Do you suffer from excessive sweating? Have you ever been diagnosed with a condition called hyperhidrosis? If so, then you should look into Botox injections as a treatment. Botox is most well known for its cosmetic use in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but also serves medical purposes as well. Botox has been used to treat migraines, jaw pain, overactive bladders, eye spasms, and heavy sweating – a condition otherwise known as hyperhidrosis. The use of Botox is one of the biggest advances in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. This shouldn’t be confused with regular sweat, which we all do. Sweat is the body’s way of regulating our temperature, so sweating during exercise or on a hot day is perfectly normal. However, about 5% of the population (maybe more, since the condition often goes undiagnosed) suffers from hyperhidrosis, where the body sweats more than required to regulate its temperature. There is no known cause; it can affect people of all ages. For some, the sweat accumulates in one area (most commonly under the arms, hands and feet, or forehead), and others may excessively perspire over their entire body.
Hyperhidrosis can drastically affect a person’s quality of life. They may find themselves embarrassed and socially isolated. Excessive perspiration can have a huge effect on a person’s self-esteem.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for a type of injection using neurotoxins, specifically botulinum toxins. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum makes the neurotoxins used in Botox. When injected under the skin, Botox blocks the nerve signals to the muscles in the desired area, temporarily paralyzing them so they cannot contract.
How does Botox work to treat hyperhidrosis?
Since Botox works to block nerve signals, the injections can be placed near the sweat glands, which are the nerve signals responsible for producing too much sweat. After receiving the Botox injections, the overactive nerves in the area are essentially paralyzed. If the nerves can’t tell your body to activate your sweat glands, you won’t sweat. Botox will only work in the specific areas where it is injected, such as the underarms.
How long will treatment take? Are the results permanent?
Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis are quick – probably taking about 10-30 minutes, depending on the individual and the size of the area to be treated. It can take a few days to start seeing a reduction in sweating, and often the results are quite dramatic – around an 80% decrease in sweat production following treatment! The results are not permanent and may last anywhere from six months to a year. Many patients notice that over time, they can go longer between treatments. Since hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, the treatment may be covered or partially covered by your insurance provider.
Botox should only be administered by an experienced medical professional. If you’ve been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis or experience excessive sweating that is affecting your daily life, you may be a good candidate for Botox treatment. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider with any questions you have or book a consultation at EverYoung Skin and Laser Clinic. Our passionate, expert team wants to address your concerns and help you feel more confident in your skin.
