Botox Isn’t Just for Wrinkles Anymore

Botox is best known, of course, for smoothing out facial wrinkles. Few people realize, however, that it’s also used to treat several medical conditions, including cervical dystonia (pain and muscle spasms in the neck) and strabismus (crossed eyes).

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for the treatment of severe underarm (axillary) hyperhidrosis. Research has shown it to be effective in reducing excessive sweating of the hands, feet, and face as well.

How Botox Reduces Sweating

The main ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin A, a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Injections of the botulinum toxin alleviate sweating by blocking the chemical signals from nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. The effect is temporary, but it can be very effective.

Well-Studied

Botox is the most studied of all treatments for focal hyperhidrosis. One large randomized trial (the gold standard of medical studies) found, for example, that people who underwent Botox treatment for underarm (axillary) hyperhidrosis experienced a 95 percent improvement in their symptoms after only one week. And the improvements lasted for an average of 7 months.

Another randomized trial found that Botox reduced hand (palmar) hyperhidrosis in 90 percent of the people treated. Those results lasted for 4 to 6 months for most of the patients.

The Treatment

Botox treatments for focal hyperhidrosis take only about 10 to 15 minutes. Using a very fine needle, your physician will make about 15 injections of the Botox into each underarm. Injections into the palms or soles of the feet can be painful, so you will be given a topical anesthetic for those treatments.

Side effects from Botox treatments are minimal, but may include soreness and swelling at the injection sites. Less common side effects include dry mouth, headaches, and vision problems. Be sure to report any unusual or discomforting side effects to your physician.

Results – Does Botox Work?

You should start to see the effects of the treatment (reduced sweating) within 4 weeks. Treatments last up to 7 months. You’ll need to continue the treatments to maintain dryness.

Be sure to seek care from a physician who has received special training in administering Botox for hyperhidrosis. Targeting sweat glands requires different knowledge and skill than targeting facial muscles.