How can anti-wrinkle injections treat hyperhidrosis?
Anti-wrinkle injections are neurotoxins indicated for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, commonly called severe underarm sweating, when other topical treatments fail.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating in certain parts of the body. Axillary hyperhidrosis refers to severe sweating under the arms. Excessive sweating without any underlying medical condition is called primary hyperhidrosis. If the cause of excessive sweating is due to a medical condition, this is referred to as secondary hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is caused by overactive sweat glands where increased release of acetylcholine, a chemical from the central nervous system that directs the sweat glands to produce sweat, causes excessive perspiration. Hyperhidrosis may significantly affect the social and psychological wellbeing of an individual. It may cause physical discomfort, social embarrassment, affect occupational and daily activities, and at times may also cause social isolation.
Antiperspirants/Deodorants: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate containing agents block the sweat pores and deodorants help control body odour. These agents may cause irritation and itching of skin.
Medications: Agents that inhibit the release of acetylcholine such as glycopyrrolate. These agents may cause dry mouth, dizziness and other side effects.
Iontophoresis: A small electric current is used to temporarily block the sweat glands. This is often used for treating excessive sweating of the palms and soles of the feet. A drawback with ionotophoresis is that the results are temporary, require multiple sessions every week, and it cannot be used for underarm sweating.
Surgery: Surgery may be performed to remove the sweat glands or to interrupt the impulses from the central nervous system in a procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The ETS procedure is considered a last resort as it can cause a side effect of compensatory sweating that can be even worse than the original problem.
What are the benefits of anti-wrinkle injection?
Considering the limitations of all other treatments, anti-wrinkle injections may be a better choice for axillary hyperhidrosis. It blocks the nerves responsible for sweating in the underarm and prevents excessive sweating. The effect of each anti-wrinkle injection treatment may last for 6–10 months.
How is anti-wrinkle injection administered?
Anti-wrinkle injection is available in 100- and 200- unit single-use vials. Your doctor commonly injects 50 units of the anti-wrinkle solution in 2 mL saline at 10–15 sites (0.1–0.2 mL in each) under each arm.
When is anti-wrinkle injection contraindicated?
Anti-wrinkle injection is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to its contents and in patients with infection at the site of injection.
What are the complications associated with anti-wrinkle injection?