What hyperhidrosis is
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. It commonly affects underarms, palms, soles or the face, and it is not the same as sweating heavily in Brisbane summer heat.
The consultation assesses your presentation, discusses possible contributing factors, and outlines what management may be appropriate. Some causes are medical rather than cosmetic, and identifying that is part of a proper assessment.
What the appointment involves
- History taking: onset, patterns, triggers and how long it has been present
- Which areas are affected and how much they interfere with daily life
- Review of medical history, medications and any relevant conditions
- Discussion of management options, their limitations and their risks
- Referral where a medical cause should be investigated first
Individual suitability is assessed at consultation. All treatments carry potential risks which are explained before consent, and a consultation is required before any treatment proceeds.
Living with it in a subtropical climate
Brisbane humidity makes hyperhidrosis harder to distinguish from ordinary sweating, which is one reason people wait years before raising it. If sweating affects what you wear, where you sit or whether you shake hands, it is worth assessing regardless of the weather.