Doctor of First Degree Specialization Nguyen Ngoc Tran, from the Dermatology - Aesthetic Dermatology department at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, stated that Ms. Hang suffered from moderate to severe underarm hyperhidrosis. The excessive sweat kept the underarm area moist, fostering bacterial growth and a distinct body odor.

Doctor Tran explained that pregnancy and postpartum are periods when a woman's body undergoes many hormonal and metabolic changes. For some individuals, these changes can intensify sweat gland activity. However, not all cases of postpartum hyperhidrosis are due to hormonal shifts. Some individuals may have a predisposition to hyperhidrosis but experienced mild symptoms previously, only becoming evident after childbirth.

Furthermore, frequent strenuous activity, sports, lack of sleep, prolonged stress, and hot, humid environmental temperatures can also exacerbate hyperhidrosis. This condition can also be a secondary manifestation of certain medical conditions or a side effect of medication.

A doctor administers botox injections to treat Ms. Hang's underarm hyperhidrosis. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

After evaluating the severity of hyperhidrosis and ruling out other medical causes, the doctor prescribed treatment for Ms. Hang using botulinum toxin type A (botox). This type of botox acts at the injection site, reducing the transmission of nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. As sweat gland activity decreases, the amount of sweat reduces, limiting bacterial growth and odor, thus improving both sweat and underarm odor.

The procedure took 60 minutes, including the numbing time for pain reduction. The patient did not require recovery time and could resume normal activities immediately after treatment. After about two weeks, Ms. Hang noticed her underarm area was almost dry. When working out at the gym or playing sports, the amount of sweat produced significantly decreased, and the odor was almost gone, allowing her to confidently wear light-colored clothing.

According to the doctor, the effectiveness of botox typically lasts 4-6 months, depending on the individual's body. When the drug's effect gradually diminishes, the patient can receive repeat injections if they still need to control hyperhidrosis.

Individuals with hyperhidrosis should keep their underarm area clean, wear breathable clothing, change shirts after physical activity, and limit stimulating factors such as prolonged stress, high-caffeine beverages, or overly spicy foods if they notice worsening symptoms. If severe and persistent hyperhidrosis affects work and daily life, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a doctor's examination and suitable treatment consultation.

Minh Huong

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