What is Sweatox?

A new and extremely popular use of botulinum toxin is to treat uncomfortable or unsightly sweating. The treatment has come to be known as 'Sweatox' and is an incredibly effective technique. The treatments work by blocking signals to the sweat glands. The procedure therefore helps keeps the skin dry and has the added effect of helping to prevent body odour.  (Body odour is formed when bacteria degrade sweat)

Botulinum toxin was officially licensed in the UK for treatment of excessive sweating in the underarm areas (axillary hyperhydrosis) in 2004 and it is recommended by the International Hyperhydrosis Society.

Sweatox treatments are available for sweating of the underarm areas, the forehead, chest and lower back.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A video discussing and demonstrating Sweatox can be viewed here:

Courtesy of Channel 4, 2009

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Who should have Sweatox treatments?

Prospective patients should strongly consider  Sweatox treatments if their sweating bothers them, is unsightly or is not controlled by strong anti - perspirant deodorants. The amount of sweating in people can be hugely variable, from mild dampness to very obvious wet patches under the arms.

Common reasons to seek Sweatox treatments include:

Certain patients have more obvious triggers to their sweating such as stong emotions, eating spicy foods or performing exercise. By far the most common situation, however, is that actually there is no obvious cause. This is called 'primary hyperhydrosis'.

The effects last for approximately 4 - 8 months. A repeat Sweatox treatment can then be safely offered at this stage with the same long lasting effect.

NB Patients with additional symptoms to their sweating, such as weight loss and fatigue are advised to seek the advice of their general practioner as very occasionally other medical problems can cause sweating