Botox is a treatment that involves the injection of a toxin into the skin. It has both medical and cosmetic uses, and some people find it effective in reducing excessive sweating.
This article discusses the safety and effectiveness of Botox injections to treat excessive sweating. We also outline the treatment procedure, and provide tips for preparation and aftercare.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Botox injections to treat excessive underarm sweating. It works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, underarm Botox injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%. The effects can typically last 4–12 months, or up to 14 months in some cases.
People who receive underarm Botox injections tend to see results 2–4 days after treatment. The full effects are usually noticeable within 2 weeks.
However, Botox is not a permanent solution for excessive underarm sweating. A single treatment lasts around 4–12 months, so a person needs ongoing injections.
To date, the FDA have approved Botox injections for underarm use only. However, a doctor may prescribe the treatment for excessive sweating elsewhere on the body, such as the hands, feet, head, or face.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Neurotoxins are substances that affect the structure or function of the nervous system.
Botox alters the function of certain neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the body that instruct the body to react in a certain way. Botox blocks the neurotransmitter that tells the sweat glands to activate, to control sweating in the injection area.
Botox injections can be expensive. An approximate cost for both underarms is $1,000, and a person needs to repeat the treatment every 7–16 months, so the expenses can add up.
Health insurance providers may cover the cost of Botox for excessive sweating. However, some may do so if a person can show other treatments do not work.
Doctors may prescribe Botox to treat excessive sweating on other areas of the body prone to excessive sweating. These include:
Botox treatments in the hands or feet tend to be less effective, and are more likely to cause side effects. The procedure can also be more painful in these areas.
Some experienced dermatologists can also use Botox to treat sweating of the face, groin, or breasts. Those who inject these areas need detailed knowledge of the complex muscles and tissues for safe and effective treatment.
A person who wishes to have Botox injections to treat excessive sweating should find a certified medical professional with the appropriate experience.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society provide a database of physicians who specialize in treating excessive sweating.
A dermatologist, or a doctor certified to use Botox, can perform the injections in their office. Experienced medical professionals can inject both underarms in 10 minutes or less.
For the procedure, a medical professional injects very small amounts of Botox beneath the skin. They usually inject it in a grid pattern, with injection sites approximately 1–2 centimeters apart.
Before they inject the skin, the doctor may numb the area with ice or a local anesthetic. This will help to ease any pain or discomfort.
Botox for sweating face
Sweating is a completely normal body reaction that helps control our temperature and cools us down whenever we are moving our body too much. But some people may have overactive sweat glands that cause them to release more than necessary sweat. Amazingly, Botox, a popular treatment for facial wrinkles, can also be used to treat excessive sweating in common areas like the face and forehead.
So how exactly does Botox for sweating forehead work? Botox for excessive forehead sweat works in the same way that it reduces wrinkles and frown lines. As a neurotoxin injection, it stops the release of chemical signals that are responsible for activating your sweat glands. The treatment can provide relief from forehead sweating symptoms from six months up to a year.
Botox Treatment For Excessive Forehead Sweating
By now, everyone is probably familiar with Botox cosmetic. Over the years, this injectable has established a massive following because it is a great cosmetic treatment option for eliminating forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and Crow’s feet.
What makes Botox cosmetic injections work as an anti-wrinkle solution is because of its muscle relaxing effects on the face. Botox, or botulinum toxin, is derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria and it is a potent substance known for weakening or relaxing the facial muscles to limit muscle contraction and smoothen the appearance of facial creases and folds.
The same principle of action applies when Botox is used for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Botox was initially approved for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, in 2004. It is an effective alternative treatment for when topical antiperspirants are not enough, reducing excessive armpit sweating by at least 82 to 87 percent as shown by studies.
The use of Botox for craniofacial hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweat on the face and forehead, is still considered off-label but it is safe and effective as long as performed by an experienced Botox provider.
When treating forehead sweating with Botox, the injection works by interrupting the activity of the nerve endings to stop eccrine glands from producing sweat fluids. Botox essentially shuts down the normal function of the sweat gland so that you won’t heavily perspire on the forehead area.
