Secreting sweat regulates body temperature and supports skin health. But when underarm moisture or sweating from the hands, feet, or face becomes excessive, it’s called hyperhidrosis—and it can seriously impact daily life.
At WHP in Champaign, Illinois, we treat hyperhidrosis with Botox to reduce excessive sweating from eccrine sweat glands, which are highly concentrated in the underarms, hands, and feet.
What Causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can occur without a clear cause (primary hyperhidrosis) or result from an underlying medical condition or medication (secondary hyperhidrosis). While not dangerous, it can be disruptive. Excess moisture can damage clothing and shoes, cause skin irritation, and even lead to frequent rashes, peeling skin, maceration, worse hidraadinitis suprativa, and viral warts.
Dripping sweat in a steam room or hot yoga is expected. But if your hands, feet, scalp, or underarms drip at work, on a keyboard, or during daily activities, sweating may be excessive.
Top Causes of Excessive Sweating
- Genetic Predisposition
- Excess weight
- Chronic stress or emotional causes
- Hormone imbalances such as abnormal thyroid levels
- Chronic dehydration during exercise
If sweating happens at night, it’s likely not emotional since the brain reduces stress-driven sweating during sleep. Unusual sweat colors—yellow, blue, green, or black—suggest a medical condition called chromhidrosis. If this happens, snap a picture and reach out!
Do You Have Hyperhidrosis?
You may have Primary Hyperhidrosis if:
✅ Sweating occurs at least once a week for over six months
✅ It affects both sides of the body
✅ Symptoms started before age 25
Sweating from hot foods, spicy meals, sex, or exercise is normal. However, persistent excessive sweating that doesn’t match activity levels may need treatment.
Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
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Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stay hydrated (but dehydration reduces sweat unhealthily)
- Reduce stress and maintain a comfortable environment
- Try clinical-strength antiperspirants
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Medications
- Glycopyrrolate (oral prescription): Helps reduce sweating but may have side effects.
- Qbrexza (prescription topical wipe): A new FDA-approved treatment for excessive sweating.
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Botox for Hyperhidrosis
- FDA-approved for excessive underarm (axillary) sweating, can be used for palm, scalp, or foot treatment
- Reduces sweating by at least 50% in treated areas
- Takes effect in 24 hours with full results in 1-2 weeks
- Approved dosage is 50 unit per axilla distributed equally over 10-15 injections about 1-2 cm apart with a small needle. Research trials used either 50 or 75 units (larger axilla respond better to 75 units)
- Lasts 6 months for most people, the range of effectiveness is 3-12 months
- Lower dosing will wear off slightly more quickly
- Works more effectively than other neurotoxins for hyperhidrosis, but other neurotoxins would have some effectiveness
- Works by blocking acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that activates sweat glands, no permanent effects on sweat glands has ever been seen
- Safety of use in other areas is not as studied. Cases of hand weakness from palmar injections have been reported.
Time to Treat?
If you’ve experienced visible excessive sweating for over six months, it’s time to take action.
At WHP and Hada Cosmetic Medicine, we offer Botox and other treatment options to help you regain control and confidence.
📞 Request a consult today: 217-356-3736 or 217-693-4400
