Botulinum toxin has proved effective in treating hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, of the armpits, hands and feet. In warmer months the problem becomes more noticeable, especially in the armpits, where unsightly patches can cause embarrassment at work and in social life. When the hands are affected, people often avoid shaking hands, which can harm relationships.
In people with this problem, sweating often increases stress, which in turn increases sweating. Botulinum toxin can solve this with micro-injections in the affected areas. Under the arms no anaesthesia is needed, as the treatment is practically painless; for the hands and feet a nerve block of the main sensory nerves is required. The treatment is performed in the outpatient clinic.
The best results are obtained in the armpits: typically 24–48 hours after the injections, sweating gradually decreases until it practically disappears. Treatment of the hands and feet also gives very satisfying results.
The benefit is temporary, typically 6–8 months for the armpits, with individual variation, and the treatment can be repeated when sweating returns. Contraindications are the same as for aesthetic use of botulinum toxin: severe neurological diseases and intolerance or allergy to the components. Complications are practically absent, apart from a possible temporary reduction in hand strength, which resolves on its own. This treatment generally costs more than aesthetic treatment, because a much larger amount of toxin is needed.