Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is the condition characterized by increased perspiration beyond what is normal for temperature regulation, (it is normal to sweat from exercise or heavy exertion). Hyperhidrosis can affect any body area, but is more common in the underarms (arms pits), feet, palms, and face. Experiencing excessive sweating can be embarrassing and interfere with normal daily activities, both socially and professionally.
Sweating is normal and experienced by all people as a physiologic response to physical exertion or an emotional response to stress. Sweating is caused by secretions of glands on the body called “eccrine glands.” The etiology of excessive focal sweating is not known, but it may relate to sympathetic over activity.
Excessive sweating is not easy to differentiate from the normal occurrence. The fundamental definition of excessive sweating is when it goes from being normal to causing you distress. Sweating is categorized in three major types.
Localized sweating – also known as primary focal hyperhidrosis, this condition affects the feet, hands, groin, face and especially the armpits of 1 to 3 percent of the population. Symptoms occur on both sides or can be uneven. Although it is a medical condition, this type of sweating is not a disease or related to drug reaction.
Generalized sweating – a rare type of hyperhidrosis, this case causes diffuse sweating all over the body and tends to be more medically serious. It may also be caused by an underlying medical condition unknown by the sufferer such as diabetes, thyroid problems, alcoholism, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis or heart failure. Symptoms of secondary hyperhidrosis are excessive sweating at night.
Although it is not life threatening, hyperhidrosis is definitely embarrassing and makes life difficult. Many individuals with this condition tend to avoid socialization particularly the handshake or close intimate contact with others.
Although there is no cure for primary hyperhidrosis, there are treatments you can do to slow down or control your heavy sweating.
Can you tell me more about Botox Treatment for excessive sweating?
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is a medication that is injected under the skin below the dermis to reduce sweating. Botox works by being absorbed by the nerve cells and blocking neurotransmitters that encourage sweat production.
Yes, Botox is a safe medication that has been on the market for over 20 years.
What areas can I have Botox injected into for hyperhirdosis?
Botox works great for axillary (arm pit) hyperhidrosis. It is injected at 15-20 sites in the underarm. A decrease in sweating is noted starting about 2 weeks after the injections. Botox injections work excellent to treat the palms, soles and facial areas that can be affected by increased sweating.
The reduction in sweating lasts for about 6 months after Botox treatment for hyperhydrosis. So, most patients have the treatment done twice per year.
A tiny needle is inserted when using Botox for hyperhidrosis, so there is only minimal pain involved.
Most insurance do not cover Botox injections for excessive sweating. The cost per treatment is $1200.