Botox for Hyperhidrosis: A Long-Lasting Solution!
Have you noticed that you’re sweating a little more than most of the people around you? A simple workout could leave you in practically a puddle? If so, you probably suffer from a condition known as hyperhidrosis. If this has been something that you’ve struggled with, or felt embarrassed about, I’m happy to let you know that there are solutions – solutions you may have never thought would help!
Everything you need to know about botox for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a condition that affects roughly 2% to 5% of people within the United States. Individuals with this condition are marked by the production of excess sweat that can quite literally drip from the body. These bouts of sweating can be triggered by both simple and strenuous events alike, with the most common causes being heat, exercise, and even social anxiety.
While many of us may get very sweaty during a workout, those with hyperhidrosis can feel like they’re swimming in sweat in a matter of minutes.
What is hyperhidrosis caused by?
Unfortunately, there is no singular causation for this type of bodily reaction. In fact, excessive sweating can be linked to a myriad of things such as diabetes, issues with the thyroid, pregnancy, medication, infections, menopause, and can even be correlated to a person's mental health.
Although there is no singular biological component we can attribute this to, we do know that hyperhidrosis is facilitated by your sympathetic nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for sending a wide range of very important commands to our brain, one of which is directly related to our endocrine system. With excessive sweating, the nervous system can actually misfire, sending commands to the endocrine system telling us that we need to sweat – much more than necessary.
Botox can “turn off” sweat glands to help treat excessive sweating
So, where does botox come in? This unlikely treatment actually works as a way to shut down the nerve receptors in the affected area, stopping any signals your body may send that tell it to sweat.
How long do the Botox injections last?
Since our body is meant to heal itself – one of the great features keeping us alive – the nerves that have become damaged as a result of the botox heal themselves after a few months. The average treatment will last around four to six months before another session is required.
Thankfully, as the sessions become more routine, the time between treatments should become less frequent.
What are the different types of hyperhidrosis?
If you think you or someone you know may have hyperhidrosis, then there’s two types that you should familiarize yourself with.
Primary hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is when excessive sweating occurs in a focused area of the body. For example, those with primary hyperhidrosis may see excessive sweating on the hands, the feet, or in the underarm area.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis is not contained to one part of the body, and results in a person excessively sweating on all areas. This type of sweating can also include increased perspiration during the night.
What can make these types of hyperhidrosis worse?
Unfortunately, the addition of certain medications can exacerbate the issue. If you’ve been actively taking medication for diabetes, Alzheimers, or even antidepressants, side effects from these medications may lead to excessive sweating.
What can you do to mitigate hyperhidrosis?
Although we’re discussing how helpful botox can be for those struggling with excessive sweating, there are other accessible medical treatments to help mitigate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
Check in with your dermatologist about prescription antiperspirant
Since regular deodorant doesn't do the trick, there are antiperspirants made available by prescription that can help those struggling with excessive sweating in the underarm area. While this may not be the perfect solution for everyone, it may be beneficial to speak with your dermatologist about your options.
Talk with your doctor to see if something like nerve blocking medications would be appropriate
As you start your journey to reduce your body sweat, remember that it’s important to keep in contact with your care provider. Whether it’s your dermatologist, an esthetician, or your primary care physician, keeping them in the loop and asking for potential solutions is always in your best interest.
Thankfully there are a number of effective resources such as nerve blocking medications, heat treatments, and even surgery to help your body overcome its response to sweat. Never hesitate to ask what options are available to you.
Let Emergency Fix help guide your path to recovering from hyperhidrosis
Whether it’s headaches, sweating, or just the look of your skin, Emergency Fix has the botox and filler treatments you need to get back to feeling your best. Make us your destination for easy and accessible self care! Call or book online today for a consultation!