Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating that isn’t necessarily related to heat and/or exercise. Regular antiperspirants unfortunately don’t work well for those with this condition. It is a long-term, common condition that can often be caused as a side effect of medication taken. It is most commonly associated with the armpit area but can also affect other parts of the body such as the hands, chest, groin, feet and face. This type of heavy sweating can lead to social anxiety and embarrassment.

Botox® – more commonly associated with wrinkle reduction – is an effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin injections block the nerve signals responsible for sweating in the problem area, preventing eccrine glands from producing sweat. Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. This is how your body automatically cools itself. In people with hyperhidrosis, however, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive. When you receive Botox injections directly into the area of your body that commonly sweats, your overactive nerves are essentially paralyzed. When your nerves can’t signal your sweat glands, you don’t sweat.

Botox is a highly effective treatment for excessive sweating, drastically improving a sufferer’s quality of life.