Everyone sweats, but for some people it’s way beyond what an antiperspirant can handle. If your excessive seating has you changing your clothes at work, dreading a handshake or choosing clothes because they won’t show sweat stains, it could be a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis disorder is a condition that results in excessive sweating. In primary hyperhidrosis, the cause is unknown and can affect specific areas, such as the armpits, feet and/or face. Other factors such as diabetes, menopause, nerve damage and some medications can also cause excessive seating, called secondary hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can seriously affect your quality of your life. Besides being a big inconvenience and costing you money, hyperhidrosis can cause skin breakouts, unpleasant odours and promote infection.
What Regions of the Body Are Impacted by Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis typically causes excessive sweating in your:
- Armpits
- Palms of your hands
- Soles of your feet
Underarm hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, is the most common form of this condition.Often, hyperhidrosis can interfere with routine activities. Sweaty hands can have a negative impact on work & social life. Sweaty armpits can soak through your clothes, leaving embarrassing marks. Sweaty feet can drench your socks, leaving your feet uncomfortable all day long.
OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections (BOTOX® )
BOTOX® injections are a new treatment option for people with hyperhidrosis. BOTOX® blocks the communication between nerves and sweat glands.In 2004, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis in patients unable to obtain relief using antiperspirants. BOTOX® works very well in most cases of hyperhidrosis.Botox (botulinum toxin) injections are administered to the affected area and work by temporarily inhibiting the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. BOTOX® injections for hyperhidrosis can be used to safely reduce and even stop the sweat produced in the treated areas for up to 6 months. The injection discomfort in this region is very minimal. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can also be administered in the hands and feet to reduce sweating in these areas.
You may be a candidate for BOTOX® if your sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. BOTOX® has been FDA-approved for people who sweat excessively from their armpits.