What The Botox Procedure For Forehead Sweating Looks Like
Botox injections for treating excess sweat on the forehead should only be done by a licensed dermatologist or board certified doctor. Placing botulinum toxin injection on the forehead area requires a high level of skill and precision because it can affect its efficacy if it is injected too superficial or too deep in the muscles.
A standard Botox treatment for forehead sweat typically requires an average total dose of 100 Botox units. Using very small needles, at least 2 to 3 units of Botox injection will be placed per injection site while carefully avoiding the eyebrow area to minimize the risk of eyebrow drooping.
The procedure is usually an outpatient treatment and it can be done in a matter of minutes. It does not require downtime and patients can resume their normal activities as soon as they are done getting the injections.
After the treatment, you may experience common temporary side effects like post-injection site pain, bruising, swelling, and headache. Post-treatment complications are very rare especially when the injections are given with good technique and administered in small doses.
For results, you may need to wait at least seven to fourteen days before Botox fully takes effect. You can see initial improvements in reduced sweating within two to five days after your treatment session while complete dryness in the forehead and facial skin can be achieved in two weeks.
Botox greatly helps improve the quality of life for craniofacial hyperhidrosis sufferers. It reduces forehead sweating by at least 75 percent for an average of five months. It is recommended that you do routine follow-ups with your Botox provider to see if you need new injections to maintain dryness.
What Causes Forehead Sweating?
Forehead sweating is one type of craniofacial hyperhidrosis or the condition of excess sweating on the face and head. To better understand what can cause this condition, it’s important to know the two main kinds of hyperhidrosis:
1. Primary Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that often starts from childhood or adolescence. There is no known cause for what triggers this type of hyperhidrosis but there are studies that show that it may have a genetic component. Others say that the symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis may develop due to the overactivity of the body’s sweat glands as a result of environmental or physical stress.
This is also known as primary focal hyperhidrosis because it is a type of excessive sweating condition that is often localized in a specific body or facial part. The common areas of primary hyperhidrosis are the hands, soles of the feet, head, and underarm sweat. Excessive facial sweating is usually a type of primary hyperhidrosis.
2. Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Unlike primary hyperhidrosis, secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an existing medical illness or as a reaction to prescription medication. It’s also called secondary generalized hyperhidrosis because the excess sweat occurs on larger or more generalized areas of the entire body.
Some of the conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis are obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hot flashes or menopause, heart attack, nervous system disorders, chronic infections, and low blood sugar.
What Are The Other Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options
If you notice that you have heavy or abnormal sweating episodes, you should get checked by your primary physician to determine the cause and the possible treatments. Aside from Botox injections, here are the alternative treatments for forehead and facial hyperhidrosis:
1. Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are not just used for excessive armpit sweat. There are available topical antiperspirants, usually in gel or wipes form, which can be applied on the facial skin and forehead to control sweating. Most antiperspirant products today often contain aluminum-based active ingredients which help block your sweat glands to control your perspiration.
2. Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is commonly used for palmar hyperhidrosis (hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (feet). It can be considered as an alternative treatment when prescription antiperspirants are not enough for your excess sweating condition.This treatment is usually done in a series of sessions in a medical clinic or at home (if you have the machine). During iontophoresis, you will submerge both hands or feet in water and a medical device will send electric shockwaves that will prevent sweat from temporarily exiting your glands.For facial sweating, there are available face mask applicators that can be placed over your skin. Make sure to consult first with your doctor before using the iontophoresis devices on your own.
3. Laser treatments
Laser therapy can also be used for the treatment of excessive sweating. Like Botox, it’s a minimally invasive procedure that only requires directing a beam of light to heat up and destroy the sweat glands in the underarm area. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic or with the application of numbing cream over the treatment area. A laser treatment session can be done in less than an hour.
4. Prescription medicine or anticholinergic drugs
Your doctor may also prescribe you oral medications for forehead sweating. These prescription drugs or anticholinergic medications act as nerve blockers that stop the release of chemicals that will activate the sweat glands. While they are effective for controlling excessive sweating, these drugs may not be recommended for long-term use since they can cause side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision.
