Botox Stops Excessive Sweating

If anti-perspirant is not keeping you dry this summer, resulting in those not so attractive pit stains, Botox might be the new answer for you.

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although it is one of the most poisonous substances in the world, specialists use it in very small amounts to stop muscle spasms and most commonly to smooth out facial wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles that causes them to form.

Botox also is used to treat:

• migraine headaches
• uncontrollable blinking
• crossed eyes
• certain pain disorders
• for several disorders that cause repeated muscle twitching.

In the last few years, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) has been added to that list. While the body usually sweats to cool itself when it is hot outside or in certain emotional states, people with excessive sweating experience it independent of these factors and sometimes find their condition physically and socially uncomfortable.

Hyperhidrosis affects about 1% of the population, both men and women, most often under the arms and on the palms and feet.

Pill and prescription anti-perspirants are sometimes used to treat excessive sweating by temporarily reducing sweat production. However, these medication can have side effects such as a dry mouth and eyes.

Botox treats hyperhidrosis by blocking a neurotransmitter that stimulates the sweat glands. It does this by essentially paralyzing them. Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis, involves several injections in the armpits and can last for up to eight months.