Using Botox to treat hyperhidrosis: What you need to know

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Botox is a highly effective method of treating hyperhidrosis. However, costs can be expensive and are not always covered by insurance. Therefore, before injecting, you should consult about the costs, benefits and risks of Botox injections in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

1. What is Botox?

Botox a neurotoxin is used in the treatment of many different diseases. The use of appropriate doses has made botox useful in the treatment of several types of neuromuscular conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, and hyperhidrosis.
Botox injections are a good treatment option for hyperhidrosis, when deodorant and antiperspirant options are not feasible. Botox has been approved by the FDA for people who sweat excessively from their armpits. In addition, Botox is also used to treat sweat odor in other areas such as the hands, feet, and face, although there are no trials confirming the treatment's effectiveness.
Hyperhidrosis refers to people with unusually increased sweating, such as sweating when it is not hot. For these people, sweat often seeps through clothing or drips. That's why antiperspirants often don't work for them.

2. How does Botox treat excessive sweating?

Botox works by blocking the activity of the nerves responsible for activating the sweat glands. Normally, the nervous system activates sweat glands when body temperature rises as a way to cool the body. However, in people with hyperhidrosis, the nerves that trigger sweat glands are overactive.
Botox injections directly into the sweaty armpit area paralyzes the overactive nerves, thereby helping to reduce the amount of sweat secreted. Note, Botox only prevents sweating in the specific area where it is injected.

3. How effective are Botox injections?

Currently, Botox is only approved for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis. Results from many studies show that it is extremely effective in treating underarm sweating. In addition, it is also used to treat other areas of the body.

Studies have shown that Botox is able to successfully treat sweaty hands in 80-90% of cases. However, the therapeutic effect is shorter than that of armpit sweat. For forehead sweat, Botox can reduce sweating by up to 75% in about 5 months.
Activities can go back to normal immediately after Botox injections. The therapeutic effect usually comes after 2-7 days of treatment, and the sweating stops completely after 2 weeks of treatment.
However, the effects of Botox are only temporary, if you want long-term effects, you need to inject in batches when needed. For the underarm area, the treatment effect can last from 4-14 months and about 6 months for the hand or foot area.
After 2 weeks of treatment but the effect of Botox has worn off, you should see your doctor for a follow-up examination to be definitively treated for the missed areas.

4. Botox injection?

Botox injections don't take long. Manipulate the injection just below the surface of the skin forming a mesh pattern around the desired area. After the injection, your doctor may inject numbing medicine or ice to stop the pain.
Once the Botox is done, you can go back to work right away. In addition, your doctor may schedule follow-up visits to check your response to the medication.

5. What to prepare before Botox injection?

Botox injections are a simple and quick procedure that can be performed in the clinic. Doctors usually ask you to avoid shaving your armpits for 2-3 days before the day of the injection. If you are taking blood thinners, your doctor may ask you to stop the medication a few days before the injection to prevent bruising. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, and do not stop taking any unless your doctor tells you to.

6. Risks and side effects of Botox?

Many studies done to evaluate the safety of Botox have shown that they cause few side effects. Some of the more common side effects include:
Pain or bruising at the injection site Headache Flu-like symptoms Eyelid drooping (face injection) Dry or watery eyes (face injection)

Botox injections causing serious side effects are extremely rare, usually occurring within hours, days or weeks after injection and affecting the entire body. Some serious side effects that can occur with Botox injections include:
Whole body muscle weakness Difficulty seeing Shortness of breath Shortness of breath Urinary incontinence Botox is a highly effective method of treating hyperhidrosis. If you choose this treatment method, you should go to reputable medical facilities and specialized clinics to perform.

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Reference source: healthline.com