Botox for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) in London & UK


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Hyperhidrosis is a condition which affects the sympathetic nervous system. Sweating is an essential factor when it comes to controlling body temperature, particularly in hot surroundings or during periods of exercise. Hyperhidrosis is when the sympathetic nervous system is running at an abnormally high level, causing excess sweating in specific parts of the body and often at inappropriate times. It isn’t a temporary condition, with some people suffering for years with constant sweating, be the sweat hot or cold.

What Are The Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?

Obviously, the excess sweating is the main symptom. Everyone sweats, as it’s a necessary bodily function, but hyperhidrosis causes someone to produce an excessive amount of sweat, often at a constant rate. The palms of the hands are one the most common places for hyperhidrosis to appear, and when it affects this area it is referred to as Palmar hyperhidrosis. This can be an embarrassing issue, especially when it comes to shaking hands with other people or even holding the hand of a loved one. Other areas of convern include:


  • Face
  • Groin
  • Armpits (Axillae)
  • Soles of the feet (Plantar hyperhidrosis)
  • Head
  • Back

What Causes Hyperhidrosis?

It is unknown why the condition starts, but it all comes down to over-activity in the sympathetic nervous system. In this system there is a chain called the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain. This chain controls the glands which control perspiration throughout the whole body, and if a certain part of the chain starts to run at an abnormally high level, hyperhidrosis is caused. A lot of things can trigger normal sweating and it is no different with hyperhidrosis, it’s just the amount of sweat that changes. Triggers include:

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Exercise
  • Hot or cold temperatures
  • Alcohol and smoking

What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin type A (aka Botox) is made from naturally occurring bacteria, and is most commonly recognised as a treatment for wrinkles. However it has also been proven effective at treating excessive sweating.

How Can Botox Help Hyperhidrosis?

The body still needs to sweat as it is an essential way of controlling body temperature, so the purpose of the treatment isn’t to eliminate sweating but to bring it down to a normal level. It is a non-surgical procedure that can be carried out by qualified clinicians. It can be used to treat hyperhidrosis in any part of the body, but is most commonly done in the armpits. It involves injections of small amounts of protein into the skin, which blocks the nerve supplying the glands, thus preventing the glands from producing any sweat.

While the injections block the nerve endings, new ones begin to grow to replace the old ones after about 6-12 weeks. Because of this, repeat treatments are required every few months, usually between 4-9 months after the procedure.

NHS Botox Treatment for Hyperhidrosis »