Excessive Sweating

Axillary hyperhidrosis and Botox

Axillary hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating that occurs in the underarm region.  Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can affect many different body parts including the underarms.  When a person has hyperhidrosis, they tend to perspire at abnormal rates.  The sweating occurs usually without any external factors such as temperature or exercise.

People who have abnormal sweating patterns often suffer side effects from many social and physical problems.  Socially, axillary hyperhidrosis may cause smells or stains on clothing, as well as psychological trauma for the sufferer.  Anxiety may worsen axillary hyperhidrosis.

Recently, the FDA approved Botox A injections to stem axillary hyperhidrosis.  This means that many insurance carriers will now pay for Botox A injections to prevent excessive sweating.  Botox is a safe and fast acting agent that is given intravenously to patients in a quick and virtually painless office setting.

Typically, Botox injections for axillary hyperhidrosis occur every 6 to 8 months.  The injections are given directly into the underarm area.  Although some 15-20 injections are typically given in each treatment, with proper anesthesia the treatment is virtually painless.

Botox is a type of botulinum, a poison.  If ingested in large amounts, Botulinum can cause serious side effects, even death.  Botox injections consist of such a small amount, however, that very serious side effects cannot possibly occur.  The only side effects you will have is a slight pinch from the injection, but this is usually overcome with a topical anesthetic.

Botox works by blocking the release of certain chemicals that cause muscle contractions.  Botox injections also block the contractions and stimulation of the sweat glands.  In persons with axillary hyperhidrosis, the blockage of the overactive sweat glands produces a cessation of excessive perspiration.  Botox injections usually take a couple of days to start working, but once they do the sweating is dramatically reduced.
 
Axillary hyperhidrosis stops for 8-13 months after the injections.  Another visit to your doctor and more Botox injections will help stop the sweating once it begins again.