• Level 6, 24 Collins Street, Melbourne
  • (03) 9939 8115

Excessive Sweating

 Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating can be an annoying and embarrassing problem. However, there are treatments which can help reduce or stop excessive sweating.

Your condition will be assessed at your first visit to exclude any underlying medical problems. Several treatments are available including botulinum toxin injections for underarm sweating.

Anti sweating injections are a highly effective treatment for underarm sweating. Patients with excess underarm sweating who have failed treatment antiperspirants such as Drichlor, are entitled to a medicare rebate for botulinum toxin injections.

If you are deemed eligible for the medicare rebate by one of our accredited dermatologists, the current out of pocket fee is approx. $150 for the procedure when performed at Melbourne City Dermatology.

To call for an appointment with one of our dermatologists, please call our friendly staff members at reception on 9939 8115 or click here.

Man in suit suffering from excessive sweating is lifting his shirt collar.

Sweating FAQs

Your questions answered

How much sweating is too much?

Underarm sweating varies from person to person. If the condition bothers you significantly it may be worth considering treatment.

  • Are you worried to lift your arms because there are always sweat patches?
  • Do you have to limit the clothing that you wear to hide sweat patches or do you always keep your jacket on?
  • Does it limit your choice of activities or are you embarrassed?

How is excessive sweating treated?

At your first appointment we will evaluate your condition to rule out any underlying medical problem.

Several treatment options exist for primary hyperhidrosis including:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants (e.g., Driclor = the strongest non-prescription treatment available)
  • Oral anticholinergics
  • Iontophoresis: Ionised water is passed through the skin using electricity
  • Injections under the arms, which are highly effective for underarm sweating
  • Surgery may be recommended in some cases

How long does the treatment take?

At Melbourne City Dermatology we usually apply some numbing cream 1 hour before your procedure. This is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, although many of our returning patients don’t feel this is necessary.

Once the area is numb, the injections are quick to perform, and you can go back to usual activities or work straight away.

How long do the injections last?

The treatment starts to work in the first week and can last up to six months. If you qualify, Medicare will assist in covering the majority of the cost of treatment up to three times per year.

Who qualifies for the Medicare rebate?

You will need an appointment with a qualified dermatologist to determine if you meet the Medicare criteria for a rebate on the procedure. This is to ensure that the sweating is not caused by any other medical problems, that the sweating is severe enough, and that you have failed treatment with “Drichlor”. Drichlor is an over the counter high strength antiperspirant, which is considered the strongest non-prescription treatment available. Unfortunately it does not work for everyone and can cause irritant reactions in many cases.

The Medicare rebate is only available to patients treated by accredited dermatologists who have the qualification FACD. This makes your out of pocket costs significantly less than cosmetic clinics offering the procedure.

To call for an appointment with a dermatologist, please call one of our friendly staff members on 9939 8115 or click here.