Botulinum toxin is an accepted and effective method of treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). The drug is the by-product of a bacterium called C. botulinum and it acts by blocking transmission between the nerve and the sweat glands.
No anaesthetic is required although a topical anaesthetic gel may be applied 30 minutes prior to the procedure if desired. Using a very fine needle, small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into the area where excess sweating occurs. Numerous small injections are required to cover the area of concern. There are usually no visible effects from the injection, although occasionally temporary swelling or bruising may occur.
Although the dose of the toxin used has not been shown to have any serious complications, you should not have this treatment if you fall into one of the following groups:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Patients with neurological or muscular diseases
- Patients taking aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Patients allergic to Botulinum toxin
The effect of the treatment is usually noticed within 3-4 days although this may vary. The reduction in sweating lasts for approximately 6 months but this may also vary. No guarantees can be made regarding the outcome of treatment.
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