Sweating is the normal and healthy way that our bodies regulate their temperatures by excreting moisture through the skin. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where your body sweats more than it needs to t maintain temperature regulation.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is the normal and healthy way that our bodies regulate their temperatures by excreting moisture through the skin. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where your body sweats more than it needs to maintain temperature regulation. Some people experience this condition as a teenager while others are diagnosed later in life, but up to 5% of the population suffers from it. While there is no definitive cure (doctors aren’t even sure what causes it), there are treatments available. The excessive sweat may be limited to one area of the body (called primary focal hyperhidrosis), or it could be all over. Primary hyperhidrosis often presents in the groin area, the torso area, on the hands or feet, on the head and face, or in the underarm area. Primary hyperhidrosis of the underarms is called Axillary Hyperhidrosis, and it is occasionally treated with Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox is the common name for Botulinum Toxin, which is a drug that paralyzes muscles temporarily. It is often used cosmetically to treat wrinkles, but it is also used to treat some muscle conditions, headaches, and hyperhidrosis. In 2004, the FDA approved Botox as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. in order to treat hyperhidrosis, a dermatologist will inject around 50 units of Botox under each arm. The Botox blocks the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for activating the sweat glands. The larger the ‘dose’ of Botox, the longer the effect lasts.
Who is a Good Candidate for Botox?
Botox is usually the last resort for people who have tried all of their other options first (because there are both possible side effects and a sizable cost to the procedure). You should try sweat proof clothing, prescription antiperspirants, and oral or topical treatments before considering Botox. You also must be at least 18 years old, so this is not a treatment for teenagers experiencing hyperhidrosis.
What Are the Drawbacks?
As mentioned above, Botox is not a permanent solution. The effects wear off as the body breaks the Botox down and flushes it out. Typically, results last for 3 to 6 months, but everybody is different and external factors like stress and exercise can affect how long the Botox lasts. Botox can often be expensive, although it is occasionally covered by insurance, and there are potential side effects. Always be sure to discuss all treatment options and side effects with your dermatologist.
SCS CAN MEET ALL OF YOUR GENERAL AND COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY NEEDS
Skin Care Specialty Physicians has been serving the residents of the greater Baltimore area for over ten years. From skin cancer screenings to treatments for hair loss, eczema, acne, and more, we treat conditions affecting your skin, hair, and nails. We diagnose a wide range of skin conditions each day and work with you to select treatment options that best fit you and your skin. We also offer a variety of cosmetic treatments and procedures, ranging from Botox to microneedling, to fit you and your aesthetic goals. If you are interested in any of our services, contact us at 410.252.9090. You can also follow SCS Physicians on Facebook & Twitter.