Botox for excess sweating (hyperhidrosis)

16/03/21

Google review:

“I initially went to see Dr K for help with excessive underarm sweating. She suggested having Botox injections. The results have been amazing not only does it stop my armpits perspiring it has also helped with my anxiety issues and made me feel much more confident.
Thanks Dr Maeve x”

  

What is hyperhidrosis?

This is the name given to excessive sweating. As much as 1-3% of the population have it. It commonly occurs in the under arm area, palms of hands, soles of feet, forehead and the top lip. It can be exacerbated by exercise, fever, anxiety and of course hot weather. There are many causes including a genetic pre disposition to the condition.

 

What are the treatments of excessive sweating?

Unfortunately many people are very embarrassed by this condition. This can sometimes lead to people avoiding social occasions, restricting their choice of clothing and it can interfere with daily activities. Sometimes the fear of sweating can lead to more anxiety and therefor more perspiration, so it becomes a vicious cycle. 

There are simple measures like wearing loose fitting and stain resistant clothing. Avoid caffeinated drinks and use long acting antiperspirants.

An aluminium chloride deodorant called Driclor can be helpful if applied at night for 2 or 3 times a week on the areas of the body that is affected. It is available in most chemists. However some patients develop a dermatitis or itchy rash with this. 

Prescription medications taken daily by mouth can be used to reduce your body's production of sweat. The “anticholinergic” varieties have possible side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and bladder problems. Sometimes small doses of antidepressants are also used to control sweating and can often help with any background anxiety. If this is something you want to explore please discuss this with your GP.

Botulinum toxin (Botox, Azzalure, Bocouture) injections can be extremely effective with minimal side effects. When injected into the skin the toxin blocks the nerves that cause sweating. These injections are very tolerable . The results often last 6 months and beyond.

Surgery is an option if all other methods have failed to control the symptoms. However, this is a very risky procedure and only performed in tertiary referral hospitals because of the risks and complexity of the surgery involved.

 

Does Botox in the armpits hurt?

Injections under the arms and in the forehead often do not require numbing cream. If Botox is injected into the palms of the hands or soles of the feet local aesthetic will always be used. If injected into the palms the risk is reduced hand dexterity. 

 

How long does Botox last if used to treat sweating?

People vary a lot. I have some people who attend in Spring and summer once a year and I have other patients who request a top up every 6 months. Everyone is different. It has certainly been my experience the longer someone has repeat sessions the more likely that the sweating takes longer and longer to reappear between treatments.

 

How much does Botox cost for under arm sweating?

It depends. Most people require just 1 sessions to "get on top of the sweating", others require 2 sessions. Here is the link to my prices for this treatment here

The improvement that adequate treatment has to some people’s quality of life is immeasurable. So don’t suffer in silence!  

Come and visit me in my private, relaxing and Covid secure clinic, when restrictions allow. I’m situated in the beautiful Welsh countryside between Chester and Wrexham in a village called Burton. Visit my website contact me page to view availability, or simply click here to book in.