Hyperhidrosis is a problem that causes awkward social situations as it is excessive sweating and is sometimes accompanied by bad odor. Sudoriferous is the name of the sweat glands that produce our sweat.

A Botox injection for hyperhidrosis is injected into the skin and the injection causes temporary blockage for the sympathetic nerves that help in stimulating the unwanted sweat production of the sweat glands.

How is Botox used for hyperhidrosis?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin, which is produced by the anaerobic bacterium clostridium botulinum. It hinders the nerve endings of the motor endplates. Few drops of Botox are injected through a very small needle into the skin of each underarm. This procedure does not hamper normal activity but heavy exercise should be avoided for few hours. Underarm sweating decreases by 90% for the first tow days and full effect can be seen within one week. Sweating at night is also seen to considerable decrease by the use of Botox hyperhidrosis treatment. Odor associated problems might also decrease but this is not permanent. Most patients obtain the benefit of dryness with one treatment of Botox for six to ten months. After that the treatment has to be repeated.

Who is not eligible for Botox administration

Though Botox is very beneficial and effective in profuse sweating control it should not be used on

• Patients are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• People who are allergic to albumin or Botox.
• Patients with neurological disorders.
  

Risks and Complications in Botox treatments

• Botox is not a permanent solution for excessive sweating. After 6-10 months the Botox needs to be reapplied to get the same effect.
• Tiny bruises might appear from injecting the Botox underarm. They take few days for healing.
• In rare cases patients have complained about troubles breathing after having the Botox administered.
• Since it is costly and high price, it may often prove to be hindrance to getting this form of treatment as there is a degree of repetitive treatment involved.
• Botox injection for hyperhidrosis might be painful.
• 10% of patients get flu like symptoms.
• It is possible that the sweating is caused by a thyroid disorder in which case this should be sorted out rather than using Botox which is only masking the problem.
• If some sweat glands are missed in the initial treatment, some sweating from untreated areas may occur.
  

Botox is a viable treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis as long you consult with your doctor and he agrees, although it does require constant application every 6-9 months. It can potentially be expensive, but if antiperspirants are not working and the under arm sweating is severely impacting your quality of life it may be an option to consider.