Axillary Hyperhidrosis

What is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?

Axillary hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating in the armpit region and is often associated with primary focal hyperhidrosis which can also affect the hands, feet and face. Sweating in the axillary region is often also associated with a pervasive bad odour, which comes about because of a separate condition called bromhidrosis that causes sweat to stink.  Axillary hyperhidrosis can cause anxiety and can be particularly detrimental socially and psychologically. This is because of the potential smell associated, and because of the propensity of sufferers to sweat through multiple layers of clothing.

How is Axillary Hyperhidrosis diagnosed?

 The diagnosis is made based on a history of excessive sweating.  Your dermatologist does not do any formal investigations.

How is Axillary Hyperhidrosis treated?

One of the most effective current treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis is the use of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections to reduce sweating.  This type of therapy requires hyperhidrosis to be managed by a doctor.

Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis is PBS-reimbursed (meaning the government will cover the cost of the botulinum toxin and part of the procedure cost through Medicare).  ** Only if the injections are performed by a trained Dermatologist

 What is the efficacy of treating Axillary Hyperhidrosis with Botox injections?

Several studies have found that Botox is a very effective treatment option for axillary hyperhidrosis. The results of each treatment typically last between six and nine months so the procedure needs to be repeated every so often. It has been documented that patients receiving Botox injections usually experience a 75% to 100% reduction in sweat. One study using botulinum toxin type A on 300 patients found immediate and significant improvements in most patients and concluded that Botox injections are a safe and effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. There have also been other double-blind studies corroborating these results. Botox injections offer a method of treatment that is safer and less invasive than other surgical treatments available for primary focal hyperhidrosis at this time.

The biggest downsides involve the need to repeat treatments fairly frequently and the discomfort of the procedure itself.

Botulinum toxin type A on 300 patients found immediate and significant improvements in most patients and concluded that Botox injections are a safe and effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. There have also been other double-blind studies corroborating these results. Botox injections offer a method of treatment that is safer and less invasive than other surgical treatments available for primary focal hyperhidrosis at this time. The biggest downsides involve the need to repeat treatments fairly frequently and the discomfort of the procedure itself.