Botox and other treatment options
Botulinum toxin injections
This is an option that usually works well for armpit sweating. Treatment consists of many small injections just under the skin in the affected areas. The botulinum toxin stops the nerves in the skin that control the sweat glands from working. Botulinum toxin is sometimes used to treat sweating of the palms and face. However, there is a risk that the injections may stop some of the nearby small muscles of the hands or face from working. To many people, this risk is not worth taking.
The downside of botulinum toxin is that the effect usually wears off after 4-12 months. Therefore, to keep working, the treatment needs repeating when the effect wears off. Some people get mild 'flu like' symptoms for a day or so after treatment. Also, the sites of the injections can be sore for a few days after treatment. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur after an injection.
Medication
Medicines that block the effect of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands are sometimes used. For example, propantheline. These medicines are not used very often. This is because the success of these medicines is variable. Also, side-effects commonly occur. For example, a dry mouth and blurred vision. However, in some cases they work well and side-effects are minor.
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