It can be difficult to know whether you sweat excessively. After all, sweating is a natural way for us to regulate the temperature of our bodies. However, if sweating is affecting your quality of life, such as making you feel embarrassed or wanting to socially isolate, multiple treatments can help prevent it. The medical term for this condition is hyperhidrosis.
The most common areas of the body affected by focal hyperhidrosis are: the head, hands, feet, and underarms.
Click the links below to jump to the relevant section:
- Does Botox stop sweating?
- How does Botox help with sweating?
- Where else can Botox be used to treat excessive sweating?
- How much does Botox for sweating cost?
- Are there any side effects?
- Summary
Does Botox stop sweating?
Sweating straight after the shower? Wish your white shirts lasted longer without sweat stains? Perhaps you’ve already explored different ways to stop sweating too much without success. Don’t worry if you’re quickly running out of ideas as you can use Botox to stop sweating. That’s right! Botox isn’t just used for cosmetic purposes only.
How does Botox help with sweating?
Although Botox isn’t an FDA approved treatment for excessive sweat, you’ll quickly feel the full effect of its benefits. Studies show that Botox treatment reduces underarm sweating (also known as axillary hyperhidrosis) by almost 90%! Odors from excessive armpit sweat caused by bacteria are also significantly reduced as a result of drier armpits. You can expect the same result in other areas of the body too.
So, how does Botox work for excessive sweating?
Botulinum toxin is injected in the area where chemicals signal overactive sweat glands. Botox blocks these chemicals from signaling glands to excrete sweat. Usually this treatment can last up to three months and even up to a year in some cases.
Where else can Botox be used to treat excessive sweating?
Botox for excessive sweating is an effective treatment for all areas of the body. Although where and how you sweat usually indicates a root cause. Before you decide to use Botox for sweating, you should consider the following:
- Do you sweat in a specific location?
We’ve already listed some common areas that are typically caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis. This condition is usually marked by excessive sweating in one, limited area of the body.
- Do you sweat even when you’re not hot?
If you do, there’s no need to worry. Again, this may be a symptom of hyperactive sweat glands. You should still speak to your doctor as they may offer other treatment options.
- Do you sweat excessively as a result of certain triggers?
People sweat when they’re nervous. That’s only natural! However, if you find you’re drenched as a result of nervousness – even with prescription strength treatments already in place – you may need to consider other options.
Although you don’t have to go so far as to remove sweat glands, Botox for excessive sweating is a less intrusive, quicker alternative that’s just as effective a treatment.
- Do you sweat throughout your whole body?
This could be a symptom of other medical reasons. These include: diabetes, menopause and thyroid issues. Treatments such as creams, surgery and even Botox, will alleviate excessive sweating but will not treat the root cause.
Sweating all over your body could be secondary hyperhidrosis.
Regardless of how much you sweat or where, we recommend that you consult a medical professional before choosing a treatment option.
How much does Botox for sweating cost?
The cost of Botox treatment depends on several factors, including:
- Where you live
- The clinic you visit
- How many areas of your body need Botox treatment
- Your medical insurance policy
For example, treatment for underarm sweating costs around $1,000 for 25 injections to both armpits. Your insurance company may cover all or parts of your treatment when you’ve got a diagnosis for hyperhidrosis and if you’ve tried other treatments without success.
Are there any side effects?
Botox treatment usually has some side effects that are perfectly normal and fade away after a couple of days. Some of the most common include:
- Sweating in sites other than armpits
- Swelling
- Stinging and pain in the injection site
- Headaches
- Hot flushes
Less common symptoms include:
- Pain in armpits
- Joint stiffness
- Nausea
- Itching
- Temporary muscle pain and weakness
If you experience any of these, they’re completely normal but if they last more than a few days, we would recommend contacting your doctor.
In Summary
Botox is an effective, quick and safe treatment for excessive sweating. It provides quick relief for people who feel embarrassed by something that should feel natural (and those white shirts will last longer!). People usually see improvements within three days of treatment.
Interested in Botox treatment or still unsure? Don’t worry! We’ll be glad to help out either way. Give us a call today for help and advice from one of our friendly team members.
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