Botox for Excessive Sweating: Tackling Hyperhidrosis

If you’re battling excessive sweating, you’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to just put up with it. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for this condition, and although it often targets the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), it can just as easily affect the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or even your face. At Essex Private Doctors, we understand how frustrating—and frankly, embarrassing—hyperhidrosis can be. Whether it’s interrupting your confidence at work, your social life, or your exercise routine, we have highly effective, proven treatments that can help. Botox for excessive sweating is one of the most successful solutions available today—and here’s why.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is essentially sweating that’s well above what’s needed to regulate your body temperature. While a bit of perspiration is totally normal (especially on a hot day or after a workout), people with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively even when they’re cool, resting, or in everyday situations.

Primary hyperhidrosis usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and tends to affect specific areas like your armpits, palms, soles, or face. Secondary hyperhidrosis (less common) might be linked to an underlying medical condition or certain medications.

Either way, living with it can feel miserable—but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

Botulinum toxin Works for Excessive Sweating

Botulinum toxin (aka Botox®) is a game-changer when it comes to treating hyperhidrosis, particularly under the arms. It works by temporarily blocking the nerves that stimulate your sweat glands. No nerve signal, no sweat.

The treatment itself is quick and relatively straightforward:

  • We may start with a simple test to map out the most active sweating areas.
  • The Botox® is injected with a series of tiny, superficial injections across the area. (Think bee-sting level discomfort, nothing worse!)
  • The whole procedure usually takes around 30 minutes.

Most patients notice a dramatic improvement, with sweating reduced by 80–90% in the treated areas. The effects typically last about six months, although some lucky individuals find the benefits last even longer.

What to Expect from Treatment

You might feel a little sting at the time of the injections (nothing worse than a quick scratch), and it’s possible to experience some minor bruising afterwards. Serious side effects are rare.

A tiny proportion of people can experience something called compensatory sweating, where the body sweats a bit more elsewhere. However, for most, the improvement under the arms far outweighs this.

Who shouldn’t have Botulinum toxin for sweating?

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular disorder (like myasthenia gravis), or have an allergy to botulinum toxin, this treatment wouldn’t be appropriate. Also, if you have an active skin infection or eczema in the area, we’ll wait until it clears.

Are There Other Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis?

Absolutely, and we’ll talk you through these if needed. Options include:

  • Prescription antiperspirants such as aluminium chloride hexahydrate (commonly known as ‘Driclor’) are a helpful first step, although they can sometimes irritate the skin.
  • Oral medications like oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate—these can work, but side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation are common.
  • Iontophoresis—a technique for sweaty hands and feet, where you place them in water while a mild electrical current is passed through.
  • Microwave therapy (MiraDry®)—used to destroy sweat glands in the underarm area.
  • Surgery (sympathectomy)—a drastic option where nerves that control sweating are cut. It’s rarely recommended because it carries significant risks, including compensatory sweating elsewhere on the body.In addition to medical interventions, stress management techniques and wearing light, breathable clothing can also help minimise symptoms.

Why Botox® Is Often the Best First Step

For axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive armpit sweating), Botox® is simply the gold standard for fast, effective, and non-invasive treatment. It’s safe, it works incredibly well for the vast majority of people, and it allows you to get on with your life—no worrying about visible sweat patches or needing to change your clothes multiple times a day.

And if your palms or soles are the issue? Botox® can help with those too.

Take the First Step to a Dryer, More Confident You

You don’t have to suffer in silence or feel embarrassed about sweating any longer. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition—and like all conditions, it deserves proper, professional care.

At Essex Private Doctors, we offer specialist consultations and Botulinum toxin treatment for hyperhidrosis in a welcoming, supportive environment. We’ll talk you through the options, check that the treatment is safe for you, and create a plan that gets you back to feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Ready to ditch the sweat and reclaim your confidence?
Book your appointment with us today and take the first step towards a cooler, calmer, and more carefree life.