What is hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It refers to any abnormal sweating, such as sweating when it’s not hot. People who sweat excessively often soak through their clothing or drip sweat. Regular antiperspirants don’t work well for those with this condition.

Botoulium injections are a new treatment option for people with hyperhidrosis. You may be a candidate for this if your sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. It is  FDA-approved for people who sweat excessively from their armpits. It may also be used “off-label” to reduce sweating in other areas, such as the hands, feet, and face.

Botulinium works by blocking the nerves responsible for activating your sweat glands. Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. This is how your body automatically cools itself. In people with hyperhidrosis, however, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive.

When you receive these injections directly into the area of your body that commonly sweats, your overactive nerves are essentially paralyzed. When your nerves can’t signal your sweat glands, you don’t sweat. However, it only prevents sweating in the specific area where it’s injected.

How is the procedure done?

Injections don’t take long and can be completed during an office visit. Your doctor will inject the medication just below the surface of the skin using a fine needle. You’ll receive several injections that form a grid pattern around your area of concern. Your doctor may give you something to prevent pain, like ice or a numbing agent.

You can return to work and normal life as soon as you’re done with your injections. Your doctor may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment to check in and touch up any missed spots.

Hyperhidrosis treatment is available with Dr Tara at all our clinic locations in Bournemouth (Dorset), Alresford (Hampshire) and Westbury (Wiltshire).