BOTOX FOR EXCESSIVE SWEATING
If you sweat excessively, you may be one of the 1-2% of the population that suffers from an embarrassing but very real disorder called hyperhidrosis. This is one of many options for excess sweating. We use it to treat underarms, palms, the soles of your feet and even the forehead.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of involuntary excessive sweating which typically involves the armpits (axilla), palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the groin, and the face. Not all individuals have excessive sweating in all these areas, but many do have a positive family history of hyperhidrosis. It is particularly discomforting to have excessive sweating of the armpits and the palms because of social interactions. Injectable sweat blockers are an effective treatment for this condition.
Botox therapeutic is indicated for the treatment of excessive sweating, otherwise known as Hyperhidrosis. A primary diagnosis of hyperhidrosis should be made only after excluding secondary causes of excessive sweating such as hyperthyroidism. This is critical to avoiding symptomatic treatment of hyperhidrosis without the diagnosis and/or treatment of the underlying diseases. For this reason, patients with excess sweating should be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist, who is a specialist of all skin related conditions.
Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a medical condition described as: sweating beyond what is necessary to cool the body. The most common areas affected are the hands, feet, groin, face and underarms.
Hyperhidrosis may be diagnosed by focal, visible, excessive sweating of at least 6 months’ duration without apparent cause with at least 2 of the following characteristics:
- Bilateral and relatively symmetric
- Impairs daily activities
- Score of 3 or 4 on Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS)
- Age of onset less than 25 years
- Positive family history
- Cessation of focal sweating during sleep
In order to assess the appropriate dosage to treat hyperhidrosis, a Minor’s starch iodine test is applied to the affected area (i.e. underarms, palms etc.). After the test is applied, the area of sweating is visible, as well as the severity of the sweating, which can guide the dosage required. Usually men require higher doses than do women.
Once Botox therapeutic is injected directly into the sweat glands, they help to temporarily inhibit nerve impulses that cause excessive sweating in the body.
Dr.Nield treats many patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis with injection sweat blockers and treatment is very effective, with results lasting between seven to twelve months.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can have a serious impact on self-confidence, personal relationships and even career success. Today’s treatments offer hope. Innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches allow you to specifically treat the affected area painlessly and easily.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Without proper treatment, Hyperhidrosis can have a great impact on a sufferer’s quality of life.
While not a dangerous disorder, Hyperhidrosis is unpleasant and inconvenient. Fortunately, doctors are now learning much more about this condition and how to manage it.
According to Canadian statistics, it is estimated that up to 2 per cent of the Canadian population suffers from excess sweating in a particular area of the body.
There are two types of Hyperhidrosis.
1) Focal Hyperhidrosis or Primary Hyperhidrosis affects local areas such as the underarms, palms, feet and face. It is caused by a malfunction within the sympathetic nervous system that causes an over- stimulation of the nerve to release a chemical called acetylcholine which over-activates the eccrine sweat gland to produce more sweat.
2) Generalized Hyperhidrosis or Secondary Hyperhidrosis usually affects the entire body. It is caused by other conditions such as menopause, metabolic disorders, obesity, neurological disorders, drugs, or even infections.
When sweating occurs in certain places only, it is known as focal hyperhidrosis. Most often, focal hyperhidrosis affects the palms, soles of the feet, underarm and face. Underarm sweating is by far the most common with over 50% of the reported cases. When sweating occurs over the entire body, it is known as generalized hyperhidrosis, but this is less common.
Yes. There are a number of treatment options available to manage Hyperhidrosis. These range from topical preparations to surgery.
The most common ways to treat Hyperhidrosis are:
- Local injections of Botox therapeutic: interrupting the signal from the nerve to the sweat glands.
- Topical antiperspirant treatments: They temporarily plug the sweat ducts to stop sweat from being released. The active ingredient is aluminium chloride.
- Oral medication treatments: Treat the underlying conditions that trigger secondary hyperhidrosis.
- Iontophoresis: consists of an application of a safe, low-intensity electric current to the affected areas. Home treatments are available.
- Surgery: severing the nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands or removing the sweat glands.
It’s important to realize there is no single “right” way to treat Hyperhidrosis. Everyone is different. If you have Hyperhidrosis, you and your doctor need to discuss the option that best suits your situation. Where your hyperhidrosis occurs and how bothersome it is are all factors that have to be considered before choosing a treatment.
A consultation with Dr. Nield, who as a dermatologist, is a sweat management specialist, will help you determine the best treatment option for you.
Yes, if you are over age 18 and Dr. Nield has examined you and found you to be in otherwise good health with no underlying reasons for the excess sweating. Please feel free to call for a consult with Dr. Nield to see if this treatment is right for you.
Dr. Nield will perform a Minor starch iodine test to determine the location of the sweat and the amount of injectable needed. Multiple tiny needle pricks will be made during the treatment, which takes less than 15 minutes.
The reduction of sweat may begin within 1 to 2 weeks and can last for 7 to 12 months.
Hyperhidrosis treatment is an area of expertise, and proper diagnosis is required to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment.
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