Treatment of Excess Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

If underarm sweating/perspiration is significantly interfering with your daily activities and topical agents haven't worked, you may be a candidate for treatment with an injectable muscle relaxant. It is important to see a dermatologist to discuss products and all treatment options.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a chronic disorder that can affect any body part, including the underarms, the palms, the soles of the feet, and the face. Injection treatment is only practical for underarm treatment. Management of excess hand and foot perspiration is less successful, painful and more expensive. Dr Bekhor may discuss other treatment options for these problems.

The muscle relaxant is the same product used for facial cosmetic procedures, but in the treatment of hyperhidrosis perspiration it works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, which activates the sweat glands. The effects of the treatment are usually apparent within a week of treatment and generally control excess perspiration for up to nine months.

Hyperhidrosis perspiration treatment usually takes ½ hours and there is no specific aftercare required. Unfortunately, the cost of treatment for excessive sweating is not covered by Medicare.