Sweating, or perspiration, is a normal phenomenon in humans. The evaporation of water from the skin takes heat away from the body and so sweating is essential for temperature control.

The control of sweating is via the sympathetic nervous system. The nerve runs from the brain, down the spinal cord and then comes out and communicates with the sympathetic nerve which lies in the ‘sympathetic chain’. The sympathetic chain lies on the bone of the spinal column. This nerve then runs from the sympathetic chain to the skin where it connects to the sweat glands. The nerve controlling sweating depends upon a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine which is a molecule produced at the very ends of the nerve fibres.

Hyperhidrosis or "excessive sweating" can be a troublesome problem that results in awkward social situations for those that are affected. This is caused by stimulation of the eccine sweat glands by the nerve endings which are the final nerve pathways from higher centres in the brain. These nerves respond to different kinds of stress: emotional stress like intimate social situations or public speaking, or physical stress like the increased body temperature that comes with exercise or hot and humid weather. Some people are routinely troubled by excessive sweating whilst others are only bothered when they are under emotional stress, physically active or over-heated.

Available Treatments

Topical antiperspirant sticks, creams, lotions and solutions typically use aluminium chloride hexahydrate salts (Driclor, Trust) which coat the skin and prevent the sweat from exiting the pores of the skin. Anti-cholinergic drugs and tranquilizers currently used cause dry mouth, blurred vision and minimally reduce sweating. Tranquilizers may minimise your anxiety over sweating, but rarely diminish the excessive perspiration.
Surgical options involve cutting out the skin of the underarms containing the sweat glands and may result in very visible scars and permanent numbness of the skin. Neuro- surgeons use a fibre-optic surgical tube inserted into the neck to cut the nerve fibres leading to the axillary sweat glands and arms (endoscopic sympathectomy).
One of the most effective ways of stopping excessive under-arm sweating is by injecting a dilute solution of Botulinum toxin, a naturally occurring protein derived from bacteria, into the skin of the axilla (armpit). Botulinum toxin (Botox®) can prevent sweating for months by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter, i.e., acetylcholine, from the nerve endings, that causes the glands to produce sweat. Skin Deep Rejuvenation Therapies are pleased to offer clients, male and female, this very safe and effective treatment.

What happens during treatment?

The underarms are shaved (or you can arrive with shaved armpits!). A topical anaesthetic is applied followed by an iodine and corn starch test which identifies the effected area. Using a very fine needle to make the procedure almost painless, tiny amounts of Botulinum toxin is injected which then binds to the nerve that controls sweating in the skin. The protein works by reducing the effect of local nerves stimulating the sweat glands. This results in the production of less sweat.
A first course usually lasts between 4 and 9 months, subsequent courses being more effective and lasting 6 to 12 months. Heavy physical exercise should be avoided for several hours post treatments but generally clients may engage in any normal activity. You should notice some change for the better within a week of your treatment. Different people have different responses to treatment. In clinical trials sweat production was reduced by more than 90% within two weeks of hyperhidrosis treatment.

Are there any complications?

The only complications from injections into this area are some tiny bruises which fade in a few days. Occasionally small persistent areas of sweating may need a second treatment session at 2 weeks, free of charge. There is no risk of muscle weakness, numbness or permanent change in the axillary skin. There can be a transient phase after treatment which causes other areas to sweat, most commonly the back and chest area, this normally settles within a short period of time and tends to be less troublesome with subsequent treatments.

Who should not have this treatment?

• Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

• Patients who have generalised disorders of muscle activity (e.g. myasthenia gravis).

• Patients where aminoglycoside antibiotics or spectinomycin are already being used or are likely to be used.

• Patients who have bleeding disorders of any type.

• Pregnant or lactating women.

Who will benefit from this treatment?

• Anyone with an increased or problem of underarm sweating.

• Anyone who worries about sweating through their clothes.

• Anyone who will be wearing a fabulous outfit for a fabulous event such as a summer ball or a wedding.

• Anyone who would like to wear fine fabrics, sleeveless shirts and blouses, or who would like to take their jacket off.

• Anyone working in close contact with others such as hairstylists, nurses, physicians, dentists, hygienists, and flight attendants.

• Anyone working in hot conditions, such as models, television personalities and chefs.

• Anyone making public presentations including executives, teachers and salesmen.