What is botox and how does it work?

Botox is a treatment given by injection into the skin. It is recommended for the treatment of auxiliary hyperhidrosis and it has been used for many years to treat muscle spasm affecting the eyes, face and neck. Botox is also used to relieve muscle spasm in children with cerebral palsy.

Botox is a very pure preparation of a protein, botulinum toxin type A. When small doses are injected into the skin, Botox blocks the actions of the nerves that supply the eccrine glands, this prevents the glands from producing sweat. Botox blocks the nerve endings but over about 6-12 weeks new nerve endings grow to replace them. This means that the effects of treatment last for several months but eventually they will wear off.

What happens during treatment?

Using a very fine needle, your nurse will inject a small amount of a solution of Botox into 10 to 15 places about 1cm apart and spread evenly in each armpit. Sometimes a dye is used to show up the areas where sweating is greatest and where the injections should be placed. A course of treatment takes about 30 minutes.

Your nurse will advise you about when to return for further treatment.