Botox
Botox is a non-surgical option to help with Hyperhidrosis.
Botox injections are used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
Botox
Botox injections are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Botox is a neurotoxin made from the microbes that cause botulism (a kind of food poisoning). But don’t worry, it’s very safe if used appropriately by a medical professional.
Botox got its start as a cosmetic treatment. It smooths facial wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Doctors also use Botox to treat neuromuscular conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, and hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It refers to any abnormal sweating, such as sweating when it’s not hot. People who sweat excessively often soak through their clothing or drip sweat. Regular antiperspirants don’t work well for those with this condition.
Botox injections are a new treatment option for people with hyperhidrosis. You may be a candidate for Botox if your sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. Botox has been FDA-approved for people who sweat excessively from their armpits. It may also be used “off-label” to reduce sweating in other areas, such as the hands, feet, and face.
Off-label use refers to using a medication for something other than what it was approved to treat. In this case, it means that Botox hasn’t gone through the same amount of rigorous testing to confirm its effectiveness for treating excessive sweating in other areas of the body.
How do Botox injections work?
Botox works by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands. Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. This is how your body automatically cools itself. In people with hyperhidrosis, however, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive.
When you receive Botox injections directly into the area of your body that commonly sweats, your overactive nerves are essentially paralyzed. When your nerves can’t signal your sweat glands, you don’t sweat. However, Botox only prevents sweating in the specific area where it’s injected.
Where is Botox used?
Currently, Botox has only been approved for the treatment of underarm sweating. In studies, Botox was extremely effective in treating underarm sweating. Doctors use it “off-label” to treat other areas of the body.
Studies have found that Botox successfully treats sweaty palms in 80 to 90 percent of cases. However, the treatments don’t last quite as long as the underarm treatments. Studies also show that Botox works to treat forehead sweat. It can reduce sweating by 75 percent for about five months.