discuss various management approaches, some of which are highly effective medical treatments that work by addressing the activity of sweat glands. It is important to understand that certain medical treatments for hyperhidrosis involve prescription-only medicines, and their suitability can only be determined following a comprehensive medical assessment by a qualified practitioner like Dr. Hans.

During your consultation, Dr. Hans will explain how sweat glands are normally activated by nerve signals involving a chemical messenger. For some medical approaches to hyperhidrosis, the aim is to temporarily modify the transmission of these nerve signals to the sweat glands in the specific area of concern. This can significantly reduce sweat production in the treated area without affecting the body's overall ability to regulate temperature.

If such an approach involves a product classified as a prescription-only medicine, Dr. Hans will provide detailed information about it and assess your medical suitability. It's important to be aware that UK regulations require such medicines to be prescribed by an appropriately qualified medical professional following a thorough face-to-face medical consultation and assessment before they can be administered.

Your appointment with Dr. Hans will begin with a detailed consultation. This will involve discussing the impact of excessive sweating on your life, your medical history, and a physical assessment of the affected areas. Sometimes, a simple test (like an iodine-starch test) may be used to help map the areas of most intense sweating. Based on this, Dr. Hans will discuss suitable management strategies. If a treatment involving a series of small, superficial injections into the affected skin is considered an appropriate medical option for you, he will explain this process in detail. For such procedures, topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand to enhance comfort. The administration of such a treatment, if chosen after consultation, is typically completed within about 30 minutes.

The potential outcomes from any chosen management approach for hyperhidrosis will be discussed in detail by Dr. Hans during your consultation. For some medical treatments that target sweat gland activity, individuals typically notice a significant reduction in sweating in the treated area, often starting within 2-7 days, with the most significant effect usually apparent around 2 weeks post-procedure. This can provide substantial relief. The duration of effect from such medical approaches often lasts for many months (e.g., 6-9 months, sometimes longer), after which sweating may gradually return. Dr. Hans will discuss realistic expectations and the potential need for repeat consultations and treatments if an ongoing management plan is agreed upon.

When appropriate medical treatments for hyperhidrosis are administered by an experienced and qualified medical professional like Dr. Hans, they are generally considered safe and effective. During your consultation, all potential risks and side effects associated with any suitable approach will be thoroughly discussed. For injectable treatments, common side effects are usually minor and temporary, such as bruising or tenderness at the injection sites. These approaches do not typically affect muscle function when used superficially for sweat glands. Choosing a qualified practitioner is crucial for appropriate assessment and safe administration of any medical treatment.

If excessive sweating is impacting your daily life, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Dr. Hans at PRP London Clinic to discuss your hyperhidrosis concerns and learn about effective management strategies available.