Excessive Sweating

ALSO KNOWN AS LOCALIZED HYPERHYDROSIS

This is a common and emotionally challenging condition that is characterized by excessive sweating in the regions of the palms, soles, and underarms. In affected individuals, profuse production of watery perspiration in these three zones may interfere with personal and professional life. Just typical lifestyle stresses or caffeine might necessitate three or four shirt changes in a day for some. Some have resorted to shields and pads and tissues and products but the problem persists generally from adolescence and beyond.

There are a few known medical conditions that might cause excessive sweating, but the majority of people with excessive sweating have no known medical condition other than the isolated sweating problem. The precise cause of this condition in otherwise healthy individuals is unclear. But it is known though that using a locally injected nerve-inhibiting agent is effective in dramatically reducing sweat gland activity for many months in most cases. This nerve-inhibiting agent has been used in Canada for more than 25 years on patients of all ages, for a variety of reasons, and therefore there is a large base of information about this medication. The safety profile is reassuring. This medication is well known as "Botox".

Conventional approaches to localized excessive sweating have included topical Aluminum Chloride, Ionophoresis, systemic anticholinergic medications, staining agents, and surgery. Unfortunately, these therapies often yield insufficient symptom relief or unacceptable side effects. Most patients have generally "tried it all" by the time they come to a trial of Botox.

The numerous studies looking at Botox as a therapy for Hyperhydrosis reveal an impressive and consistent reduction in sweating, (approximately 70 – 75%), beginning in a couple of days and lasting approximately 8 – 12 weeks. The procedure is quick, relatively non-invasive, and low risk. Usual follow up for repeat treatment is 5 months.