Medically reviewed by Jennifer Wong, DO
Everybody sweats, however sweating past regular quantities, referred to as hyperhidrosis, may be irritating and embarrassing. If it looks as if no quantity of antiperspirant can preserve your armpits dry, or you have got a sweaty face or head even when it’s not that sizzling out and also you’re not exercising, you’re in all probability questioning methods to cease extreme sweating. Botox is a hyperhidrosis remedy to contemplate.
Sure, the favored wrinkle remedy can scale back extreme armpit sweating and even sweating from different components of the physique. When you’re inquisitive about Botox for sweating, learn on for solutions to widespread questions medical doctors hear from sufferers who’re within the process.
How does Botox for hyperhidrosis work?
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections scale back sweating by paralyzing the nerves that activate your sweat glands.
When your physique temperature rises, the nervous system tells the glands to launch sweat, which cools you down. It’s a wholesome and needed course of, however in individuals with hyperhidrosis, these nerves are overactive, inflicting sweating that soaks components of the physique.
Why do my armpits sweat a lot?
The reason for extreme sweating depends upon the kind of hyperhidrosis you have got. Main hyperhidrosis, which begins in childhood and will get worse within the teen years, is genetic. Secondary hyperhidrosis may be attributable to sure illnesses (together with diabetes, neurologic syndromes, gout and alcoholism), sure medicines (together with some antidepressants, corticosteroids and opioid ache relievers) and menopause.
What different sweaty components of the physique may be handled with Botox?
Whereas the underarms are a preferred goal—and the one space for which Botox is FDA-approved to deal with hyperhidrosis—you may get Botox for sweaty arms, Botox for face sweating and Botox for extreme sweating of the toes, the top and the underside of the breasts.
How efficient is Botox for sweating?
For extreme armpit sweating, Botox is very efficient. One research confirmed a virtually 90% lower in sweat two weeks after remedy in individuals with major hyperhidrosis, and a lower of about 65% at 24 weeks.
Research evaluating how properly Botox works on different physique components are restricted, however one investigation discovered a 90% lower in sweating of the palms (major palmar hyperhidrosis). In a research in teenagers with excessively sweaty toes (juvenile plantar hyperhidrosis), 73% of contributors stated they had been happy with the outcomes.
What to anticipate when getting Botox for sweating
Botox remedy is fast. Injecting the underarms, for instance, may be carried out in as little as 10 minutes. It doesn’t take lengthy to see outcomes, both. Most individuals discover a distinction in extreme sweating 4 to 5 days after remedy, and the complete results are seen in about two weeks.
Although many Botox injections are required in a session—about 25 injections in every armpit, for instance—the needles used are tiny. Some individuals don’t really feel them. Others expertise a light rubber-band-snap sensation. You might really feel extra discomfort when you have Botox injections in your palms or the soles of your toes.
Are there security issues?
Botox for extreme sweating is taken into account usually secure when the injections are given by a licensed healthcare skilled. Uncomfortable side effects could embrace ache or bruising on the injection web site, pores and skin irritation, bleeding, headache and flu signs. Botox injections within the face can probably trigger eye dryness and short-term eyelid drooping or facial paralysis.
Very hardly ever, Botox could cause hassle respiratory or seeing, lack of bladder management or muscle weak spot all through the physique. Search instant medical assist when you expertise any severe unwanted side effects.
How lengthy does Botox for hyperhidrosis final?
The results sometimes final at the very least 4 to 6 months and generally as much as a yr, progressively reducing over time. When extreme sweating returns, you’ll be able to return to your dermatologist for one more spherical of remedy.
Written by Jessica Brown, a well being and science author/editor primarily based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention journal, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and plenty of different shops.