Methods of Treating Hand and Underarm Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is characterized by excessive sweat secretion. This disorder significantly complicates the lives of those suffering from it. It can lead to emotional difficulties and disrupt daily activities. If the use of topical agents does not bring satisfactory results, it is worth considering procedural options before returning to work or university in the autumn. These include, for example, injections with botulinum toxin (Botox). What does hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox involve?

What is Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating (considered to be the secretion of more sweat than 50 mg per minute). The problem stems from an excess of sweat glands and their hyperactivity. Increased sweating mainly affects the armpits, hands, soles of the feet, and face. Usually, one of these areas is predominantly affected.

Types of Hyperhidrosis

Specialists distinguish between primary hyperhidrosis (whose causes are not fully understood) and secondary hyperhidrosis (related to coexisting diseases, physiological states, or medications taken). Secondary hyperhidrosis is further divided into generalized and localized.

Consequences of Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweat secretion can be bothersome and affect many aspects of life. People with hyperhidrosis report psychological problems, difficulties in relationships with others, and impaired professional activity. Hyperhidrosis also impacts physical health. It promotes bacterial and fungal skin infections and may exacerbate existing diseases (e.g., psoriasis).

Hyperhidrosis Treatment

There are various types of therapies for excessive sweat secretion. The approach depends on the type of disorder.

Hyperhidrosis treatment includes:

• topical methods (e.g., deodorants, creams, gels),
• systemic (oral medications),
• procedural (including botulinum toxin therapy, which brings beneficial effects with relatively low invasiveness),
• surgical (sympathectomy, surgical removal of sweat glands).
• In the treatment of secondary hyperhidrosis, the goal is to eliminate the cause. If this is not possible, symptomatic therapy is used.

Botox - What is It

Botulinum toxin (botulinum, colloquially: Botox) is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, also known as botulinum toxin.

Injections of botulinum toxin have been used in medicine since the 1970s. Initially, they were used to treat strabismus.

In 1987, ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers accidentally discovered that botulinum toxin treatment of eyelid spasm resulted in the smoothing of wrinkles around the eyes. This event kickstarted Botox's career in aesthetic medicine.

Today, botulinum toxin is used not only for smoothing wrinkles but also for treating migraines and tension headaches, bruxism, jaw clenching, and calf muscle relaxation, among others.

The term Botox comes from the trade name of the first drug with botulinum toxin. Currently, there are several such preparations on the market, including Azzalure and Alluzience. We use them in the Dr. Parda clinic.

How Botox Works

The action of injections with botulinum toxin involves locally limiting the contractility of selected muscles. This is the result of temporary inhibition of the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve endings. The reaction is fully reversible. Since botulinum toxin also blocks sweat glands, it has been used in hyperhidrosis therapy.

Underarm Hyperhidrosis Treatment with Botox

Underarm hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox is a frequently used method. The procedure involves injecting botulinum toxin into selected areas. After the procedure, the skin in the treated area does not sweat. The effects of the treatment are temporary, lasting about 6 months.

Hand Hyperhidrosis Treatment with Botox

It is also possible to treat hand hyperhidrosis with Botox. The results of the procedure are noticeable for about 12 months.

In our clinic, we also conduct therapy for excessive sweating in the forehead and scalp area - treatment of forehead and scalp hyperhidrosis.

Contraindications to Treatment

Contraindications to botulinum toxin therapy include:

• pregnancy and lactation period,
• active infections,
• deep skin damage,
• allergies to any of the components of the preparation,
• diseases causing muscle weakness,
• blood clotting disorders,
• taking certain medications and antibiotics.

02.08.2022

Author: Dr Barbara Parda-Głomska

Dr. Barbara Parda-Głomska is a graduate of the Postgraduate School of Aesthetic Medicine at PTL and a member of the Polish Society of Aesthetic Medicine (UIME).