BOTOX® and Hyperhidrosis

Photo Gallery

Hyperhidrosis is more commonly known as excessive sweating. It is believed that approximately 3% of the world's population suffer from this condition. Hyperhidrosis occurs when the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature, overacts and signals eccrine sweat glands to start working. A problem with the sympathetic nervous system which connects the hypothalamus to the sweat glands may also be at fault.

It is unknown what causes hyperhidrosis, however bouts may be triggered by a variety of things such as exercise, spicy food, and anxiety.

If an individual suffers from hyperhidrosis and it is not the result of another medical condition or medication, then it is known as primary focal. This means that the medical condition is hyperhidrosis, and it is not a side effect of something else. Generally, the condition develops at an early age and lasts for life.

Those with primary focal hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating on certain parts of the body, such as the face, hands, feet and underarms - areas that normally have a high concentration of sweat glands. If one side of the body is affected, then in most cases the other side is affected as well, making it symmetrical. Bouts do not typically during sleep.

BOTOX® is approved by both Health Canada and the FDA as a treatment for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In other words, those who suffer from a severe case of primary focal hyperhidrosis of the underarms may have their condition effectively treated with BOTOX®.

In the event hyperhidrosis is a result of another medical condition, such as obesity, Parkinson's disease, and an overactive thyroid, it is categorized as secondary generalized. This type of excessive sweating may also be linked to medication treating another condition as well.

Symptoms of secondary generalized hyperhidrosis include excessive sweating on larger parts of the body. Bouts typically occur during sleep. This is the key difference between the two types of hyperhidrosis.

BOTOX® treats severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis by blocking the stimulation of the nervous system connected to the sweat glands located in the armpits.

A noticeable reduction in the amount of sweat produced in the underarms occurs in the days following the first treatment, and may take up to a month. Followup treatments may be scheduled if a significant reduction in sweating does not result. Results generally last for about 4-6 months.

BOTOX® should not be administered to those who have an infection in the area of injection, have a neuromuscular disease, or if they are hypersensitive to clostridium botulinum, sodium chloride, Albumin Human (a plasma protein), or any other ingredient that comprises the BOTOX® product. Some medications may not be compatible with the treatment. To reduce the risk of complications occurring, always inform the medical professional scheduled to perform the procedure of any medications, sicknesses or disorders that may exist prior to treatment.

According to Allergan, the manufacturer of BOTOX®, 3% to 10% of individuals receiving treatment for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis report side effects which include infection, flu syndrome, headache, fever as well as pain and hemorrhage at the injection site.

There have also been some transient muscle weakness in the palms recorded.

Back to the Learning Centre