Antiperspirant Prevented Botox from Working for Hyperhidrosis?

Question

Hello, I am looking for an answer why Botox treatment for underarm HH was unsuccessful (worked for two weeks). Can it be because of antiperspirants I am using everyday (also on the day of injections)? Doctor who performed injections explained it to me that sweat glands were already blocked by antiperspirant and perhaps Botox could not work properly. She has been working with Bocouture and Azzalure for 15 years and I received a total dose of 80 units. thank you in advance for answers, Maggie

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

As Botulinum toxin and topical antiperspirants affect the sweat release mechanism differently, there should not be a problem of using antiperspirants prior to the Botox. If one is using the starch - iodine test before injecting Botox to see where it should be injected, there might be a false negative test if there was less sweating from the use of the antiperspirants and less of the area responsible for the excessive sweating was treated. Otherwise, I would not have an explanation as to why it didn't work, unless you need more units, which some people demonstrate.

	Please see your doctor for a follow up appointment.

	The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox for excessive sweating works for most patients treated, and the antiperspirant shouldn't have any effect on the efficacy of the Botox treatment. Botox is injected superficially to the underarm area and reports-"81% of Botox patients notice at least a 50% reduction in axillary sweating measured at 4 weeks."

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There is no data, or even anecdotal experience of antiperspirants or deodorants affecting the effect of botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox) on hyperhidrosis/excessive sweating. You may have been under dosed, and you may want to consider requesting the gold standard which is Botox, and make sure your doctor is a dermatologist.

Steven Swengel, MD · Answer

The effect of antiperspirants and Botox occur at entirely different locations of the sweat glands so there is no interaction.  It does take several days to a week for the Botox effect to be more apparent so it may just need more time.  A starch iodine test can help determine which specific areas need the injections. I usually plan on 100 units split evenly for two armpits and make sure to do a very methodical gridding of the areas in order to effectively block the sweating mechanism throughout..  If an area is missed or the Botox is injected to deeply and thus below the eccrine coil(where the nerve connection is to the gland), areas can go into hyperactivity making it appear that the Botox didn't work.

Khaled El-Hoshy, MD · Answer

Dear Maggie, anti-perspirants block the sweat release from the sweat ducts. Onabotulinum toxin A [BOTOX], blocks the activation of the sweat glands, themselves. As you can see,the mechanism of action is totally different. One treatment option does not interfere with the other. I ,routinely, have my patients use their anti-perspirants prior to, & after Botox treatment. The injections take about a week to see results, & the effect lasts 5-9 months.

Antiperspirant Prevented Botox from Working for Hyperhidrosis?

Answers (8)

Answer: Anti-perspirants will not block the Botox effect

Answer: Anti-perspirants will not block the Botox effect

Answer: Underarm sweating & Botox

Answer: Underarm sweating & Botox

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Antiperspirant Prevented Botox from Working for Hyperhidrosis?

Answers (8)

Answer: Anti-perspirants will not block the Botox effect

Answer: Anti-perspirants will not block the Botox effect

Answer: Underarm sweating & Botox

Answer: Underarm sweating & Botox

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Hyperhidrosis

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.