Can Botox Work for Excessive Underarm Sweating?

One of he few indications that Botox has been FDA approved for is excessive sweating in the arm pits and palms of the hands. It is called hyperhidrosis and is quite effective, You might get 6 months or a little more out of the injection.

For my patients with severe hyperhidrosis that has impacted their lives significantly, Botox treatment is a life changer! My patients no longer have to worry about being embarrassed, they can wear dark color clothes again, and they don't mind going out to meet new people. Both Botox and Dysport are highly effective and safe treatment for excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis). Botox has been FDA approved since 2004 for treatment of hyperhidrosis and is widely use for this... more

Yes, Botox is effective for this condition known as "hyperhidrosis". Be weary however, it is short lived result of a 3-4 months, and requires retreatment with Botox to keep this condition controlled. Recently, Botox has had a few "black box" warnings added to it's FDA label and these are worth reviewing before embarking on chronic recurrent treatment for this condition. Alternatives to Botox include Drysol - Alum based solution, and iontophoresis. These treatments are... more

Thank you for your question. Botox is an EXCELLENT choice for underarm sweating. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and requires multiple injections. The effect lasts anywhere from 3-6 months and the cost can vary depending on how many units are injected into each axilla (generally 25-50 units on each side). Before you try Botox (a more expensive choice), try using Drysol (Prescription) or Certain Dri (OTC) every night to every other night. That might be a great alternative if it... more

Botox works to stop sweating the same way it works to control wtinkles. It essentially works as an anti-cholinergic. It inhibits the binding of acteylcholine to its intended target, in this case the eccrine gland. It is recommended that 50 units of Botox be administered into each axilla. Many of us will use Lidocaine to diminish the pain. Also, if one uses a separate 31 gauge needle, the pain is less than allergy testing. I am not sure if other physicians who adminster this... more

Botox works very well for excessive underarm sweating. Quite a few number of units is required (approx 50 per side), but the results last 6 months or longer. Other things to consider include topical aluminum chloride solutions, pills (including Robinul although there are potential side effects) and and iontophoresis (administration of low voltage electricity to the involved areas, probably more appropriate for excessive sweating of the palms/soles). Good luck.

Absolutely!. Excessive sweating of the arms, termed hyperhidrosis, is one of the principal indications for Botox treatment. This requires ongoing treatments which may last anywhere from 6-12 months.