Botox is a non-invasive treatment for severe hyperhidrosis. When excessive sweating has led someone to isolate himself from the crowd for fear of embarrassment, then the problem has gone out of hand. It must be dealt with to bring back emotional order and peace of mind. Having hyperhidrosis can be frustrating and if over-the-counter treatments like deodorants, antiperspirants, aluminum chloride solutions and even acupuncture are futile, try Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A or BTX-A) is a very potent neurotoxin ever discovered that comes from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum’s protein. It was in 1960’s when Botox was first used for therapeutic purposes since its discovery by Justinus Kerner in 1943. In early 1980’s the toxin was used for treatment in the fields of ophthalmology, cosmetics, muscle disorders, and upper motor neuron problems.
In 1993, Khalaf Bushara and David Park used Botox to inhibit sweating while treating persons with hemifacial spasms. It was recorded as the first non-muscular usage of BTX-A. On July 19, 2004 , Botox has been recommended as treatment for serious primary hyperhidrosis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Botox and Hyperhidrosis
Botox is commonly used in axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). Other types of primary hyperhidrosis like the hands, forehead or face, and feet can be treated by Botox injection and anesthesia is given for a pain-free procedure.
Botox Procedure
Using a very tiny needle, Botox is injected into the skin near the sweat glands. The neurotransmitters that send message to the sweat glands are blocked by the Botox and excessive sweating is stopped. Based from the physician’s assessment, a single injection or multiple injections can be done on the affected area.
Although Botox can be administered at a clinic or office, the procedure should be done by trained physicians. If you are looking for a reliable doctor to do the procedure, the International Hyperhidrosis Society can give you valuable information about doctors in your area.
Botox Effectiveness Against Hyperhidrosis
Before FDA approved the procedure, a trial period was conducted to 322 people with severe axillary hyperhidrosis. Based from the results, 81% of the patients claimed a 50% decreased sweating, and also 50% of the patients reported that their excessive sweating was reduced within seven months. However, it must be clearly understood that Botox is not a permanent solution to the problem. After the seventh or sixteenth month, the symptoms of hyperhidrosis will manifest again and a follow-up Botox injection will be necessary to retain dryness.
Botox Side Effects
After you receive your Botox injection, call your physician if you experience problems or any discomfort. Symptoms of spread of toxins can be risky so watch out for any indications of muscle weakness, headache, neck pain, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, change or loss of voice, breathing, speaking and swallowing.
Before having a Botox injection, be honest about your medical condition. Tell your physician about any existing illness, pregnancy or any medicines you are taking, or if you are breastfeeding. You might also be asked if Botox injection was administered to you in the past 4 or 6 months. Provide any information which you think will help make the procedure successful. This will minimize the possibility of any side effect.
Botox Injection Cost
Hyperhydrosis is a serious medical condition and not a cosmetic procedure. Your health plan can cover for the cost. Botox injection can be expensive because you need to have the procedure repeated in four to six months. Before deciding, you can search for insurance companies that cover such procedure or ask your physician if he can recommend any company where you can claim insurance for the hyperhidrosis treatment.