What should you know about electrolysis hyperhidrosis?

Electrolysis uses a fine probe and electrical energy to disable individual hair follicles. Hyperhidrosis means sweating beyond what the body needs for cooling, often affecting the underarms, hands, feet, face, or several areas. Treating hair follicles will not switch off sweat glands. Sweat, moisture, and friction can also irritate skin and contribute to heat rash, intertrigo, or changes in skin colour.

A clinician may ask when the sweating began, which areas are affected, whether it occurs during sleep, and whether medicines or another health problem could be contributing. Excessive sweating is the symptom to describe, rather than assuming it is caused by a skin condition.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if sweating interferes with work, sleep, clothing, or social activities. Depending on the area and cause, options may include a prescription antiperspirant, iontophoresis for hands or feet, botulinum toxin injections, or a microwave sweat gland procedure for selected underarm cases. Each option has different preparation, comfort, downtime, and maintenance needs.

Keep affected skin dry, change damp clothing, and use breathable fabrics. Do not apply deodorant or other products immediately before a procedure unless the treating clinic permits it. If hair removal is also wanted, discuss timing so irritated skin is not treated again too soon.

Seek prompt medical advice for a sudden change in sweating, sweating with chest discomfort, faintness, confusion, severe breathlessness, fever, or unexplained weight loss. Night sweats that repeatedly soak clothing or bedding also deserve assessment. A new, localised skin rash, cracking, odour, or pain may need separate treatment for irritation or infection.

Ask which areas are affected, whether a medicine or medical condition could be involved, and which treatment fits your pattern of sweating. Also ask how to protect irritated skin, how long improvement may take, what maintenance is expected, and whether electrolysis should be postponed on sensitive or inflamed skin.