Sweating is a normal body function, but in some people, it can increase to such an extent that it becomes a cause of embarrassment and interferes with their normal daily routine.
Excessive sweating is not a common medical condition, but it can occur in both men and women affecting their personal hygiene, ruining their clothes and having a strong psychological impact. Hyperhidrosis can be very embarrassing and cause severe problems in social and business interactions especially if it is producing strong odours. The worst thing is that many people live with it without knowing there is an effective treatment option.
Botox treatment for excessive sweating is extremely effective with hyperhidrosis improvement of approximately 70-80% by blocking the release of acetylcholine, which activates the sweat glands. It is important to emphasise that Botox treatment does not cure hyperhidrosis but provides a temporary sweating improvement which can last for 6-12 months. Furthermore, treating one specific area like armpits usually does not trigger compensatory sweating in other parts of the body.
Botox is licensed in the UK for treating hyperhidrosis of the armpits but can also be used for palmar (hands) and plantar (feet) hyperhidrosis.
We normally use numbing cream although the treatment is relatively painless even without the application of the numbing cream. Botulinum toxin is injected superficially with a fine thin needle in a grid pattern into the hair-bearing areas of the axilla. For armpits, 100 units of Botox are usually enough for both armpits. It can take 7-14 days for maximum results.
It is important to avoid massaging the area or putting pressure on the injection site for a few days. All sports activities and deodorant should be avoided on the treatment day as well.
This treatment is very safe and the only side effects that can occur are minor armpit swelling and bruising which vanish within a few days.
