Excessive sweating can be unpleasant. Affected patients can suffer emotional and physical discomfort. This may result in stigmatization and depression. Emotional sweating particularly affects the palms, soles and occasionally the underarms. As such, this type of sweating typically does not happen during sleep or sedation. Therefore, it may require more targeted intervention. Botox for excessive sweating is an effective treatment.
How does Botox work for excessive sweating?
Botulinum toxin injection acts as a neurotoxin to block the excess stimulation of sweat glands. Thereby reducing the production of sweat. Several scientific studies have shown this to be effective in the treatment of excessive sweating in all patients.
Who benefits from treatment?
Patients with severe symptoms with a severity scale of 3 or 4 benefit the most from treatment. Although, the level of discomfort and distress for each patient will vary. Patients with emotional sweating are good candidates for treatment.
(Adapted from the hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale Study)
What areas can be treated?
Typical areas that can be affected include: the underarms, palms, and the groin. Botulinum toxin injection provides safe and effective treatment for troublesome sweating. Injection can provide long lasting results compared with other surface skin treatments. At the same time, it avoids invasive surgical treatments. The effect of Botox injections can last six to nine months on average and is associated with a high satisfaction rate.
How is the treatment performed?
To maximize the effectiveness of this treatment it is important that the overactive sweat glands are identified. Thereby, the toxin injection can be concentrated on the affected areas. This results in minimal waste and maximal effectiveness.
Iodine solution is applied to the affected areas. Then, starch is applied over the iodine solution. A dark violet color will highlight areas of hyperactive sweat glands. Injection sites tend to be quite painful. As such, numbing cream is applied over the affected areas. Then, Botox injection is concentrated around the most active sites.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
Following the injection, you will notice the difference after about a week. Improvement will continue over a 4-week period.
How long does the treatment last?
Effects of treatment can last up to 6 months in most cases, although the range is between 3 to 9 months.