Stop The Sweat

The general public has in recent years become aware of Botox and its cosmetic uses. However, it has long been used to treat many conditions, including axillary hyperhidrosis (armit excessive sweating).

Botox is actually a trade name and one of many for botulinum toxin. In large doses it is highly toxic but in low doses it has a paralytic effect which has many applications.

How Is It Used For Hyperhidrosis?

Botulinum toxin is really only recommended for axillary type sweating. Sometimes it is used on the face or on other small areas. It is advised against for the feet as they are too large an area and require too

many injection plus the injections would be painful.

What Is The Procedure?

First of all the doctor will apply iodine to your armpits and then sprinkle a powder which will very quickly show up the location of your sweat glands in blue. Despite the overall armpit area, sweat actually only is excreted from a small rea about one to two squared inches.

Next he will inject the Botox into this blue area. There is a small amount of pain but not much. You will get about 12 injections into each armpit.

Side Effects

There are side effects with all drugs but these are rare. As long as you use a qualified doctor then you should not expect any major complications. Do not use a cosmetic surgeon for this treatment, especially do not ask someone at a “Botox party” to do this for you!

One side effect that is common with this treatment is compensatory sweating. This can happen with surgery such as ETS or liposuction sweat gland removal too. Compensatory sweating is where your body will divert the sweat from your armpits to some other part of your body – typically this is the trunk i.e. the chest and back area. Many people find that this is less of a problem compared to armpit sweating and the odor it produces.

Treatment is not permanent but it is usually effective for many months so a patient will typically desire to repeat it after around 6 months.