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 not licensed to treat sweating of the palms and face. This is because there is a risk that the injections may stop some of the nearby small muscles of the hands or face from working.

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. It is also very expensive and not usually available on the NHS.

Medication

Drugs that block the effect of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands are sometimes used. For example, propantheline bromide. These drugs are not used very often. This is because the success of these drugs is variable. Also, side-effects commonly occur. For example, a dry mouth and blurred vision. However, for some people they work well and side-effects are minor.