Is it normal to have compensatory sweating in the groin after Botox injections to the hands?

Question

I am a 21 year old female who recieved Botox injections for my hands in early June. I ended up going back two more times after my first Botox appointment to recieve enough injections for the results I wanted. I began sweating excessively and continously in my groin area around the time of my 3rd injections. My mother found some dermatology websites and clinical studies warning that there is a very uncommon, but possible chance to develop compensatory sweating after botox.

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Overall, Botox and other neuromodulators are great treatments for hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Your research was true, however, as it is possible to get compensatory hyperhidrosis elsewhere. No matter what treatment you seek for hyperhidrosis, this is possible. Once your Botox begins to wear off, odds are your compensatory hyperhidrosis will also subside. Interestingly, repeating your Botox does not necessarily guarantee compensatory hyperhidrosis the second time.There are other options for your hyperhidrosis to seek out, make sure you find a good dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon with experience to help guide you through this process.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although compensatory hyperhidrosis with Botox is very uncommon, it can happen.  I would recommend visiting with your physician injector and review what total dosing you received and when the compensatory sweating in the groin occurred.  This may provide a treatment opportunity where you get some improvement in the hands without affecting the groin.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is a possibility you are experiencing compensatory sweating. There are millions of sweat glands throughout your body that compensate when Botox is used for hyperhidrosis. The Botox will begin to wear off at approx. 3 months. Track the progression of your process and report to your injector at your next treatment or follow up.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is very rare, despite what you may have seen in the literature.  It has been seen after surgical treatments, but this is because there is more systemic loss of neural function.  localized botox treatments have very little systemic effect.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, compensatory sweating after a botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is normal. If you have any concerns, consult with your injector to ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I have had a comprehensive hyperhidrosis center since 1999 and I have seen compensatory sweating occur after EVERY type of hyperhidrosis treatment. It is most likely after endoscopic sympathectomy. Compensatory sweating is very rare but can occur after Botox therapy. I have seen compensatory sweating occur after iontophoresis for palmar sweating and after miraDry procedure for axillary sweating. Read the hyperhidrosis books provided on the link below.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

Yes, indeed, it is true that it is possible to get compensatory sweating with most hyperhidrosis treatments.  The highest rates of compensatory sweating after a hyperhidrosis treatment were actually reported after surgical sympathectomy treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis.  The good news is the Botox treatment will wear off gradually beginning as early as three months.  An alternative treatment for your palmar hyperhidrosis that you may want to consider is iontophoresis with a Fischer-Galvanic iontophoresis device.  It is often covered by insurance plans.

BOTOX FOR HYPERHIDROSIS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Is it normal to have compensatory sweating in the groin after Botox injections to the hands?

Answers (7)

BOTOX FOR HYPERHIDROSIS PROVIDERS NEAR YOU