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If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, your life is driven by ways to treat, hide, or manage the symptoms associated with it. Apart from the obvious physical inconveniences, your condition may also produce feelings of embarrassment and social anxiety. Many people seek out new solutions after trying the least invasive options, like clinical strength antiperspirants and lifestyle changes, to no avail.
After a while, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to stop the nonstop production of sweat you encounter daily. Your saving grace may be a treatment most commonly known for smoothing out wrinkles… Botox.
You’ve most likely heard of Botox in the context of the cosmetic world, famous for treating wrinkles and temporarily defying age. Botox injections can also be used as a medical treatment for several conditions including excessive sweating. In action, Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals which activate sweat glands, effectively ‘turning off’ sweating in the area it is injected.
To elaborate, nerves trigger sweat glands when the body temperature increases as a means to cool down. But, for people with hyperhidrosis, these nerves are overactive, running on overtime. With treatment, a shallow Botox injection is made in the area of concern. This effectively paralyzes the overactive nerves and stops the excessive sweating.
The most common and widely approved Botox for sweating treatment is in the armpits. The International Hyperhidrosis Society reports that Botox can decrease sweating by 82-87% when used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits). It also notes that repeated treatment of Botox for hyperhidrosis often “results in meaningful, long-lasting improvements in an excessive sweating patient’s symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life.”
Considering the same logic, research shows promising results of Botox treatments for other areas of the body including the face and hands. There is also research on the potential for treating the soles of the feet, though some studies show it is not as effective on feet as other areas of the body.
The procedure is quick and relatively painless. Some have compared it to the kind of sensation you feel when plucking your eyebrows.
Botox blocks the nerve signals that activate sweat glands, effectively ‘turning off’ sweating.
When it comes to the cost of Botox for hyperhidrosis, there are some variables to consider: where you live, the area of your body in need, and how many injections are needed. For injections in both armpits, a starting cost may likely be around $1,000.
The good news is that Botox for excessive sweating may be covered by insurance. Depending on your coverage and/or policy, your insurance company may cover some or all of the cost. The coverage may also be based on previous medical treatments and medications you’ve tried with little or no success. The best way to find out if your insurance covers Botox for hyperhidrosis is to contact your insurance provider or doctor’s office. The International Hyperhidrosis Society also offers free Botox Insurance Help online tools.
Blocking the nerve signals to sweat glands with Botox is temporary. Renewal injections are most likely needed. Noticeable results begin about 2-4 days after the first injection, with the full effect kicking in within 2 weeks. Studies have found dryness to last between 4 to 14 months, though patients typically return every 3-6 months as required for follow-up treatment.
In general, the treatment is safe when administered by a medical professional with special training. During the initial consultation, your doctor will discuss any risks based on your current medical condition and medical history.
If you want to explore other medical options to treat hyperhidrosis, you can find extensive information from the International Hyperhidrosis Society or when visiting your health care provider.
While you seek out ways to manage your hyperhidrosis symptoms, protect your clothes with Ejis sweat proof undergarments (available in our shop or on Amazon). Our sweat proof undershirts and boxer briefs have a silent waterproof layer to prevent sweat from reaching your clothes. They also have antimicrobial technology to control odor-causing bacteria to help you feel fresh and confident.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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