How is Botox used to treat hyperhidrosis?
Currently, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of Botox to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis or severe underarm sweating. Worldwide about 20 countries have approved the use of Botox in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. To treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, a small dose of Botox is injected into the skin of the underarm. Botox prevents the release of the chemical acetylcholine. The blockage of acetycholine stops the signals from the sympathetic nervous system to the sweat glands in the underarm thereby eliminating sweat production. Basically, Botox injections block the nerves in the underarm that cause excessive sweating and thereby prevents sweating in that area.
