Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) can be annoying and embarrassing, but there are several treatments which can help – including over the counter or prescription antiperspirants, or botulinum toxin injections. Other options include oral anticholinergics, or iontophoresis (safely uses electricity to pass medication or water through the skin). Surgery may be recommended in some cases.
Patients who have had no success with antiperspirants such as Driclor may be entitled to a Medicare rebate for botulinum toxin injections following consult with one of our expert dermatologists.
On your first visit to Q Dermatology, your condition will of course be assessed to exclude any underlying medical problems.
How much sweating is too much?
You may wish to seek treatment if:
- Your sweating affects your confidence, or causes you embarrassment
- Your sweating affects decisions regarding your career, or personal relationship
- Your sweating affects your decisions around clothing or footwear, or causes you to replace your clothing more often
How long do botulinum toxin injections take?
Your appointment is approximately 15 minutes. Ice packs are usually applied prior to your procedure, to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. The injections are quickly performed, and you can return to normal activities straight away.
How long do the injections last?
Our patients find the treatment begins working in the first week and can last up to six months. Medicare will assist in covering most of the cost of treatment up to three times a year, if you qualify (see below).
Who qualifies for the Medicare rebate for botulinum toxin injections?
The first step is an appointment with a qualified dermatologist who can determine if you meet the Medicare criteria. This is to ensure that there’s no other medical problem causing the sweating, the sweating is severe enough, and that treatment with Driclor (aluminium chloride) has not been successful. Although Driclor is considered the strongest non-prescription antiperspirant available, it unfortunately does not work for everyone. Indeed, in many cases it can cause irritant reactions.
The Medicare rebate is only available to patients treated by accredited dermatologists with the qualification FACD. This means your out of pocket costs are significantly less than at cosmetic clinics offering the procedure.