Botox – It’s No Sweat!

Sweating is normal. In fact, it’s essential: Humans need to sweat in order to regulate body temperature.

But some people sweat much more than is needed. Hyperhidrosis, more commonly known as excessive sweating, can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In some cases, problematic sweating is limited to one area of the body, such as the underarms or feet, a condition called focal hyperhidrosis. Other cases are more generalized, with sweating over large areas of the body. The most common areas affected by hyperhidrosis are the scalp, underarms, hands, feet and groin area.

Excessive sweating can significantly affect a person’s life. It can be embarrassing and socially isolating, and many people find the condition quite upsetting.

Botox — often associated with cosmetic wrinkle reduction — also happens to be a particularly effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, having gained the FDA’s stamp of approval in 2004. Botox injections use botulinum toxin to block the nerve signals responsible for sweating, stopping the sweat glands from producing too much sweat. Retreatment is typically needed in four to six months, as the nerves regenerate. Over time, however, patients can go longer between treatments.

It’s important to be evaluated by a provider for excessive sweating, because there are a few other rare, serious conditions that can also cause excessive sweating symptoms. Patients may also want to consider other options, like clinical-strength antiperspirant, before resorting to Botox.

The procedure is simple. Numbing cream is applied to the treatment area up to one hour before the injections. The physician will clean the affected area and make many injections with a very tiny needle. Bruising, swelling, or tenderness is possible after the procedure, but is generally minor. Patients typically start seeing results in five days, with full results after two weeks. Overall, the procedure is relatively quick and painless, and most patients are pleased with the results. Ask us about Botox as an option if you’re concerned about excessive sweating!