5. Surgery
Surgical intervention for excessive sweating should only be pursued in cases when your condition does not improve with other hyperhidrosis treatments. The surgery is called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy and in the procedure, the surgeon will cut the nerves that are connected to the sweat glands. It’s usually performed on patients with excessive underarm or facial sweating.
Here’s a table that provides a better picture of the best treatment areas and the results of each hyperhidrosis treatment, including Botox:
Other Areas of Excess Sweat That Can Be Treated By Botox
As long as they are given by an experienced injector or cosmetic practitioner, Botox can successfully treat multiple areas of the face and body affected by excessive sweating. Aside from the underarm and the forehead, you may also receive the injections if you are suffering hyperhidrosis in the following areas:
See Our Expert Doctors at Ethos Spa For Your Botox Treatment
Treat forehead sweating with Botox before it gets worse and affects your quality of life and self-confidence. Here at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center, our expert doctors and Botox practitioners will assure that you get the best injection treatments so you don’t have to sweat about your day.
How much is botox for palmar hyperhidrosis
Sweating is your body’s natural way to regulate your temperature in a wide range of situations from exercising to finding yourself in a hot environment to responding to stimuli like stress and anxiety. While sweating under these circumstances is completely normal, there are 15 million Americans who suffer from a condition known as hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can occur in many areas of the body, but one of the most common places for excessive sweating is the palms of the hands. Palmar hyperhidrosis affects 1 to 3 percent of the population and can greatly impact the way you live your life. Patients experiencing palmar hyperhidrosis may feel self-conscious about shaking hands, struggle to work in social environments or be afraid of handling objects or papers due to sweaty palms. Thankfully, there are many treatment options to safely and effectively reduce excessive sweating of your palms. If you struggle with palmar hyperhidrosis, Dr. Michele Green can help you in her private NYC practice.
One of the most exciting innovations in dermatology is the use of botulinum toxin injections, more commonly known as Botox®, to treat hyperhidrosis. Botox was FDA-approved to treat hyperhidrosis in 2004 and ever since, patients have been thrilled with the results of this treatment. Botox injections are more commonly known for their use in treating wrinkles and maintaining healthy, youthful skin. However, Botox’s role as a safe and effective treatment for hyperhidrosis is on the rise. Model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen has taken to Instagram to discuss how Botox helped treat her hyperhidrosis. If you are experiencing excessive sweating, you are not alone. There are plenty of safe and effective treatment options for treating palmar hyperhidrosis and improving your quality of life.
If you are tired of excessive sweating negatively impacting your life, Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC with over 25 years of experience. She is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times. She is an expert in treating both axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis and can help improve your quality of life today.
What is Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which the body overuses its natural regulatory cooling system, also known as sweat. Our bodies are usually excellent at maintaining a set body temperature but, unfortunately, sometimes the nervous system can over-activate the sweat glands. This results in dysregulation and leads to excessive sweating and discomfort.
Three of the most common forms of hyperhidrosis are axillary hyperhidrosis, palmar hyperhidrosis, and plantar hyperhidrosis. Axillary hyperhidrosis refers to overactive sweat glands in the armpits, which can be exacerbated due to nerves, physical activity, or a hot and humid climate. Plantar hyperhidrosis is defined as overactive sweat glands on the soles of the feet, and it is sometimes coupled with palmar hyperhidrosis.
Palmar hyperhidrosis refers specifically to sweaty palms or sweaty hands. It is a common form of hyperhidrosis that typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Most patients realize that they have palmar hyperhidrosis after experiencing an impact on their quality of life, such as difficulty writing due to sweating through paper, or embarrassment when shaking hands. Research is ongoing for palmar hyperhidrosis and hyperhidrosis at large, and Botox injections have become an exciting solution to treat the uncomfortable symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis.
What causes Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
The most common classification of hyperhidrosis, primary focal hyperhidrosis, is defined by nerves that signal sweat glands too frequently, thus leading to overactive sweat glands and excess sweat. Typically, primary focal hyperhidrosis affects a specific area of the body like the armpits, feet, hands, or forehead and usually worsens with nervousness or stress. Sweating caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis typically occurs symmetrically on each side of the body. Palmar hyperhidrosis is a common part of primary focal hyperhidrosis, which can sometimes be accompanied by sweat on the soles of the feet or the face. Though there is no known cause of primary hyperhidrosis, there is increasing evidence to suggest that there is a genetic component to the condition. More research needs to be done to support this hypothesis but published papers suggest that the development of hyperhidrosis is linked to a dominant gene.
