Treatment with Botox
If you are pregnant or breast feeding you should inform the department before attending for your treatment as this treatment is not recommended.
It is also important to inform us of any allergies you have, particularly to iodine, and also any medications you are taking, particularly antibiotics and any medications which have not been prescribed by your doctor.
This treatment is used for the management of severe sweating under the arms (known as axillary hyperhidrosis), which does not respond to treatments with antiperspirants.
BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin A) is a bacterial toxin that temporarily weakens muscle and decreases sweating by blocking the release of certain chemicals. It is given by injections into the skin where the sweat glands are located.
The BOTOX is injected into 10-15 sites of the skin of the armpit affected by excessive sweating. Due to the number of sites which are injected, and the difficulty in keeping dressings in place in this area, it is advisable to wear an old dark T-shirt in case of blood staining.
You will generally see an improvement within the first week following the injections and the effect usually lasts for 4-7 months. Repeat treatments are necessary and will be offered every 6 months for 2 years.
Following treatment, some patients notice an increase in sweating in other parts of the body.
Allergic or inflammatory reactions in the area are rarely observed, however the injections may be painful and bleeding, bruising, irritation, injection site reactions, oedema (swelling) and abnormal skin odour are common.
Numbness of the skin is a recognised side effect of BOTOX, but it is not normally noticeable in the armpits.
A common side affect from BOTOX is a headache and hot flushes.
Other side effects are very uncommon. The treatment will be fully explained to you before you consent to proceed. If you are concerned, please discuss this with your doctor or nurse.
Should you experience any problems please contact the Dermatology Department on 01253 957087 or 957089.
Author Janette Fenton
Leaflet Number PL/088 (V5.1)
Review Date 01/10/2025
