Make excessive sweat a thing of the past. Learn how Wollongong Dermatology can permanently reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) with state-of-the-art treatment.
Hyperhidrosis is the condition of excessive sweating. At Wollongong Dermatology, our doctors and nurses can offer a range of highly effective, evidence-based treatments to significantly reduce excessive sweating.
The aim of the hyperhidrosis treatment is to reduce or completely prevent sweating from a particular area, most commonly, the underarms. Common treatments we utilise are topical antiperspirants (containing 10-25% aluminium salts) and iontophoresis. Oral medications including anticholinergic drugs such as propantheline and oxybalynin can be useful to treat large areas but can have a number of side effects. Other medications include betablockers and clonidine. Iontophoresis uses mild electrical currents to affected areas submerged in water to temporarily block the sweat glands. This is mostly used for hands and feet. Botulinum toxin(anti wrinkle) injections can be very successful for treating armpits and has a PBS subsidy. This procedure is commonly performed at Wollongong Dermatology.
Please talk to our Doctors about all of the above treatments.
Excessive Sweating Treatments
- Prescription
Antiperspirant - Hyperhidrosis
Medications - Anti-wrinkle
Injections
Frequently asked questions
Where on the body do people experience excess sweating?
Excessive sweating tends to affect the palms, soles, armpits and occasionally the face and scalp. Rarely, the sweating may affect the whole body.
How do you diagnose hyperhidrosis?
During your appointment, your dermatologist will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You may also need a physical exam or tests to further evaluate the cause of your condition. Your dermatologist may also recommend blood, urine or other lab tests to see if your sweating is caused by another medical condition.
Additionally, a number of tests are available to pinpoint the areas of sweating and estimate the severity of your condition, including an iodine-starch test, skin conductance and a thermoregulatory sweat test.
What treatments do you offer?
Our dermatologists recommend a range of treatments for excessive sweating, such as medicated antiperspirants, medications, iontophoresis, injections, and sweat gland surgery.
What should I expect during the procedure?
This will be based on the procedure you choose. For injections, your skin will be anaesthetised and injections will be administered to each affected area, lasting for 6 - 12 months. For iontophoresis, a medical device delivers mild electrical currents while your affected body part is submerged in water, blocking sweat glands temporarily. With surgery, a surgeon tries to stop the nerve signals that your body sends to the sweat glands, by cutting or destroying certain nerves.
What are the possible side effects of treatment?
Some people may experience side effects as a result of treatment, but the effects usually aren’t serious. The most common side effect is dryness of the skin. Blistering, peeling, and irritation might also occur on the skin. Another side effect is compensatory sweating, although this usually resolves spontaneously.
Further Information
Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Guides and fact sheets for people with hyperhidrosis and their treatment options.
Questions for your Dermatologist
A practical checklist of questions for your dermatologist during and after treatment.