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excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis: Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic

Excessive or abnormal sweating is a medical condition that can be devastating. The psychological impact compounds the issue as added stress means even more sweat.

Medically termed hyperhidrosis, uncontrolled sweating is caused by an over-activity of the sweat producing glands. The most concentrated areas of sweat glands are in the armpits, groin, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and on the face, making these the areas most prone to the disorder.

Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis find themselves avoiding social situations and trying to disguise the excessive sweating with clothing, powders, and pads. The condition is caused by hyper-function of the sweat glands. In the hyperhidrosis sufferer, sweat glands overreact to stimuli and may also be generally overactive. When medical intervention is indicated, the most effective treatment for controlling heavy sweating and hyperhidrosis is BOTOX® Cosmetic. By blocking the signals to the sweat glands, sweat production slows dramatically. This condition of severe and excessive sweating affects over 8 million people in the U.S. alone. If you think you may have hyperhidrosis, visit Allergan's BOTOX® Cosmetic site for a Self-Assessment.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is FDA-approved for severe underarm sweating that is inadequately managed with topical agents. BOTOX® Cosmetic helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.

For someone who is forever worried about raising their arms, hugging a loved one, talking to a group of people, playing a group sport, or simply engaging with friends at a dinner or get together, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a very simple - but very dramatic - solution.

From a doctor's perspective, it's simply the best antiperspirant on the planet. One set of injections and most people enjoy a respite from excessive sweating for an average of 170 days.

In one study, four weeks after being injected, the percentage of people showing a 50% reduction in sweating was 91% in the BOTOX® Cosmetic group compared with 36% in the placebo group. WebMD : Source FDA

A BOTOX® Cosmetic  hyperhidrosis treatment

The procedure is relatively simple. A small volume of BOTOX® Cosmetic solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin, so you may experience some injection-related discomfort. You will receive multiple injections based on Dr. Sikorski's assessment of the area that needs to be treated. You will notice effects in 24 to 72 hours.

How long does the BOTOX® Cosmetic action last?

With a 201 day duration response, 1 to 2 BOTOX® Cosmetic injections were sufficient for most patients who responded to BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment in the 52-week pivotal clinical study1

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is very effective. One clinical study involved 322 patients with severe underarm sweating.

  • 57 out of 104 BOTOX® Cosmetic treated patients (55%) achieved an effective response—compared to only 6 out of 108 treated without BOTOX® Cosmetic (6%).
  • 84 out of 104 BOTOX® Cosmetic treated patients (81%) achieved a greater than 50% reduction in sweating—compared to only 44 out of 108 treated without BOTOX® Cosmetic (41%).

How long does the BOTOX® Cosmetic last?

With a 201 day duration response, 1 to 2 BOTOX® Cosmetic injections were sufficient for most patients who responded to BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment in the 52-week pivotal clinical study1

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic covered under insurance?

The BOTOX® COSMETIC ADVANTAGE Program works with a growing number of insurance carriers and healthcare providers to facilitate the reimbursement process. To find out how BOTOX® Cosmetic is covered under your insurance plan, call the BOTOX® Cosmetic ADVANTAGE Reimbursement Hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-530-6680, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time.

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Other Areas of the Body Typically Affected by Hyperhidrosis

The palms and feet are treatable with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Because of the sensitivity of the palms and feet, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in these areas are fairly uncomfortable. Discuss the treatment options with Dr. Sikorski for more specific information.

Every Day Tips for Non-medical Help in Controlling Excessive Sweating
While only a doctor can prescribe or perform certain hyperhidrosis treatments, there are things you can do to help make excessive sweating less of a burden on your everyday life:

  • Bathe daily to minimize bacteria on your skin
  • Dry thoroughly after you bathe. Bacteria and fungi (which can cause body odor and infections on irritated skin) thrive in damp spaces. If you have sweaty feet, use foot powders to help absorb sweat.
  • Apply antiperspirant products in the evening. Antiperspirants may be used on hands and feet as well as on underarms. Gently massaging them into the skin may be useful. Follow instructions carefully if using prescription antiperspirants.
  • Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, which allow your skin to breathe. When you exercise, you might prefer high-tech fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.
  • “Dress shields,” small pads that go in your armpits to absorb sweat, may be an option for you. You may also want to keep an extra shirt with you for emergencies.
  • Launder your clothes and/or change your shoes and clothing often.
  • If you have trouble with sweaty feet, rotate your shoes. Your shoes may not dry out overnight, so try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. If you have shoes with removable insoles, change those often. Many athletic shoes can be machine washed and dried in the sun to reduce odor causing bacteria buildup.
  • Moisture-wicking athletic socks are a good choice. These may be made of merino wool (which doesn’t itch) or a synthetic blend sometimes called “polypro.”
  • Change your socks often. Change socks or pantyhose once or twice a
    day, drying your feet thoroughly each time. Women should try pantyhose with cotton soles.
  • Air your feet. Go barefoot when you can, or at least slip out of your shoes now and then.
  • Avoid hot beverages (such as coffee), alcohol, and spices, which can make you sweat.
  • Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or biofeedback. These can help you learn to control the stress that can trigger perspiration.
  • Change your diet. Make note of any foods or beverages that cause you to sweat more than usual. Consider eliminating caffeinated drinks (like coffee and cola) from your diet as well as alcohol, certain “hot” spices, and foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions.

Join a support group or online discussion board for moral support and to learn more about new treatments. It's important to remember that you are not alone. Many people suffer from excessive sweating. Read some of their personal stories here.

If you have a loved one who you think has hyperhidrosis, there are ways you can help. Visit the For Family and Friends page to learn more.

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