The second type of hyperhidrosis, called secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, is excessive sweating as a result of medical conditions, such as diabetes, nervous system disorders, menopause, certain cancers, and thyroid problems. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is characterized by sweating across large areas of the body rather than one specific region. In the case of secondary hyperhidrosis, the primary medical condition should be addressed to eliminate excessive sweating. Additionally, certain medications can be the primary cause of hyperhidrosis. If hyperhidrosis is prompted by the use of a new medication, it is important to disclose this information to Dr. Green when you are discussing your treatment options.
Can you grow out of palmar hyperhidrosis?
Unfortunately, you cannot grow out of palmar hyperhidrosis. In one research survey of nearly 2000 hyperhidrosis patients published in Dermatologic Surgery, 88 percent of respondents of varying age groups said their excessive sweating had gotten worse or stayed the same over time. For the majority of individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, medical intervention is necessary, especially if you have a family history of hyperhidrosis. Thankfully, there are several available treatment options from prescription-strength antiperspirants, methenamine solution applications to the area, oral anticholinergic medicines, and Botox injections.
Does Palmar Hyperhidrosis go away?
When seeking a cure for hyperhidrosis, it is important to figure out which type you have, as the type of hyperhidrosis determines how the symptoms will go away. If you are suffering from primary focal hyperhidrosis, there is no cure for the condition itself, rather treatment focuses on eliminating the symptoms. Primary focal hyperhidrosis affects specific areas of the body like the underarms, hands, feet, and face and so treatment will be focused on reducing or eliminating sweat in those areas.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, leukemia, anxiety/stress, hormonal fluctuations, or an infectious disease. Excessive sweating can occur as a side effect of these conditions and if that is the case, it is important to address the health condition for the hyperhidrosis to go away. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis can also occur as a side effect of the medication that you are taking. If you are finding that is the case, you can consult with your physician about switching your medication or with Dr. Green about treatment options.
Regardless of the cause, Dr. Green will meet with you to discuss your specific condition and decide which treatment method is right to address your needs. There are many different treatment options ranging from topical antiperspirants to oral medication to other procedures such as Botox. Dr. Green will prescribe these treatments individually or in combination to treat your excessive sweating.
How to Cure Palmar Hyperhidrosis
If you’re wondering how to get rid of palmar hyperhidrosis, there are several treatment options. Common initial treatment of focal hyperhidrosis includes prescription antiperspirants and prescription creams, which are designed to build salt clogs that can stop sweat from reaching the surface. In addition, topical aluminum chloride, nerve blocker-based medications, and anti-depressants can all be used to treat hyperhidrosis. Another treatment for more moderate palmar hyperhidrosis is iontophoresis, which uses a low-intensity electrical current to reduce the amount of sweating in target areas. Though these treatments are successful for some, many patients have inconsistent results, and almost all of these treatments require a considerable amount of upkeep.
In severe cases of palmar hyperhidrosis, patients may choose endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), which is an invasive surgical treatment intended to permanently interrupt certain nerve signals to eccrine glands (sweat glands). However, this treatment has severe side effects, including but not limited to: compulsory sweating all over the body, arrhythmia, heat intolerance, and hypotension. Due to these risks, any decision to engage with ETS should be made with extreme caution.
For many patients, the journey to find a solution for palmar hyperhidrosis ends with Botox injections. Botox treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis is an ideal option for those looking for consistent relief of sweaty palms. Current research shows that Botox treatment is 80 to 90 percent effective in relieving the symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis. Botox can also be combined with other treatments to eliminate excessive sweating from the palms. These combination treatments are typically preferred over more invasive treatment options. When determining which treatment option is right for you, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green.
