Can BOTOX® Treat Excessive Sweating?

Fall is finally in full swing, and along with it comes back to school season, pumpkin flavored drinks (and more), colorful displays of leaves, Halloween fun, and—of course—cooler weather. While it’s normal to sweat during the warmer months, if you continue to perspire heavily as we transition into chillier days and nights, you may be dealing with hyperhidrosis. The board-certified cosmetic surgeons at West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University offer an effective and long-lasting treatment for this condition: BOTOX®. The St. Louis-based team explains that this popular medication is primarily known for its use on facial wrinkles—like those stubborn elevens and crow’s feet—but that the injectable is capable of  much more.  

This time of the year can be jarring for the skin, as we suddenly transition into colder, drier, and windier weather and spend a lot more time indoors. For many people, one fortunate consequence of the change of seasons is sweating less. People who have hyperhidrosis, however, experience episodes of intense sweating at least once per week, regardless of temperature or activity level.  

Everyone sweats, and this is a natural process that occurs each day whether you’re aware of it or not. It’s normal to sweat due to changes in outside temperature, from exercise, or stressful emotional states. People may have different definitions of what is “abnormal,” but if you’re sweating to the point of feeling self-conscious, or the moisture is negatively affecting your overall quality of life, this could suggest a deeper issue. Hyperhidrosis is a neurological disorder that often results in overactive sweat glands. Millions of people worldwide live with the condition. The hands, soles, underarms, and face are some of the most common areas affected by the condition, as these parts of the body have large concentrations of sweat glands.  

While hyperhidrosis is not life threatening, it often has a negative emotional impact, causing anxiety and embarrassment.  Excess sweat can get in the way of daily life, making it difficult to grip a pen or cup. Adding to that, symptoms may interfere with your social life, romantic relationships, and work goals. Overly moist conditions can make infections and rashes more likely to break out. Hyperhidrosis often reoccurs throughout the lifetime of sufferers, especially when left untreated, but there are safe ways to successfully manage and control symptoms.  

If you have problems with sweating, experts typically recommend trying over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate. If this fails, it may be time to turn to other options. BOTOX® has been approved by the FDA for underarm sweating, and some physicians also use it on the palms.  

BOTOX® has grown incredibly in popularity since it was first introduced to the world as a wrinkle-reducer decades ago, and the relatively low cost, low risk, and minimal downtime associated with the treatment make it convenient for patients who have busy schedules. When injected into facial areas to reduce wrinkles, BOTOX® temporarily relaxes muscles so that the skin appears smooth. It is mainly used for dynamic wrinkles caused by habitual facial expressions, such as elevens and forehead wrinkles. For hyperhidrosis, the process is similar.  

Low doses of the neurotoxin protein paralyze sweat glands by preventing the transmission of the chemical messenger that signals them to secrete sweat. Results may last up to 12 months. It’s always best to do your research and choose a qualified practitioner who is skilled and experienced in effectively administering BOTOX®. 

Injectors typically begin the process by applying a numbing cream. The treatment is generally painless, though some patients experience mild bruising, discomfort, or muscle weakness after a session. When used on the underarms, a sweat reduction of around 90 percent is possible, though some people may need multiple injections to get the best possible results.  

Find out more about hyperhidrosis from St. Louis’ West Count Plastic Surgeons of Washington University. Call (314) 996-8800 or reach out online.