Summer’s Here! Let’s Talk About Hyperhidrosis

It’s not too early in the season to talk about hyperhidrosis, the medical term given to the condition of excessive sweating, and the uses of Botox for treating it. Hyperhidrosis, for the estimated one of every 100 people who livewith it, is caused by an over-active part of the nervous system that controls sweat production. And it can be treated with Botox.

Hyperhidrosis is by no means limited to hot weather, but warm, humid conditions are a factor. And with this year’s extra-long winter crowding the spring, it’s easy to forget that summer almost officially here. The weather forecasters at the Farmer’s Almanac are predicting this summer will be a scorcher.

The condition, which can produce an amount of perspiration measurable in liters per hour, can affect the sweat glands of the hands and feet as well as the axilla (armpit). Sufferers may have to deal with embarrassment and ruined clothing or shoes. Some individuals have to change clothing every hour or wear liners under their arms. Under these conditions, they may feel inhibited or ill-at-ease in their social lives or at work. Hyperhidrosis can sap a person’s self-confidence.

Don’t Sweat It

There have been several options for treatment of this condition. One is medically prescribed antiperspirant containing a powerful chemical called aluminum chloride. This chemical prevents the sweat from escaping the pores, but sometimes this treatment is not effective, especially in cases of “primary hyperhidrosis,” meaning excessive sweating not caused by another condition such as obesity, menopause, drug use, endocrine disorders, or neurological conditions involving autonomic dysregulation.

There are surgical treatments as well, but they can have drawbacks, including increased sweat production in other areas of the body.

The good news is that the Food and Drug Administration has formally approved the use of Botox for treating hyperhidrosis. Botox prevents the release of a bodily chemical, acetylcholine, which stimulates the production of sweat. And the results have been encouraging: Treatment has been shown to decrease sweat production by as much as 95 percent within the first 48 hours of Botox injection. The response from a single treatment can last six to nine months.

This can be a dramatically life-improving step for people both socially and in their careers.

Learn more about the safety of Botox by watching Dr. Williams’ video about this non-invasive treatment. When you’re ready to discuss Botox treatments with the New York cosmetic and facial plastic surgeon, call the Williams Center at 1-518-941-8416.