Few things are more embarrassing than excessive underarm sweating known as hyperhidrosis. You wave to a friend or motion during a presentation, and all you can hope is that no one notices how drenched the underarms of your shirt are. Worst of all, you can't control your sweating no matter how much antiperspirant you lather on. For decades, people suffering from hyperhidrosis have lived embarrassed and self-conscious – until an amazing discovery was recently made. Botox, the treatment trusted by millions to smooth their wrinkles, also has the power to treat hyperhidrosis.



Do I have hyperhidrosis…or am I just sweating?

Sweating is the body's natural way of regulating its temperature. When a person suffers from uncontrollable sweating that exceeds what the body needs to cool itself, that's known as hyperhidrosis. And there are two different kinds – primary and secondary. Secondary hyperhidrosis is more serious and often requires medical attention.

Much more common is primary hyperhidrosis, and just as many women as men suffer from it. The condition usually starts during adolescence or even slightly before – when kids are self-conscious enough without their sweat glands making things even harder. So even though 1% of the population is diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, many more are probably suffering but are too embarrassed to seek treatment. Though it's the last thing any teen wants to talk about with their parents, the condition is thought to be hereditary.

Botox – the ultimate antiperspirant

Botox is the most revolutionary treatment out there for excessive underarm sweating (to impress your friends, you can call it ‘axillary hyperhidrosis'). Treatment consists of a small amount of Botox that's injected just under the skin, right near the sweat glands that are causing your excessive perspiration. It temporarily blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. And when the sweat glands don't receive those signals, the severe sweating stops – for 6-9 months, and sometimes even longer!

This treatment didn't get the best introduction to the general public – you may remember tabloid stories about Sharon Stone wanting to Botox her 8-year-old son's feet to keep them from smelling. But people suffering from hyperhidrosis have experienced true, amazing results from Botox – a treatment that's more economical than you might imagine.

Turning yellow into green

Think back to all the T's and dress shirts you've had to throw out and replace because the underarms had turned a less-than-attractive (and permanent) shade of yellow. With the money you'll save on constant dry cleaning and new clothing purchases, it won't be long until your Botox treatment pays for itself. Throw in the peace of mind and confidence you'll gain knowing that people are finally looking at you and not your pit stains – and this miraculous treatment for hyperhidrosis becomes priceless.

Hyperhidrosis treatments beyond your underarms

Excessive sweating can strike in more places than just your underarms. Your hands, feet and the groin area are some of the most active regions of perspiration since they've got a relatively high concentration of sweat glands. But any part of your body can be affected by hyperhidrosis. For those areas there are topical and oral medications as well as injectable therapies and surgical options. Just as with Botox treatments, it's important to find a physician who's experienced in treating hyperhidrosis and who can deliver just the right treatment for you.