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Excessive Sweating

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) in Burnaby

Understand the cause, then the options.

Hyperhidrosis is sweating beyond what the body needs to cool down, most often in the underarms, palms or feet. It can be primary or linked to a medical condition, medication or hormonal change, so a physician should assess it first. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, BC, a consultation reviews causes and options.

Assess First
Rule out other causes of sweating
4–6 Mo
Typical effect of injection treatment, then repeated
Physician-Led
Doctor assesses and plans treatment
Self-Check

Does This Sound Like You?

Hyperhidrosis goes beyond normal sweating. If these sound familiar, an assessment can help. Select all that apply:

If you recognize two or more of these, you may have hyperhidrosis. Because sweating can have medical causes, an assessment comes first.

The Science

Why Do Some People Sweat Excessively?

In primary hyperhidrosis, the nerves that control sweating are overactive, so glands produce far more sweat than needed for temperature control.

1

Overactive Sweat Glands

In hyperhidrosis, sweat glands respond to nerve signals out of proportion to the body's actual cooling needs.

2

Sympathetic Nerve Overactivity

The sympathetic nervous system sends strong signals to sweat glands, particularly in the underarms, palms and soles.

3

Genetic Component

Primary hyperhidrosis often runs in families, so a parent with it raises the likelihood.

4

Stress & Anxiety Triggers

Emotional stress can amplify sweating, which can feed a cycle of sweating and anxiety.

Our Solutions

What Are the Options for Excessive Sweating?

Options range from antiperspirants to prescription treatments. Which suits you depends on the area, the cause and your health, which is why a physician assesses first.

Step by step: start with an assessment and, if needed, tests to look for an underlying cause. Treatment is then matched to the area affected.

1Medical Options a Physician May Discuss

Neuromodulator Injections

Temporary Nerve Signal Blocking

Prescription

Small injections can temporarily reduce the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands in the treated area. Effects are temporary and the treatment is repeated. It is a prescription medicine with risks, which a physician reviews with you.

For:Underarms, and in some cases palms or feet.
Learn More

2Areas Commonly Affected

Underarms

The most common area. Treatment, where suitable, uses a pattern of small injections across the area.

Learn More

Palms & Soles

These areas are more sensitive, and comfort measures are discussed at consultation. Whether treatment is suitable is decided by the physician.

Learn More
Why Us

How We Approach Excessive Sweating

MD
Physician-led
3
Languages: EN · 中文 · 粤语
Metrotown
Burnaby clinic
1

Physician Assessment

A physician reviews your history and decides whether injection treatment is suitable, and whether other causes need to be checked.

2

Looking for Other Causes

Sweating can be linked to thyroid or hormonal changes, infection or medicines. We recommend your family doctor check these when the pattern is new or unusual.

3

Comfort Discussed

Underarm injections are usually tolerated well. For palms and soles, which are more sensitive, comfort options are discussed at consultation.

4

Clear Expectations

We explain that effects are temporary, that results vary, and what the possible side effects are.

Sweating FAQ

Common Questions

Hyperhidrosis is sweating well beyond what the body needs to cool down. Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts in childhood or the teens, affects both sides, such as the underarms, palms or soles, and often runs in families. See a doctor if sweating is new, all over the body, happens at night, or comes with weight loss, fever or palpitations, because it can be linked to another condition.
Common first steps are a stronger antiperspirant, including prescription-strength products. If that is not enough, a physician may discuss prescription options, including injection treatment for suitable cases, and your family doctor can advise on other approaches, such as iontophoresis for the hands and feet. Which is right depends on your assessment.
Small injections can temporarily reduce the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands in the treated area. The effect usually begins within about 1–2 weeks, is temporary, and treatment is repeated. It is a prescription medicine and a physician goes over benefits and risks with you.
Underarm injections are usually described as small pinpricks. Palms and soles are more sensitive, so comfort options are discussed. You can usually return to normal activities the same day, though bruising or soreness is possible.
Bruising, soreness and temporary weakness near the injection site can occur, and increased sweating elsewhere is possible. A physician will review the risks and whether the treatment suits your health.
BC's Medical Services Plan generally does not cover injection treatment for sweating, but some extended health plans cover part of it when hyperhidrosis is documented. Check with your insurer, and ask us what paperwork is available after your assessment.
Possibly. Thyroid problems, menopause, diabetes, infections, anxiety and some medicines can all increase sweating. A family doctor can check these, and we may recommend that before treatment.
For many people, injection treatment reduces underarm sweating for about 4–6 months, sometimes longer, before sweating gradually returns and treatment is repeated. Primary hyperhidrosis is usually managed rather than resolved, so treatment plans usually include repeats. Results vary.
Treating a small area such as the underarms does not stop the body from cooling itself, because the rest of the skin keeps sweating normally. Some people notice slightly more sweating elsewhere. Treatment is no reason to skip water or ignore heat safety, and the physician reviews your health before suggesting any option.
The underarms are a common area for injection treatment. Palms and soles can also be treated, though they are more sensitive, need extra comfort measures, and hand treatment can cause temporary weakness in grip. Your family doctor can also advise on iontophoresis for the hands and feet. The plan depends on your assessment.
Mainly from your history and pattern: where you sweat, when it started, whether both sides are affected, and whether it stops during sleep. A starch-iodine test can map where sweating is concentrated before treatment. If sweating is all over, new or happens at night, your family doctor may order blood tests, such as thyroid function or blood sugar, to look for another cause.

Ready to Talk About Excessive Sweating?

Book a consultation to discuss your sweating, possible causes and the options a physician may suggest.

Book Consultation+1 (604) 639-2581

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