Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating, beyond what is required for regulating body temperature. Specific body parts can be affected, such as the hands, feet, armpits, face, or the body in general. The problem can occur at different times of day, including the middle of the night.
In any case, hyperhidrosis is a potentially embarrassing disorder that can affect a person’s emotional, physical, and social well-being. Luckily, there are a number of treatment options available for this distressing condition, including topical and oral medications, surgery, and even Botox injections.
The onset of focal primary hyperhidrosis usually occurs during childhood or adolescence, and is often inherited. Secondary this condition, however, is associated with disorders such as chronic infection, malignancy, neurologic and endocrine disorders, and spinal cord injuries.
There are several treatment options for the condition, which may include topical medication, oral medication, or iontophoresis. However, botox cosmetics are being used more and more often as a treatment for hyperhidrosis and is FDA approved for this use. The same purified botulinum toxin that blocks the nerves to muscles in the face in cosmetic uses, allowing wrinkles to relax and disappear, works to block the nerves that trigger sweat glands.