Botox is a great, but temporary treatment for hyperhydrosis

Stephen Prendiville, M.D. answers: Can Botox treat hyperhidrosis?

Can Botox treat hyperhidrosis? Is this Botox hyperhidrosis treatment approved by the FDA or just experimental?


Stephen Prendiville, MD
18 months ago

Botox®, the commercially available form of Botulinum toxin type A, is a very effective, but temporary treatment for hyperhydrosis (sweaty palms, sweaty armpits, etc).  The reason for this is that the receptor that activates the sweat gland is very similar to the one that exists between motor nerves and muscles (in the forehead, crow's feet, and glabella). 

My personal experience is that Botox® lasts longer when used for this indication than it does for hyperdynamic facial lines, lasting up to 6 months.  The way Botox® is administered is via multiple shots with a very small needle to the skin of the affected area. 

My experience is that patients will generally require about 100 units (for both armpits) to achieve a result they are happy with. As with other indications for Botox®, the result takes 3-7 days to become obvious.

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