BOTOX Therapeutic for Excessive Sweating

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Treatment choices

Until 2001, patients had few treatment choices that worked and most had significant side effects. Strong antiperspirants such as Drysol and Certain Dry is often simply not enough and causes skin irritation and burning. Some medication such as glycopyrrolates or Ditropan, can work for some, but are usually reserved for those people with full head and body excessive sweating and have several side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness and constipation. Surgery is another option but it leaves long scars and is now very rarely done since the approval of BOTOX® treatment in 2001.

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BOTOX® Works - Don't sweat it anymore!

BOTOX® injections are an effective AND safe way to treat excessive sweating. In 2001, Health Canada approved it as the ONLY prescribed medication for the treatment of Excessive Sweating (hyperhidrosis). Botox injections also have few side effects; other than minimal discomfort from the actual injections, swelling, redness and there may be a little bruising.

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How does it work?

Excessive sweating is caused by overactive sweat glands and is beyond voluntary control. The active ingredient in BOTOX® blocks the signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Without this signal, the sweat gland does not produce sweat. This is not dangerous. It is not that the sweat is produced and not allowed to be excreted or that it goes elsewhere in the body, it is simply no longer produced in the treated area. There is also no danger of the patients being unable to regulate their body temperature as the body will release heat and sweat from the rest of the body.

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Therapeutic effects

Usually patients will start to see a difference in their sweat production within 2-3 days after their BOTOX® treatment with the full effects after 2 weeks. It is important to realize that the results are temporary and last on average 7.5 months although it can be longer. Treatment must be repeated to maintain the results. The percentage of decrease in sweating is often 75-80% but can be 100%. Most patients with a private medical plan will usually come back every 6 months.

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BOTOX® and Body Odor

Although not meant to reduce odor, patients do find that BOTOX® treatment also reduces this embarrassing problem considerably. Patients receiving BOTOX® treatment for hyperhidrosis report an extremely high degree of satisfaction and recommend it to their family and friends as they now have a solution to an embarrassing personal issue. It literally changes their lives!

The initial consultation for this medical problem is covered under OHIP. The majority of the cost of Botox treatment is covered by most private medical plans (except for Green Shield).

Dr. Caroline Tosoni welcomes the opportunity to help you with this medical issue. For a consultation please call the office at 613-244-5151. During that medical visit, a review of your medical history will be performed and all your questions will be answered.

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