The Popular Injectable That Can Treat Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a disconcerting medical condition that causes the body to produce excessive sweat. It happens when the sweat glands in the body overwork, causing you to sweat in unnecessary situations.

When hanging out with friends or at an important meeting, you don't want sweat stains on your shirt or dripping for no reason. But what can you do for hyperhidrosis to appease the symptoms?

Botox® isn't just for wrinkles and fine lines anymore; it's one of the best treatments for hyperhidrosis. The popular injectable medication temporarily stops excessive sweating, allowing you to regain self-confidence.

At the Dermatology Center of Worcester, Dr. Camille I. Roberts offers Botox for various conditions, including hyperhidrosis. Dr. Roberts is an experienced dermatologist offering cutting-edge treatments for different skin conditions.

The facts on hyperhidrosis

Sweating is a necessary action the body requires for temperature regulation. For example, when you're hot, your body's sweat glands initiate sweating to cool your body down to prevent overheating.

However, when you sweat in cold weather or for no reason at all, you may have a condition known as hyperhidrosis.

For no apparent reason, people with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively. It happens when the sweat glands overproduce sweat, even when you're not at risk for overheating.

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that can be embarrassing at times. If you sweat a lot, you could be dealing with one of the two forms of the condition.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic, genetic skin problem that you inherit from your family. It's the most common form of hyperhidrosis affecting the feet, hands, armpits, and face.

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis happens as the result of a disease or medication. People with Parkinson's disease and diabetes are at risk for this form of the condition.

Understanding Botox

Botox injections originate from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The toxin forms from the bacteria, although the injection contains a safe, purified form of the toxin.

Most people know Botox as the injection that smooths out wrinkles and fine lines to produce a more youthful appearance – but it's much more than that.

The FDA originally approved Botox injections in 1989 for two eye disorders. Still, it's since gained approval for various other conditions, including:

• Frown lines
• Wrinkles
• Neck spasms
• Lazy eye
• Migraines
• Overactive bladder

In 2004, the FDA approved Botox as the primary form of hyperhidrosis that causes excessive underarm sweating. Patients who can't appease sweating with antiperspirants alone are candidates for the injection.

How does Botox stop excessive sweating?

Botox is an excellent option if you've tried everything to deal with excessive sweating but can't control it.

Botox works for hyperhidrosis by blocking acetylcholine from initiating the sweat glands. Acetylcholine is the chemical that stimulates the sweat glands to produce sweat.

Botox temporarily blocks the chemical from getting to the sweat glands, resulting in less perspiration in the treated areas.

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, Botox injections for underarm sweating lead to an 82 to 87% decrease in sweating. You notice the effect of the injection within a few days, with optimal results in two weeks.

One injection can last up to a year for some regions of hyperhidrosis. You may need repeat injections at this time to continue to suppress excess sweating.

Dr. Roberts treats various areas with Botox, including the hands, feet, face, head, and armpits with Botox for hyperhidrosis.

To schedule an appointment for hyperhidrosis treatment, call the office in Worcester today at 508-452-2702 or request a consultation on the website.