Uncontrolled Underarm Sweating? Try Botox.
Todd Minars, M.D. Dermatology
Uncontrollable sweating is embarrassing, but it is common and it is TREATABLE. I am constantly amazed at two things – how many people suffer needlessly because they are not aware of available treatments, and how grateful patients are after their condition has been cured. It seems that the patient with dry underarms is even more grateful than the patient who just had a skin cancer removed. But this highlights how distressing uncontrollable underarm perspiration can be. The condition is called “localized hyperhidrosis. The available treatments for this socially devastating condition can be divided into three groups: 1 – topical treatments, 2 – systemic treatments, and 3 – surgical treatments. For localized hyperhidrosis of the underarms, topical treatments are the most appropriate. The three which I use, in increasing order of expense, are: prescription strength anti-perspirant, iontophoresis, and Botox.
The problem that arises in some patients is that these preparations can be extremely irritating, but if you can tolerate it, they can be a “lifesaver”. The next option, iontophoresis, is a machine that conducts electric current through the skin and on average decreases sweating of the treated area by 50%. But for many patients, a 50% reduction is not acceptable. The final option, Botox, is by far the most effective and long-lasting solution to this problem. Treatment is preceded by a simple test: a solution is painted onto the underarm skin to identify exactly where the excessive sweating occurs. The units of Botox are injected with a tiny needle, very superficially into this area (usually only a few square inches). After a few days, the sweating stops completely. Dry underarms, dry shirts, no rings or yellow stains! No need to use anti-perspiring or deodorant! And the effect lasts for 6 months or longer. Some patients come twice a year, others just once (before the summer). So don’t “sweat” localized hyperhidrosis, it is treatable!For more information on Botox treatment, call Dr. Todd Minars at 954-987-7512.
