Hyperhidrosis is sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. It most often affects the underarms, palms, soles and face, and it is a medical condition rather than a cosmetic complaint. Sage Dermatology assesses and treats hyperhidrosis at our downtown Toronto clinic.
When sweating is more than normal
Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood, affects both sides of the body equally, and eases during sleep. People describe soaking through clothing, difficulty gripping paper or a phone, and avoiding handshakes or particular fabrics. It is common and it is treatable.
Sweating that begins suddenly in adulthood, affects one side only, occurs at night, or comes with weight loss or fever is treated differently, because it can point to an underlying cause that needs investigating first. That assessment is part of the visit.
Coverage and referrals
Assessment of hyperhidrosis is a medical visit and is covered by OHIP with a referral from your family doctor. Treatment coverage depends on what is used: prescription topical treatments and oral medication are prescribed as with any medical condition, and Botox for severe underarm hyperhidrosis is frequently covered by private extended health plans rather than OHIP. We provide the documentation insurers ask for.
Treatments
- Prescription antiperspirants. Aluminium chloride preparations stronger than anything available over the counter. First line for underarm sweating, and effective for many people when used correctly, which is not the way most people assume.
- Botox injections. Small injections into the affected area block the nerve signal to the sweat glands. Well established for underarms, and also used for palms and soles. The effect lasts roughly four to seven months, after which treatment is repeated.
- Oral medication. Tablets that reduce sweating throughout the body, useful when sweating affects several areas or when injections are impractical. Side effects such as dry mouth are dose-dependent and discussed before starting.
- Topical glycopyrronium. A newer option for facial and underarm sweating.
What to expect from Botox for sweating
The area is mapped, numbed with a topical anaesthetic where needed, and treated with a series of small injections just under the skin. Underarms take about 20 to 30 minutes. Sweating reduces over the following week. Palms are more uncomfortable to treat and are managed with additional anaesthesia.
Why it is worth treating
Hyperhidrosis is often dismissed as a nuisance, and patients frequently arrive having managed it alone for years. It has measurable effects on work, clothing, sport and social life, and the treatments are straightforward. If it is affecting your daily decisions, it is worth assessing.
Booking
Ask your family doctor to send a referral for a medical assessment. Call 416.792.0159 or email info@sagedermatology.ca with questions. Sage Dermatology is at 591 Yonge Street, steps from Wellesley subway station. Plan your visit.