Botox, a neurotoxin widely used to treat facial wrinkles, has also been successfully used to treat armpit sweating for the last few years, and is today the most effective and the most demanded treatment for excessive sweating in any part of the body.
Sweating is normally a very useful physiological process that helps your body to cool down when the ambient temperature is relatively too high. It is also your body’s natural detoxification process, as your body excretes water soluble toxins in the form of sweat through skin. However, sometimes one main area or a few specific areas of your body start to sweat intensely, without any specific reason. This annoying situation is medically called hyperhidrosis, a neurological disorder in which the sweat glands become overactive and the individual begins to sweat 4 to 5 times more than normal. It can affect any part of body, but it occurs mainly in the armpits, hands and feet. This condition can run havoc in the sufferer’s personal, professional and social life, and can significantly shatter a person’s self-confidence.
There are a number of treatment available to treat armpit sweating, from over the counter antiperspirants to oral medications to surgery, but none of them offers as satisfactory and lasting results as does the Botox injection. Botox, brand name for botulinum toxin type A, is an injectable drug that comes into the scene when all other treatments – except surgery – have failed to control the symptoms of severe underarm sweating. The toxin is injected into the skin, at 10 to 15 places, evenly distributed at a distance of at least 1 cm. Botox works by temporarily blocking transmission of nerve impulses that stimulate the sweat glands.
The best thing about this treatment is that it stops sweat production in the areas of the body that have been injected while the rest of the body continues to sweat normally. These injections reduces, and in most cases almost stop, sweat production in the armpits for up to six months. Most people don’t need to use antiperspirants or deodorants completely after getting Botox armpits treatment.
Botox is one of the easiest and safest procedures and rarely causes any potential adverse effects. Some common complaints that have been reported by the individuals include pain, irritation, itching, swelling and/or bruising at the injection site. Other side effects may include headache, neck pain, nausea and asthma like symptoms, but they are quite rare. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms anytime (hours or weeks) after getting Botox in the armpits.
It is pertinent to mention here that the expertise of your clinician play a vital role in determining the safety and effectiveness of Botox treatment, since a slight slip of syringe could cause the toxin to spread in the body.