Botox Treatment for Excessive Palm Sweating

What is Botox?

Botox is a medication that is used in the treatment of excessive palm sweating, a condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis.  Botox is actually a toxin that is produced by a bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum.  The toxin functions by blocking the function of nerves.  When the toxin is spread througout the body, paralysis will occur.  When the toxin is injected into a specific site, however, only the nerves in that area will be paralyzed. 

Botox for Excessive Hand Sweating (Palmar Hyperhidrosis)

Botox can be used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis.  Botox treatment is effective for many individuals with sweaty palms.  A study of botox for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis was completed on 19 individuals, where botox was given in one arm, while the other arm did not receive botox.  All patients rated the Botox treatment a success. (1) 

Botox for Excessive Underarm Sweating (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)

A recent study demonstrated that Botox is effective in treating sweaty underarms. (2)  After four weeks, 75% of patients in the study noted a significant improvement in symptoms with Botox treatment.

Side Effects of Botox Treatment for Excessive Sweating

The main side effects of botox treatment include

• pain during the injection
• the high cost of botox
• the possiblility of temporary hand weakness. 

Most patients find the hands and feet to be particularly painful during injection of botox.  In addition, the botox treatment does not last indefinately, and has to be repeated.  Temporary hand weakness was seen in 21% of patients in one study. (3)