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Botox for Excessive Sweating 2007-05-31 Dear Dr. Proskiw: I am a 17-year-old senior in high school and graduating in three weeks. I have always had a terrible problem with excess underarm perspiration when I get nervous. I want to wear a light blue dress for the ceremony but I know my underarms will be soaked within 15 minutes. My girlfriend told me that Botox could control this embarrassing problem. I have tried the strongest antiperspirants on the market but they irritate my skin and help only slightly. Do you have suggestions? Answer: Excessive underarm sweating is a medical condition called “axillary hyperhidrosis.” It affects approximately 2% of the population and is embarrassing, stains clothing and can complicate social and business interactions. Graduation is a very exciting and although heat and emotions may trigger hyperhidrosis in some, most people who sweat excessively do so all the time regardless of their mood or the weather. While there are metabolic and neurological conditions that can cause sweating they are rare and can be ruled out by seeing your physician. There are several approaches to treating hyperhidrosis. 1. Over the counter antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. 2. Prescription strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate. 3. Iontophoresis- a device that passes direct electricity through the skin using tap water and suppresses perspiration a short time. 4. Oral medications-called anticholinergics but have side effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision (rarely used). 5. Surgery-cervical sympathectomy usually a last resort because of potential complications. 6. Botox which blocks the nerves that tell the sweat gland o produce sweat. In my experience Botox has been the most effective treatment for excessive underarm sweating. It is quickly and easily administered in a doctor’s office and gives 8 – 12 months of relief. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and because tiny needles are used for the procedure no anaesthesia is needed except for the application of some ice packs. The treatment begins to take effect 3 – 5 days after the procedure. Question: Is the treatment expensive or will my parent’s extended medical help with the cost? Answer: The treatment is very affordable and extended medical benefit plans usually cover most of the treatment cost. It sounds like you would benefit from this treatment so I would suggest you see a physician with experience in treating this condition with Botox. Congratulations on your graduation and have a great summer. Remember to wear your sunscreen. Recommended Links: http://www.aestheticsolutions.ca/procedures/botox_treatment_kelowna.html

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