What Is the Cause of Hyperhidrosis?

Excessive sweating can be the consequence of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, menopause, anxiety disorder, neurotrauma injury, etc.

The great majority of cases of excessive sweating are of idiopathic origin, i.e. without specific known cause. However, it is generally believed to be of some hereditary origin.

Approximately 3% of the general population is affected by hyperhidrosis and 30% have a family history.

Hyperhidrosis has direct consequences on people's lives. Extensive studies conducted on 320 patients have shown that:

• 55% had moderate limitations in the workplace
• 48% had major limitations in the workplace
• 20% could not pursue a specific career
• 71% lacked self-confidence
• 48% were unhappy and depressed
• 15% took antidepressants
• 25% deliberately avoided going out with family or friends due to embarrassment

Botox® As Treatment

Botox® is a protein produced in the laboratory by a bacterium (botulinum toxin type A). Highly sophisticated extraction and purification methods enable us to isolate Botox® , which acts by blocking the release of the "messenger" responsible for sweating . When the body sends a nervous signal to the sweat glands for them to start sweating, Botox® stops the signal, which in turn impedes hyperhidrosis.

Botox® has been in use for more than 20 years in the treatment of many muscular disorders, such as blepharospasm (tic of the eyelids), strabismus (squinting of the eyes) and cervical dystonia (stiff neck). Over the recent years several other medical disorders (incontinence, reflux, headaches, etc.) have found in Botox® a simple and efficient treatment.

Thanks to its safety profile and acknowledgment as a valid treatment for different medical disorders for more than 20 years, Botox® is a highly appreciated alternative in this kind of treatment.

A Simple and Efficient Treatment

Simplicity of application and use (1 treatment every 7 to 9 months) and the absence of significant side effects also work in the treatment's favour.

The treatment consists in delimiting the area of excessive sweating, then in injecting Botox® in small quantities in the perfectly identified points. A few painless and well-tolerated injections will suffice to do the trick.

In 2 to 10 days the patient will start noticing a reduction in sweating . The treatment's impact on the patient's quality of life is often quite remarkable.

Is This the Solution for Me?

Several studies dating from the mid-90s indicate the usefulness of Botox® against hyperhidrosis in most cases where there are no contraindications (pregnancy, breast feeding, certain neuromuscular diseases, medications, etc.). After evaluating the impact and origin of your problem, Dr. Bernier will be able to suggest different solutions or procedure options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox®

Is this an expensive treatment?
Hyperhidrosis is considered a medical problem , therefore it is possible that insurance companies cover a portion of the treatment costs. Such expenses are different from those incurred through the use of Botox® for cosmetic purposes (wrinkles). Patients should enquire with their insurance companies about these costs.

Are there side effects?
Side effects involved in the Botox® treatment are minimal , infrequent, temporary and more related to the injection sites, such as pain or ecchymoses (bruises). Some patients may feel increased perspiration in areas other than the armpits or sometimes experience hot flashes.

Will my body odour change?
This treatment doesn't change in any way body odours since these originate in the secretion of the exocrine glands, which are not affected by this type of treatment.

For More Information on Hyperhidrosis

Feel free to contact us for more information on hyperhidrosis.

It is also possible to get information from the following website: www.sweatmanagement.ca