Botox for Excessive Foot Sweating?

Question

Luckily I have never had this problem, but for both our sake I am asking for my partner who does, he has a severe sweating problem that seems to be localized to his feet, the odor is sometimes unbearable and proper washing and foot powders seems to work only for for a few short hours. I feel bad because he is very embarrassed and self conscious by this. I read on a forum that Botox can be injected between each toe to counter this problem, is that true? Makes sense since its used under the arms.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Botox is a very effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (armpit, hands, feet, scalp/face, etc). The dosing is typically based on areas treated but can vary around 50 - 100 units per side depending on how large the treatment area. Duration also depends on dose and technique, but can vary from 3-6 months. For the armpit region, you may also want to consider miraDry as it provides a longer lasting relief and in the long run is more cost-effective.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Not all malodorous feet are caused by heavy sweating, but it can contribute significantly to different causes whether bacterial or yeast. Numbing cream, ice and even regional blocks of anesthetic have been done to minimize the pain of injecting skin with abundant nerve endings.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

We have a large hyperhidrosis practice and routinely see and treat patients with plantar hyperhidrosis.Treatment with Botox will reduce both hyperhidrosis, and by limiting excessive moisture which promotes bacterial and fungal overgrowth, will also treat bromhidrosis (excessive odor).Read my ebook about plantar hyperhidrosis on the link below.

Steven E. Rasmussen, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox works very well for localized treatment of focal hyperhidrosis such as axilla, palms and soles.

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Sheri G. Feldman, MD · Answer

Botox works great for this problem just as it does under the arms.  It may need to be injected on the whole bottom surface of the foot though, not just between the toes.

Botox for Excessive Foot Sweating?

Answers (9)