How to cure palmar hyperhidrosis naturally
You cannot cure palmar hyperhidrosis naturally but certain DIY treatments can potentially and temporarily help with the condition. One option is to use an antiperspirant that you would normally use for underarm sweating on your palms. This can help reduce wetness and clamminess but given the severity of your hyperhidrosis, an over-the-counter antiperspirant may not be effective. Another option is to use baking soda. Baking soda can be mixed with water to create a paste and will function just like an antiperspirant would. If you have tried DIY home remedies to treat your palmar hyperhidrosis to no avail, you should talk to your doctor to see what your treatment options are. Palmar hyperhidrosis will not go away on its own and medical intervention is the best solution.
Does Botox work for palmar hyperhidrosis?
Yes, Botox is one of the best options for treating palmar hyperhidrosis and is a great alternative if other treatment options have failed to bring about the desired results. Botox, named for botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin that halts the innervation of nerve endings. This process was initially developed by Allergan for use in muscle disorders, and shortly thereafter became popular for cosmetic use in the world of cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery for treating fine lines and wrinkles. It has since been expanded to treat a range of medical conditions, including palmar hyperhidrosis. It is FDA-approved for the medical treatment of excessive sweating of axillae (armpit) hyperhidrosis but many healthcare professionals have found that it can be used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis just as effectively. Botulinum toxin injections are used to disable the sweat glands. Botox acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine and shuts down the action of the sweat glands at the site of injection. The effects of Botox injections can last from 4 to 6 months, depending on the area being treated, and have been shown to reduce sweating by 80 to 90 percent according to sweathelp.org. It is no wonder why Botox injections are widely recommended by experienced dermatologists and healthcare professionals for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, or palm sweating. Botox is the preferred treatment option of Dr. Green when it comes to treating hyperhidrosis.
Botox treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis is an excellent non-invasive method to provide long-lasting relief from sweaty palms. The procedure itself is quick and relatively painless. Typically, the process requires using a topical numbing cream one hour before injections, and if a patient is particularly sensitive to pain, nerve blockers may be recommended for the duration of the treatment. Generally, 20 to 30 ultra-fine injections are used to place Botox into each palm and can be as quick as 15 minutes in all. As this treatment is an advanced Botox injector technique, you must work with a board-certified medical professional who has experience with Botox injections for hyperhidrosis. Dr. Green is an expert in Botox injections for both cosmetic and medical use, and the safety and satisfaction of her patients are her top priority for any Botox treatment. After treatment, the most common side effects are mild muscle weakness (a looser grip), and occasional bruising. Most patients leave their appointment requiring no downtime. Relief from excessive sweating is usually in full effect one to two weeks following treatment.
The effectiveness of Botox in treating hyperhidrosis has been documented in numerous journals like br j Dermatol, j am acad Dermatol, arch Dermatol, and PubMed. One double-blind clinical study published in the PubMed Neurology section randomized participants to either receive a full dose of Botox or an alternative treatment. The study concluded that Botox injections for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis are safe and efficacious. Patients’ satisfaction after the treatment(s) was consistently high and patients noted improvement in quality of life and a reduction in the impact of hyperhidrosis on their life. This makes botulinum toxin therapy a great option for treating hyperhidrosis. You can read the full text on PubMed under ID number 12810503.
How common is Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is very normal, and most people will find that their palms get sweaty in a variety of situations like engaging in intense physical exercise, spending time in a very warm environment, or being in a nerve-wracking situation like giving a speech in front of a large group of important people. But for those suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, severe sweating occurs on the hands and/or palms outside of these normal situations. Excessive sweating can happen when you are just sitting at your desk doing work or in a regular social situation and can cause distress or embarrassment. It does not help that palmar hyperhidrosis is exacerbated in stressful situations. When you’re suffering from this condition, it is easy to feel alone but in reality, millions of Americans deal with hyperhidrosis of the palms of hands. It is estimated that 1 to 3 percent of the population suffers from palmar hyperhidrosis. Sometimes, that lonely, embarrassed feeling can keep people from seeking treatment for the condition. Dr. Green is here to make you feel comfortable throughout the whole hyperhidrosis treatment process and can help your hands feel dryer within 2 to 4 days of receiving Botox treatment.
Who does Botox for hyperhidrosis?
Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses, can administer Botox injections. However, the best individuals to do Botox for hyperhidrosis are trained, board-certified dermatologists, who have years of experience injecting Botox and have previously worked with patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis. These physicians have specialized training in dermatology and can minimize any adverse side effects. In addition, they are equipped to deal with any adverse side effects you may experience that other healthcare professionals might be unable to address. It would also be best to get Botox done in a board-certified dermatology office as opposed to a MedSpa. In a private dermatology office, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, you can rest assured that you are in the best hands.
How long does Botox last for Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
As Botox injections are nonpermanent, the results of Botox for palmar hyperhidrosis are also, unfortunately, temporary. However, many patients find that the relief from excessive sweating thanks to one Botox injection treatment can last upwards of six months. For optimal and continual relief from the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, Dr. Green recommends patients continue with routine Botox injections spaced six months apart.
How many units of Botox for Palmar Hyperhidrosis?
Each patient is unique, which is why Dr. Green will take your specific needs and condition into account before determining the units necessary for treatment. On average, patients require a minimum of 100 units of Botox for a single treatment, in both palms. Depending on the size of one’s palm, 0.1 cc aliquots of Botox are injected in 20 to 30 discreet areas of the hand. The injections are spaced approximately 1 cm apart within the areas that are impacted by hyperhidrosis. After the first treatment is complete, Dr. Green will ask patients to return after two weeks for a follow-up appointment so Dr. Green can check the treatment area and provide any additional injections as needed.
How to inject Botox for Hyperhidrosis
The process for receiving the Botox treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis is simple–the procedure does not take long and there is no downtime required after the process. You will begin by meeting with Dr. Green to discuss your particular condition of primary palmar hyperhidrosis and determine the number of units of Botox necessary for your treatment. To prepare the area before the injections, Dr. Green will prescribe a topical anesthetic or nerve blocks that you should apply one hour before your appointment to reduce the feeling in your hand and minimize pain and discomfort. Then, Dr. Green will inject the botulinum toxin type A (on average 100 units total) in 20 to 30 spots on your palm. The injections serve to block the cholinergic nerve cells’ release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sweat production. The treatment itself does not take long to complete and there is no downtime, meaning you can return to your regular activities right after the procedure. The effects of botulinum toxin should be evident 2 to 4 days following the treatment. About 2 weeks after receiving the Botox treatment, you will schedule a follow-up where Dr. Green will assess the injection site and overall treatment area to see if any touch-ups are necessary. Reduced sweating in your palms can last up to 6 months and the Botox treatment can be repeated for continued dryness.
Is Botox safe for Hyperhidrosis?
Yes! Botox is both safe and effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis when the treatment is done by an experienced and expert dermatologist like Dr. Green. The procedure itself is relatively painless and there is no downtime necessary following the treatment, meaning you can return to your regular activities immediately. There are very few potential side effects, which include bruising and muscle weakness in the hands. Further, there is very little evidence to support that the treatment leads to compensatory sweating elsewhere in the body. In other words, there is minimal risk that your body will compensate for the lack of sweating in your palms by sweating in other areas of your body. That said, Botox treatment is a very delicate procedure, and the risk of potential side effects decreases significantly if you go through the process with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green as opposed to a nurse at a Spa treatment facility.
hyperhidrosis surgery
Dermatologists help many patients control excessive sweating. Before treatment begins, it is important to find out why a patient has excessive sweating.
How do dermatologists diagnose hyperhidrosis?
To diagnose this condition, a dermatologist gives the patient a physical exam. This includes looking closely at the areas of the body that sweat excessively. A dermatologist also asks very specific questions. This helps the doctor understand why the patient has excessive sweating.
Sometimes medical testing is necessary. Some patients require a test called the sweat test. This involves coating some of their skin with a powder that turns purple when the skin gets wet.
To find an underlying medical condition, other medical tests may be necessary.
How do dermatologists treat hyperhidrosis?
Treatment depends on the type of hyperhidrosis and where the excessive sweating occurs on the body. Your dermatologist also considers your overall health and other factors.
Treatments that dermatologists use to help their patients control hyperhidrosis include:
Antiperspirants
This may be the first treatment that a dermatologist recommends. It is affordable. When applied as directed, an antiperspirant can be effective. Your dermatologist may recommend a regular or clinical-strength antiperspirant. Some patients need a stronger antiperspirant and receive a prescription for one.
