Medications are not usually very effective for this condition and until recently only surgery could be offered. Surgery involved removing a group of nerve cells located near the first rib called the superior cervical ganglion. This surgery can have significant side effects. More recently, it has been recognized that botulinum toxin can easily and effectively treat this common condition. At Diagnostic Clinic of Houston, Dr. Loftus treats primary axillary hyperhidrosis and palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin inactivates acetycholine nerve endings.
These glands are innervated by acetycholine nerve fibers. The injection itself is mildly uncomfortable in the axilla but moderately uncomfortable in the hand. It is rare to get any systemic side effects. The treatment will not last forever but commonly lasts for 8 months or more. Dr. Loftus injecting the left underarm A series of injections are made in the underarm to treat axillary hyperhidrosis.