Introduction
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating can be a debilitating medical condition. Though some people manage it with over-the-counter antiperspirants, medications, or even lifestyle changes, these strategies may not always work for more severe cases. For the past several years, Botox has proven to be a reliable treatment for hyperhidrosis, with patients reporting long-lasting effects.
This article goes over the main causes of hyperhidrosis, the science of Botox treatment, the procedure itself, its pros and cons, and everything patients need to know before and after treatment.
What You Should Know About Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats beyond necessary limits. Areas of the body that can sweat include the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, face and the scalp.
Hyperhidrosis is classified into two main types:
Primary focus hyperhidrosis – It is the most common type of the condition and is often diagnosed in children or adolescents. Excessive sweating in this type is thought to be caused by overactive nerves that stimulate sweat glands, although the exact reason is still unknown.
Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis – This type of cooling dysfunction occurs due to underlying medical issues like diabetes, thyroid malfunctions, infections, or medication side effects. Unlike primary hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis can come later in life and makes its victims look extremely overweight as nearly their entire body starts sweating.
People whose daily living, work, and social activities are significantly close to impossible due to hyperhidrosis may find medical treatments like Botox injections useful and relieving.
How Botox Works for Hyperhidrosis
Most people know Botox (botulinum toxin type A) as a wrinkle filling shot, but it has multiple applications in medicine besides cosmetics and hyperhidrosis treatment. Botox was not initially designed to deal with cosmetic problems, but it has been found to help mask them.
In these cases, it literally freezes the muscle, so it cannot receive nerve stimuli that trigger sweating.
In those suffering from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is a result of multiplied nerve impulses overworking the sweat glands. While injecting Botox to the problem areas, Botox blocks release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine which triggers sweating. So the treated sweat glands lower their activity to conserve energy. As a result, there is less sweating.
Botox is known to remedy the following conditions:
Sugery sweating under the arms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
Easy sweating of the hands (palmar sweating)
Excessive sweating of the feet (plantar sweating)
Sweating on the face, especially on the forehead and scalp
How the Botox Treatment Works
Consultation and Assessment
Prior to having Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis, patients will need to consult with a medical practitioner that specializes in the particular treatment. During this consultation, the practitioner will evaluate the degree of the problem, review the patient’s medical history, and assess possible contraindications.
A starch-iodine test may be conducted to determine which areas require treatment. This test involves applying iodine to the problematic area and then starch is sprinkled over it. Any regions showing abnormal sweating will become bluish black which enables the practitioner to locate the appropriate injection sites.
The Injection Procedure
Treatment of hyperhidrosis with Botox injections is fast and easy. It usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The steps involved are:
Cleaning the area – The targeted area is treated with an antiseptic liquid to lower the chances of infection.
Marking injection points – The doctor will most likely draw a grid on the skin to guarantee the proper amount of Botox is injected at the required sites.
Use of optional numbing cream – Botox injection patients often tolerate the procedure without any complication, but numbing cream or ice pack may be required for sensitive regions such as the palms and soles.
How Botox is injected – For Botox injections, a needle circulates precise quantities of the medicine under the skin using a fine needle. Each area will need to be injected multiple times to ensure all portions are included.
Post-procedure care – Post-procedure care also involves the patient not rubbing the treated region and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after the procedure.
Expected Results – Effectiveness Ratio
Most patients report noticing a reduction in sweating within a few days, while the maximum effect becomes noticeable two weeks later. The results usually stay for four to six months before repeat treatments are required to maintain results.
Research suggests sweat reduction of about 80–90% for people with hyperhidrosis illustrate how effective Botox treatment is. Patients suffering with underarm sweating feel a noticeable shift in comfort and confidence. Patients with plantar or palmar hyperhidrosis report better grip strength, leading to less feelings of embarrassment in social or professional interactions.
Benefits of Using Botox for Treating Hyperhidrosis
Highly effective – Botox gives incredible relief to those who have not had success with antiperspirants or other medications.
Minimally invasive – Unlike surgical interventions, Botox does not require cuts to the skin, which decreases the chances of complications and the time needed to heal.
Quick procedure – It is done in the office and lasts under an hour with no recovery period.
Long-lasting results – Most patients expect several dry months before needing to receive a follow-up treatment.
Improved quality of life – Botox provides additional comfort in day-to-day activities, improves self-esteem, and reduces the need to constantly change clothes.
Potential Risks and Limitations
While Botox is considered safe and tolerable, some patients may have mild side effects that include:
Soreness or bruising of the skin at the injection site
Some muscle weakness in the injection area (most common with palm injections)
Mild flu-like symptoms (rare)
Compensatory sweating in other parts of the body (not treated with Botox)
Botox does not provide a cure so repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the effects. The price of repeat injections may also be a concern for some patients.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Botox Treatment?
Ideal candidates for Botox treatment are people who:
Have been diagnosed with primary focal hyperhidrosis
Have failed to respond to prescription antiperspirants
Do not wish to undergo surgery
Do not suffer from contraindications such as a few muscular or neurological disorders
Those with secondary hyperhidrosis will need to manage the underlying issue first, since medical treatment may solve the excessive sweating before Botox is needed.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most patients can start their routine activities immediately after the Botox injections. Still, there are some post-treatment instructions that should be followed for good results:
For the first 24 hours, do not rub or massage the area that has been treated too much.
Avoid hot baths, heavy exercises, and saunas for a couple of days.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid using harsh products to aid in skin recovery.
If any side effects occur, they are usually mild and short-lasting, typically fading away within a few days. Follow up with the provider if any unusual symptoms are noted.
Alternatives to Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Although Botox is very effective, there are other ways to treat hyperhidrosis:
Stronger prescription-antiperspirants – These contain aluminum chloride and are the most common first treatment.
Medication through mouth – Anticholinergic drugs lessen sweating, but may lead to dry mouths, dizziness or blurred vision.
Iontophoresis – A treatment that helps with excessive sweating of palms and feet by sending electrical currents through the skin.
MiraDry – A treatment done without any cuts or scissors to the body. It uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands of the armpits.
Surgery – In extreme cases, procedures like endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) may be done. This type of surgery is usually avoided due to complications it may cause.
Conclusion
Botox treatment has changed the face of hyperhidrosis management due to the safety and ease in the treatment of excessive sweating. While the Botox is in effect, the sweat gland activity is temporarily blocked which means relief from the sweating for months is guaranteed. This enhances comfort and also boosts self-esteem.
Consulting a qualified practitioner for those who have hyperhidrosis can determine how effective Botox treatment will be. The procedure has little downtime and displays great results so using Botox treatment becomes the go-to for excessive sweating, making a better version of oneself healthier and happier.
