Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis) is another common site to be affected. It can have a major effect on people’s lives and sufferers are constantly aware of trying to hide embarrassing wetness or sweat stains on clothes, and this can interfere with work or social activities.

How do Botulinum toxin work to treat sweating?

Botulinum toxin injections block the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which binds with your sweat glands to signal the release of sweat.

Normally, your nervous system activates your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. This is how your body automatically cools itself. In people with hyperhidrosis, however, the nerves that signal the sweat glands are overactive.

When you receive Botulinum toxin injections directly into the area of your body that commonly sweats, your overactive nerves are essentially paralyzed. When your nerves can’t signal your sweat glands, you don’t sweat. However, Botulinum toxin only prevents sweating in the specific area where it’s injected.

Pros and cons of Botulinum toxin injections for sweating:

Pros

• less invasive than surgical treatment
• minimal pain when injected in the armpits
• follow up injections are needed roughly every 7 to 16 months
• can be an effective treatment, with one study finding a 90 percent  Trusted Source decrease in sweat production 2 weeks after the procedure

Cons

• expensive, with Botulinum toxin for both underarms costing about £250
• follow up injections are needed roughly every 7 to 16 months
• only FDA-approved to treat armpits
• pain and other side effects are possible, but generally mild

When do the effects of Botulinum toxin kick in for sweating?

You can resume your normal activities immediately after receiving Botulinum toxin injections. It usually takes between 2 and 4 days to notice your results and 2 weeks for the injections to take full effect.

The effects of Botulinum toxin are temporary, which means you’ll need more injections in the future. For underarm sweating, booster injections are generally needed every 7 to 16 months. and you may need to repeat your treatment after about 6 months.