Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is necessary to keep the body cool, but excessive sweating or “hyperhidrosis” can affect the quality of life. It may cause embarrassment and frustration, can impact one’s ability to carry out routine chores and even become an occupational hazard.

What causes it?

Under ordinary conditions, the body nervous system sends signals to the sweat glands to produce sweat to keep the body cool. For some people, the sweat glands produce substantial volumes of sweat even when not needed to cool the body.

Why treat Hyperhidrosis?

Besides being psychologically unsettling, hyperhidrosis can interfere with work and social activities, causing depression and anxiety. It may also cause discomfort and skin irritation, which can lead to bacterial and fungal infections.

How is it treated?

There are several options when treating hyperhidrosis. These could include:

Antiperspirants: Both prescription and non-prescription topical antiperspirants can be applied the help decrease sweating.
Iontophoresis: Used to treat sweaty hands, feet or underarms. A medical device sends a low-voltage current through the skin which helps to stop the sweating. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results.
Botox: A diluted concentration of Botox is injected into the underarms, palms or soles of the feet. An effective treatment lasting four to eight months, it requires periodic repeat treatments. It some patients, the sweating stops completely.
Surgery: In extreme cases, the nerves involved in hyperhidrosis can be cut by a surgeon, leading to improvement but not without certain risks.

How effective is Botox® treatment?

Botox® treatment is highly effective. In one study, 57 out of 104 Botox patients (55%) achieved an effective response, compared with only 6 out of 108 patients treated without Botox (6%). Additionally, 84 out of 104 Botox® patients (81%) achieved a greater than 50% reduction in sweating.

Is Botox® for hyperhidrosis covered by my insurance plan?

Many plans provide at least partial coverage for Botox® injections for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

To learn more about Hyperhidrosis, visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society website.