Treatments for Excessive Sweating Besides Botox?

I’ve heard of using botox injections to treat excessive sweating. Is there a treatment for excessive sweating that has the same results, but is less “poisonous” to the body?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by kaym in Florida

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Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Botox injections for excess sweating typically last 6-12 months, with the average patient seeing improvement for approx. 6-9 months. There are also prescription topical medications, oral prescription medications and surgical treatment options. These are all used based on the individual patient and where the sweating problem is located.

Botox is the gold standard to treat hyperhidrosis under the arms

Botox is the gold standard to treat excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) under the arms. An oral medication (Robinul) can be used in conjunction with Certain-Dri with good effect. Iontophoresis can also be helpful, but under the arms, Botox works best.

Surgery

I had success with two types of Surgery: Taking out the glands under direct vision or with (SmartLipo )Liposuction. First is very predictable with stopping excessive sweating. The latter too but less so. Both treatment really decrease sweating and you do not need (repeat) Botox. Bpoth treatments can be done in the office.

Options for excessive sweating

Botox works best for excessive sweating, but their are other options, depending on the site. 1. Clinical strength deodorants (with aluminum chloride) - work best for axillae (underarms), but not on palms or soles 2. Aluminum chloride (Drysol 20%) - great for palms and soles, but difficult for underarm use 3. Iontophoresis - great for hands and feet, but tough to use under the arms. Requires a special machine 4. Liposuction to remove sweat glands - can be used under the... more

Botox injections work well for excessive underarm sweating.

You could certainly try prescription antiperspirants like Dry-Sol; this is liquid aluminum chloride for topical use. Patients with excessive sweating are thrilled with Botox treatments. Excessive sweating is reduced for up to 6 months, and treatments are painless with topical anesthetic. I hope you find this helpful.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

199 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Several treatments are available for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

There are several other treatments that can be used for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Probably the first line agent would be an aluminum chloride based solution (i.e. Drysol, Certain-Dri). While these can sometimes cause irritation to the skin, they are not absorbed systemically and may meet your criteria of being "less poisonous". Another commonly used treatment is iontophoresis. This is a machine that passes small amounts of electric current through... more

Botox alternatives for hyperhidrosis (sweating)

Prescription antiperspirants are first line for excessive sweating. It is often quite effective. Botox is very convenient because the effect can last 4-9 months in the armpits, but prescription antiperspirants can be effective as well.

Surgery is possible

If you are talking about sweating from your arm pits then you can have surgery to remove the sweat glands. That may seem more invasive; however, it is usually permanent where botox needs to be done every three months as is over $1000/treatment.