What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term meaning excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is a result of over activity of sweat glands due to the sympathetic nervous system in specific areas of the body. Whereas normal sweating helps regulate body’s temperature, sweating in hyperhidrosis exceeds the body’s need for physiological thermal regulation.
An estimated 2-3% of Americans are afflicted with the problem of excessive sweating of the underarms or of the palms and soles of the feet. Underarm problems tend to start in late adolescence, while palm and sole sweating often begins earlier, around the age 13 (on the average). Untreated, these problems may continue throughout life.
Botulinum toxin type A is FDA approved to treat excessive sweating in patients who do not respond to antiperspirants. Botox can be used to temporarily block the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. A decrease in sweating is noted after the injections in less than 3 days. Sweat production continues elsewhere in the body except for the injected area. A repeat treatment is required every 6-9 months.
Who are good candidates for “No Sweat” BOTOX?
- People with problem underarm sweating;
- People working close to others such as hairstylists, nurses, dentists and hygienists;
- People working in close quarters such as flight attendants, pilots and surgeons;
- People working in hot conditions such as models, television newscasters and chefs;
- People making public presentations such as executives, attorneys and salesmen; and
- People who have ruined their clothes on special occasions such as weddings.
What is the Treatment for Hyperhidrosis?
Fifty (50) units of Botox are injected into roughly 20 spots in each armpit. This may produce approximately six to nine months of relief from sweating. The injections are uncomfortable, but use of a very small injection needle makes them tolerable.