Uses: Apply to underarms, hands, feet, or hairline
How it works: The antiperspirant sits on top of your skin. As you sweat, the antiperspirant is pulled into your sweat glands. This plugs the sweat glands. When your body senses that its sweat glands are plugged, this should signal your body to stop producing so much sweat.
Side effects: Where they apply the antiperspirant, some people develop:
If these occur, be sure to tell your dermatologist. Changing how you use the antiperspirant can reduce these side effects.
Do antiperspirants increase risk of breast cancer, Alzheimer’s?
Some patients are concerned that antiperspirants can cause breast cancer. Others worry about getting Alzheimer’s disease. To date, we do not have evidence that using an antiperspirant causes breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.
If you want to know more about this, read:
Iontophoresis (the no-sweat machine)
If excessive sweating affects your hands, feet, or both areas, this may be an option. You will use this treatment at home. It requires you to immerse your hands or feet in a shallow pan of tap water. As you do this, a medical device sends a low-voltage current through the water.
Many people obtain relief. Some people dislike that this treatment can be time-consuming.
How it works: The electric current shuts down the treated sweat glands temporarily.
Most people need about 6 to 10 treatments to shut down the sweat glands. To get improvement, you begin by using the device as often your dermatologist recommends. At first, you may need two or three treatments per week. A treatment session usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Once you see results, you can repeat the treatment as needed to maintain results. This can range from once a week to once a month.
If this treatment is right for you, your dermatologist will teach you how to use the device and give you a prescription so that you can buy one. Some patients also receive a prescription for a medicine that they add to the tap water.
Side effects: Some people develop:
Discomfort during treatment
If you experience any side effects, tell your dermatologist. Making some changes often eliminates these side effects.
Botulinum toxin injections
Your dermatologist can inject a weak form of this medicine into your underarms. To treat excessive sweating, a patient will need to have very tiny amounts injected in many areas of the underarms. When performed properly, patients have little pain or discomfort.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment for the underarms. Findings from some research studies suggest that this treatment may be effective for other areas of the body. It may help post-menopausal women who sweat excessively on the head. It may be effective for excessive sweating that affects the hands and feet.
How it works: The injections temporary block a chemical in the body that stimulates the sweat glands. Most patients notice results four to five days after receiving treatment.
Reduced sweating lasts about four to six months, and sometimes longer. When the excessive sweating returns, you can be retreated.
Side effects: The most common one is temporary muscle weakness, which can occur when this is injected into the hands.
Prescription cloth wipes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment for people who have excessive underarm sweating and are 9 years of age or older.
How it works: These individually wrapped cloths contain an active ingredient, glypyrronium tosylate, that can reduce underarm sweating.
Uses: Most people use one wipe per day at home to treat both underarms.
Side effects: Possible side effects include dry mouth, redness on the treated skin, and burning or stinging where the wipe touched your skin.
Prescription medicine
Some patients receive a prescription for a medicine that temporarily prevents them from sweating. These medicines work throughout the body.
How it works: These medicines prevent the sweat glands from working. Athletes, people who work in a hot place, and anyone who lives in a warm climate should use extreme caution when using this treatment. The body may not be able to cool itself.
Uses: These medicines can effectively treat sweating that involves entire body. This medicine also can be an effective treatment for post-menopausal women who sweat excessively only from their head.
Side effects: The medicines that prevent the sweat glands from working can cause:
Heart palpations (abnormal heartbeat)
The risk of side effects increases with higher doses. Before taking this medicine, you should talk with your dermatologist about your individual risks and benefits.
botox for palmar hyperhidrosis cost
The cost of Botox injections for palmar hyperhidrosis can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the expertise of the provider, the amount of Botox needed, and any discounts or promotions that may be available. Generally, Botox injections for palmar hyperhidrosis can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per treatment session.
It’s important to note that insurance may cover the cost of Botox injections for palmar hyperhidrosis if it is deemed medically necessary. It’s recommended to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
It’s also important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if Botox injections are a suitable treatment option for your palmar hyperhidrosis and to discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure.