Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating beyond what is required for normal body temperature regulation. It most commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles, or face.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sweating without heat or exercise
• Visible sweat marks on clothing
• Underarm moisture affecting daily comfort
• Excessive sweating despite antiperspirant use
• Underarm odour associated with sweating

Excessive sweating can affect confidence, clothing choices, professional interactions, and social comfort. Many patients report needing to change clothing frequently or avoiding certain fabrics or colours due to visible sweat marks.

Underarm sweating associated with hyperhidrosis differs from normal perspiration in several ways.

• Excessive volume — sweating occurs beyond normal cooling requirements
• Persistent activity — sweating may occur even when the body is at rest
• Visible clothing impact — sweat marks may appear despite normal conditions
• Associated odour — bacteria interacting with sweat can contribute to underarm odour
• Limited response to antiperspirants — standard products often provide inadequate control

For these reasons, many patients seek medical treatment options rather than relying on cosmetic solutions alone.

At Scars & Lasers, treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) is tailored to the severity of symptoms and whether patients prefer temporary or longer-lasting reduction in sweating.

Available treatment options include:

MiraDry® treatment

• Uses controlled microwave energy to target and reduce underarm sweat glands
• Provides long-term reduction in axillary sweating, as treated glands do not regenerate
• May also reduce underarm odour
• Performed as a non-surgical outpatient treatment under local anaesthetic

Botulinum toxin injections

• Prescription treatment that temporarily blocks nerve signals to sweat glands
• Reduces sweat production in the underarm (axillary) area
• Effects typically last several months before repeat treatment may be required
• Suitable for patients seeking a temporary, non-device treatment option

Yes. While underarm sweating is most commonly treated, botulinum toxin can also be used to treat other localised areas of excessive sweating.

These may include:

• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet
• Forehead or scalp
• Other small localised areas where sweating is problematic

Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, reducing sweat production in the treated area.

Yes. Sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) and feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) can sometimes be managed with iontophoresis.

Iontophoresis:

• Uses low-level electrical current delivered through water to reduce sweat gland activity
• Is commonly used for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis
• Typically requires repeated sessions to maintain results

Clinicians at Scars & Lasers can discuss whether iontophoresis or other treatment options may be appropriate.

You may benefit from consultation if you experience:

• Persistent underarm sweating despite antiperspirants
• Sweat marks that regularly affect clothing
• Excessive sweating that interferes with work, exercise, or social activities
• Underarm odour associated with sweating
• Interest in longer-term treatment options such as MiraDry

Primary hyperhidrosis is generally considered a chronic condition, meaning excessive sweating may persist long-term without treatment.

However, medical treatments can significantly reduce sweating and improve daily comfort.

Examples include:

• Botulinum toxin treatments, which temporarily reduce sweat gland activation
• MiraDry® treatment, which reduces underarm sweat glands and provides long-term reduction in sweating

At Scars & Lasers, patients receive care within a dermatology-led clinical environment with expertise in advanced laser and skin treatments.

Our approach includes:

• Careful clinical assessment to confirm the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis
• Discussion of temporary and longer-lasting treatment options
• Access to advanced technologies such as MiraDry® for underarm sweating
• Experience with prescription treatments such as botulinum toxin for localised sweating

Our goal is to provide safe, evidence-based treatments that reduce excessive sweating and restore confidence and comfort.

Bromhidrosis refers to noticeable or unpleasant underarm odour. It may occur on its own, or together with hyperhidrosis, where excessive sweating is also present.

miraDry may be suitable for some patients with axillary bromhidrosis, particularly when odour is associated with underarm sweating. The treatment uses controlled microwave energy to target sweat glands in the underarm area, including glands that can contribute to both sweat and odour.

However, bromhidrosis is not always caused by sweating alone. Underarm odour may also be influenced by skin bacteria, hygiene products, clothing, skin irritation, diet, medications, or other medical factors. For this reason, a consultation is important before treatment.

At Scars & Lasers, we assess whether the main concern is:

excessive sweating,
underarm odour,
or a combination of both.

Where bromhidrosis is linked to underarm sweat gland activity, miraDry may offer a longer-lasting treatment option. In some cases, other measures or alternative treatments may be recommended first, depending on the underlying cause and clinical assessment.

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