Botox for excessive sweating, assessed within the Neurology Department of MediHeart Medical Center in Morphou, aims to reduce sweating that interferes with daily life in specific areas of the body.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is the body’s natural way of controlling temperature. Hyperhidrosis means sweating far more than the body needs, which can affect social life, work and everyday activities.
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating without an underlying cause, affecting areas such as the underarms, palms, soles or face; it usually starts at a young age and affects both sides.
- Secondary hyperhidrosis: sweating caused by another condition, such as thyroid disorders, infections, some medicines or hormonal changes.
Before treatment, it is important to check whether sweating is caused by another health problem.
How Does Botox Work for Sweating?
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands, reducing sweat production in the treated area. Botulinum toxin type A is an approved treatment for severe underarm sweating that has not responded to antiperspirants, and it can also be used for the hands, feet and face in suitable patients.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
- Underarms
- Palms
- Soles of the feet
- Forehead and face
Who May Be Suitable?
- People whose sweating clearly affects daily life, work or relationships
- People who have not benefited enough from antiperspirants
- Adults diagnosed with primary focal hyperhidrosis
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, infection at the treatment site and some neuromuscular disorders may make treatment unsuitable. Suitability is decided after a medical assessment.
How Is It Done?
- The area of heaviest sweating is identified, sometimes with a starch-iodine test
- The skin is cleaned
- Small doses are injected into the skin with very fine needles at regular intervals
- Extra comfort measures may be used for the hands and feet
The procedure is quick and you can return to daily life the same day.
When Does It Work and How Long Does It Last?
Sweating usually starts to decrease within the first few days, with the full effect in about two weeks. Duration varies by person and area, generally lasting several months, and treatment can be repeated when the effect wears off.
Possible Side Effects
- Mild pain, redness or bruising at the injection site
- Temporary muscle weakness after hand treatment
- A feeling of slightly increased sweating elsewhere in some people
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Botox stop sweating completely?
It can markedly reduce sweating in the treated area, but the effect is temporary and results vary.
Is it harmful to stop underarm sweating?
The underarms make up only a small part of the body’s total sweating area, so reducing sweat there does not significantly affect overall temperature control.
Can excessive sweating be a sign of another illness?
Yes. Sweating that starts in adulthood, affects the whole body or occurs as night sweats may have another cause and should be investigated.
Conclusion
Botox for excessive sweating can help reduce sweating of the underarms, palms, soles and face in suitable patients. At MediHeart Medical Center, the treatment decision is made after a detailed assessment. Patients from Morphou, North Cyprus and across Cyprus can contact us for appointments.