Botox injections for Hyperhidrosis - Do they stop the sweat?

Have you heard the latest? People are injecting a chemical found in rotten chicken with salmonella poisoning into their armpits to stop hyperhidrosis!

Although this over-simplification may seem hard to believe, it’s not much different than taking penicillin, which is made from the extracts of moldy bread. Of course, both of these treatments are done by a physician using sterile and safe compounds.

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe excessive sweating or extreme sweating in an individual, in certain parts of the person’s body. This affliction affects 3%-5% of the population to a degree than makes normal life nearly unbearable, and may affect up to 50% of the population to a point that makes certain daily interactions not only difficult, but embarrassing.

How does Botox work?
Botox works in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating) by injecting the liquid under the skin in the armpit which blocks the body’s release of acetylcholine, which is a natural chemical produced in the body that stimulates sweat production. Sometimes patients will need more than one injection if the needle misses the targeted area.

Botox is used to treat multiple skin functions like perspiration, wrinkles or hair growth. It works by blocking the nerve endings in the sympathetic nervous system that controls how much sweat is produced. Only about 22 countries approve the use of Botox to combat severe sweating in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, due to the side effects which can be dangerous and unpleasant.

What are the side effects of Botox?
10% of patients experience flu-like symptoms, fever, inflammation of the throat and headache, pain and mild bruising. Some patients report respiratory trouble, although rare. Before using Botox, patients must undergo a Physician’s examination and evaluation to determine if it will be safe. Breastfeeding or pregnant women should not use Botox. You may be able to get insurance reimbursement for Botox injections.

Perhaps the worst side effect from Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis is compensatory sweating. This is where the body will stop producing sweat in a certain area (like the underarms), but it will then transfer the output of sweat to another spot on the body. Often the thighs or back will begin to sweat uncontrollably.

The upside to Botox injections is that the patient may realize relief for up to 6-9 months before needing another injection.

Is Botox a cure for sweating?
The short answer is no. Because of the need for repeated injections for the rest of your life, Botox is a treatment (not a cure), just like deodorants and antiperspirants.

Does Botox cure sweating on other parts of the body?
Palmar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (sweating of the feet) are not approved for the use of Botox to stop sweating.

What’s the alternative to Botox?
Over the counter deodorants and antiperspirants may not do enough to stop your sweating – especially if you have severe or extreme sweating. Patients should try a prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Deodorant which is made to an exacting standard in Europe. These “super deodorants” are much more powerful than the mass produced ones made in the USA. It may take about a week of use for these products the become 100% effective.

Natural remedies are always another option, but these rarely work well for people who sweat a lot.

Another alternative is Surgery (lumbar sympathectomy), which of course, can be risky.

The game plan:
For those who suffer from sever odor and wetness, they should start with a natural remedy or a regular over-the-counter deodorant or deodorant/antiperspirant first. If these don’t work, they should try a stronger prescription strength antiperspirant like Klima Antiperspirant. If this doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about botox. If botox doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about iontophoresis (electrical pulse therapy). And finally, if iontophoresis doesn't work, they may want to discuss surgery.