Botox® Therapy for Hyperhidrosis

Treatable Conditions:
Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating that occurs in up to 1% of the population. The excessive sweating can occur in the hands, in the armpits, or in the feet. Although nobody understands the exact cause of this excessive sweating in specific individuals, it is known that the sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.

Patients with hyperhidrosis have excessive sweating that hampers their activities of daily living. It is sometimes brought on by stress, emotion, or exercise, but can also occur spontaneously.

Can Botox® Treatment Help Those With Hyperhidrosis?

Botox® is FDA-approved for severe underarm sweating when topical agents don't work. Botox® helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops.

What is Treatment with Botox® Like?

The procedure is relatively straightforward. A small volume of Botox® solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin, so you may experience some injection-related discomfort. You will receive multiple injections based on your doctor's assessment of the area that needs to be treated.

What Should I Expect After I Have Received Botox®?

You should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within four weeks of your first treatment. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed, and you may continue to experience some sweating from untreated areas. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should follow up with the doctor.

How Long Does a Botox® Treatment Last?

In a recent clinical study, the median duration of response in Botox® patients was 201 days or 6.7 months. It is not a cure: your symptoms will return gradually, and you will know when the time is right for another treatment.