Botox As An Excessive Sweating Treatment

Since the FDA approved the use of Botox (botulinum toxin A) to treat axillary hyperhidrosis in 2004, the excessive sweating treatment has gone a long way to improving the quality of life for people suffering from uncontrolled and excessive underarm sweating. The use of Botox was created as an alternative for those patients unable to get relief from prescription strength antiperspirants.

This use for Botox, as an excessive sweating treatment, was considered very late. Prior to 2004, botulinum toxin A had been used to treat spasticity and movement disorders for well over a decade. Outside the U.S., Botox had already been in use as a treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in approximately twenty countries before it received FDA approval.

The symptoms are relieved to the administration of local injections of Botox. While it is mostly used to reduce sweating at armpits, Botox has show promise as an excessive sweating treatment for the face, hands, and feet. Clinical trials have produced promising results. Those who have received injections may expect relief for up to seven months.

Botulinum toxin A is natural purified protein that can manipulate and temporary stop the functioning of the body's sweat glands. By blocking or stopping the chemical transmitter, Botox is provides relief to the area injected.

If you want to use Botox as an excessive sweating treatment, you should understand that it is procedure that requires a level of precision only available through qualified physicians. More importantly, the attending physician should be qualified to administer this treatment properly. It is recommended that you should seek out physicians affiliated with the International Hyperhidrosis Society or who have attended the society's instructional forums.

Botox injections intended for excessive sweating treatment can be performed in the privacy of the physician's office. Little time is needed to receive the injections and you will not have to make significant changes or restrictions to your normal activities.

When getting the treatment, a tiny needle is used to insert small amount of Botox beneath the skin at the site of the sweat glands that are producing excess perspiration. Normally, you will receive multiple injections at the problem site depending on the view of the physician. Botox injections can cause pain, especially when you receive them in the palms or the soles of the feet. Doctors may provide some form of anesthetic to alleviate the discomfort.

It is important to understand that Botox does not cure excessive sweating but merely treats the condition. The symptoms will return, given enough time. If you want continued relief from symptoms you will need to receive follow-up injection for excessive sweating treatment. The timetable for this may vary from person to person, but typically, you should expect the need for further excessive sweating treatment between seven and sixteen months.