EXCESSIVE SWEATING

You may be a candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment if you experience excessive sweating that interferes with daily life, occurs in predictable, localized areas (such as the underarms, palms, soles, groin, or scalp/face), and is not caused by another medical condition.

Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and persists regardless of temperature, activity, or stress. During your OHIP-covered evaluation, Dr. Copeland will review your medical history, medications, and symptoms, examine the affected areas, and determine whether the sweating is primary or secondary to another condition.

Patients seeking relief from embarrassment, wardrobe limitations, reduced confidence, or day-to-day inconvenience are often excellent candidates.

Hyperhidrosis can be significantly improved—often with long-lasting relief. Treatment may:

• Reduce excessive sweating in the underarms, hands, feet, scalp/face, or groin
• Improve comfort in professional, social, and physical settings
• Allow greater freedom with clothing fabrics and colors
• Reduce skin irritation, chafing, and secondary infections
• Improve grip confidence (hands) and overall quality of life
• Decrease stress and self-consciousness related to visible sweating
  

Even partial reduction in sweating can meaningfully improve daily comfort and confidence.

1) BOTOX® Injections (Primary In-Clinic Treatment)

How it works:

Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals that activate overactive eccrine sweat glands in the treated area.

Precision mapping:

Dr. Copeland performs an iodine–starch (Minor’s) sweat test to accurately map the zones of excessive sweating before treatment.

Comfort:

• Underarms: quick and well tolerated
  
• Palms/soles: additional numbing strategies are used to minimize discomfort
  

Onset & longevity:

Most patients notice improvement within 3–7 days, with full effect at ~2 weeks. Results typically last 4–6 months, though duration varies by individual and treatment area.

Downtime:

Minimal. Expect small pinpricks or mild tenderness. Rarely, temporary hand weakness may occur when treating the palms.

2) High-Strength Antiperspirants (At Home)

Nightly aluminum-chloride formulas may be recommended for mild cases or to extend treatment intervals. These products can be irritating—use strictly as directed.

3) Iontophoresis (Hands / Feet)

A portable home device delivers a low electrical current through water trays while hands or feet are submerged. Effective for palmar/plantar hyperhidrosis; requires frequent sessions initially, then maintenance.

4) Oral Medications (Selected Situations)

Anticholinergic medications can reduce sweating body-wide but may cause side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, or blurry vision. Used case-by-case when appropriate.

5) Surgery (Not Offered Here; Last Resort)

Endoscopic sympathectomy interrupts part of the sympathetic nerve supply responsible for sweating. Due to the significant risk of compensatory sweating elsewhere on the body, it is reserved only for very select cases after all conservative treatments have been exhausted.