How Does BOTOX Treat Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a term that means “excessive sweating.” Some sufferers sweat excessively from the armpits, while others sweat from their hands and/or feet. Most cases have an onset in the teenage years. While it sounds trivial, it can be extremely hard to deal with on a daily basis. In addition, the constantly wet skin can become irritated or even infected. One treatment for hyperhidrosis is BOTOX® injections.

BOTOX®

BOTOX®, injected in small quantities, blocks the transmission of signals from the nerves to the muscles at the site of the injection only; thus, it has become a wildly popular agent to smooth out wrinkles on the forehead, which are caused by muscle contractions. BOTOX® has also been employed to treat other conditions, such as migraines and chronic muscle spasms.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is thought to be caused by nerves sending constant signals to the sweat glands. Normally, these nerves only send signals to activate sweating in response to an increased body temperature or some emotional state (such as getting sweaty palms in response to anxiety).

However, in sufferers of hyperhidrosis, some of these nerves seem to be permanently “switched on” and constantly tell the sweat glands to produce copious amounts of sweat. One of the treatments for hyperhidrosis developed prior to the discovery of BOTOX® was to surgically cut the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. BOTOX® is a far less invasive and less risky way to block nerve transmissions to the sweat glands.

The Treatment

Generally, doctors suggest sufferers try extra-strong prescription antiperspirants before trying treatment via injections. BOTOX® has only been approved for excessive armpit sweating although some doctors have reported success with it for hand sweating; other treatments are available for excessive hand and foot sweating.

The doctor will carefully inject BOTOX® into specific locations in the armpits. The full effect takes a few days to develop as the BOTOX® shuts down the nerve transmissions. The effect is not permanent and the injections will need to be repeated periodically.

On average, patients struggle with this condition for nine years before being diagnosed and treated. If you have an adolescent who is developing excessive sweating, do not hesitate to seek help at Forever Young Med Spa; this debilitating condition can be treated. We are conveniently located in [mrktmade_shortcode config=”locations.primary.city”], [mrktmade_shortcode config=”locations.primary.state”]. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!