Botox Injections: Do They Work?

The medical condition in which a person sweats excessively is known as hyperhidrosis. In this condition, a person may sweat even when he/she is at rest or the temperature is low. People who have hyperhidrosis tend to sweat from one or more areas of the body. Commonly, they sweat from their underarms, feet, palms, or head.

People who suffer from excessive sweating, feel embarrassed, and find it very hard to perform their everyday activities. As hyperhidrosis is socially stigmatizing, people repeatedly seek treatments for excessive sweating. However, finding the right treatment and that too under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist is complicated.

Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry because, in this article, you will learn about one of the most comprehensive treatment options for hyperhidrosis. However, before moving on to the treatment option, it is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of hyperhidrosis.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?

Some of the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis are:

• Heavy visible sweating even when the person is at rest
• Sweat dripping from palms of the hand and other body parts which makes it difficult to perform everyday activities
• • The skin turns white, soft and peels from certain areas
  • Frequent skin infections such as Athlete’s foot and Jock itch

What are the Causes of Hyperhidrosis?

The causes of excessive sweating may be due to an underlying medical condition such as:

• Overactive sweat glands
• Diabetes
• A tumor or injury
• Menopause
• Anxiety conditions
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Tuberculosis

How is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

The dermatologist first determines the location (such as the face, armpits, palms, or all over the body), time pattern (such as day or night and sudden or slow), triggers (such as temperature or a traumatic event), and other symptoms (such as pounding heartbeat, weight loss, cold or clammy hands, lack of appetite, and fever).

Further diagnosis is done with the help of following tests:

• Starch-Iodine test: In this test, an iodine solution is applied to the suspected sweaty area. After the area gets dry, starch is sprinkled on it. If excessive sweat is present the starch-iodine combination turns the area dark blue or black.
• Paper test: In this test, a special paper is placed on the suspected area to absorb the sweat. After some time the paper is weighed. The heavier the paper weighs, the more the sweat it has accumulated.
• Blood tests and Imaging Tests: Blood tests are usually done when other underlying medical conditions are suspected. Imaging tests are ordered if a tumor is suspected.

Do Botox Injections Work?

Yes, botox injections do work. Botox injections also known as Botulinium toxin injections are used to treat severe underarm, plantar, and palmar sweating. The botulinium toxin is injected in very small amounts into the areas of underarms. The injections temporarily block the chemical in the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. The following procedure is followed while injecting botox:

• Before injecting botox: Patients usually don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Before starting the procedure, the doctor numbs the affected area with topical anesthesia, ice, and vibration anesthesia.
• During botox injections: The doctor uses a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinium toxin into the skin. The number of injections needed to treat the area depends on many factors such as the extent of the area being treated.
• After injecting botox: The patient is asked to not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours because it may spread the toxin into other areas.

Botox injections start working one to three days after the treatment. Regular follow-up injections are given to the patient to maintain the effect. Reduced sweating usually lasts for about four to six months. However, you can get retreated when excessive sweating returns.

Talk to a Dermatologist

Dermatologists have found in research that around 3 % of people in the United States are suffering from excessive sweating. Often some people feel embarrassed to talk about excessive sweating with a doctor and others never realize that there is a treatment for this medical condition.

However, botox injections are one of the best treatments for excessive sweating. This treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research suggests that this treatment is effective for other affected areas of the body (such as hands and feet) too.

A board-certified dermatologist always recommends that if your body shows any signs or symptoms of hyperhidrosis, then it is essential to diagnose the medical condition in an early stage.

Sarah K, a professional writer who share interests in different creative niches. Her ideas and tips towards such niches have contributed to the online community.