Axillary Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive underarm sweating is a medical problem that involves more sweating than is required by our body and is caused by over activity of the sweat glands. Axillary Hyperhidrosis is most commonly triggered by exercise, heat or cold, stress and anxiety.
This condition involves extreme dripping sweat in the armpits, which is almost totally resistant to all the types of deodorants and other odour controlling medication. It is present in 1 % of the population and a family history is usually present suggesting a genetic component.
When small doses of Botulinum Toxin are given into the affected area, nervous activation of the eccrine sweat glands is blocked and overproduction of sweat prevented. The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes to do, is relatively painless and can be a life altering phenomena, the effects of which can last for a period of 6 to 9 months.
Other medical conditions treated with Botulinum Toxin:
- Excessive sweating on the palms and feet.
- TMJ, Bruxism or Teeth grinding/ clenching. The procedure involves about five or six relatively painless Botulinum Toxin injections into the masseter muscle to reduce the effects of grinding and clenching. Injections must be repeated every six months but the habit is usually broken after the second treatment.