Excessive Sweating – Hyperhidrosis

Sweat is a normal bodily function which helps to regulate body temperature. However, for some people it can be excessive, leading to embarrassment and skin irritation. The clinical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis. It can be a localised or general condition of the body and commonly affects the back, hands, feet and armpits. It is thought that this is a result of over activity of the sympathetic nervous system, causing uncontrollable sweating which is often uncontrollable.

Botulinum toxin type A

Botulinum toxin type A treatments are a proven and reliable solution for excessive sweating. The treatment works by injecting botulinum toxin type A into the sweat glands. This disrupts nerve impulses thereby reducing the sweating.

Treatment with botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin type A is a a powerful protein that can be used safely in tiny (minute) doses. Around 12 to 20 injections of botulinum toxin type A are given in the affected areas of the body, such as the armpits, hands, feet or face. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The toxin works by blocking the signals from the brain to the sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat that is produced.

The effects of botulinum toxin usually last from two to eight months, after which time further treatment will be needed.