Do you suffer from excessive sweating?

There is hope!

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a medical condition that is treatable. Getting the help you need from a physician who specializes in this condition is an easy 3-step process.

1. Seek: Highly qualified hyperhidrosis specialists will be able to properly diagnose your condition and provide the broadest range of treatment options available to you. Call this office to book an appointment.

2. Search: Search for information and learn about this medical condition and the various treatment options available.

3. Save: The majority of Canadians have health insurance that will assist in the cost of treatments. The most important information you need is the name of your carrier and the plan number. Most plans will reimburse the procedures discussed below:

• To find out if you are covered for Botox® treatment of your excessive sweating ask the hyperhidrosis specialist during your consultation to put you in contact with an inquiry service offered by an independent pharmacy. A response will be sent once coverage is verified (in most cases a response will be sent after 1 week).
• If you are interested in coverage of other treatments, ask the hyperhidrosis specialist during your consultation.

We understand that hyperhidrosis is debilitation and interferes with daily functioning and the enjoyment of life. Dealing directly with a physician, who is specially trained in treating hyperhidrosis is the best way to take back control of your life. Just remember to SEEK, SEARCH and SAVE.

Learn whether you may have coverage for hyperhidrosis treatment

The majority of Canadians have health insurance to assist with the costs of treating excessive sweating. Many employers offer extended healthcare through carriers. If you are a student, you may be covered under your parent's health plan. Ask your parents if you are covered on their plan, and, if so, seek an appointment with our office.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Uncontrolled sweating can occur in various parts of the body including the face, hands, feet, or underarms. Although high temperatures or stress can increase perspiration, they do not cause hyperhidrosis. Instead, hyperhidrosis may be in inherited trait that stops the body from properly regulating its temperature. Or it may be a symptom of other conditions such as anxiety disorders, thyroid malfunction, nerve damage, or menopause. It can also occur as a side effect of medication. It is therefore important to get a proper diagnosis by an expert to rule out any underlying cause before starting treatment.

Botox® for hyperhidrosis

Botox® is the only prescription medicine approved by Health Canada for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, which means it is deemed safe and effective when used correctly by a specialty trained doctor.

What is Botox® ?

Botox® is a purified natural protein obtained from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is cultivated through modern methods, not unlike many common antibiotics, such as penicillin, which is obtained from micro-organisms.

How does Botox® work?

Botox® works by blocking the chemical signal from the nerve to the target tissue, which in the case of hyperhidrosis is the sweat glands. As the sweat gland is no longer stimulated by the overactive nerve, the sweating stops. Since the drug only works in the area where it is injected, sweat glands in other parts of the body function normally. There is no risk of getting overheated, which may concern some people.

Is Botox® effective?

Botox® is highly effective. In a clinical study that involved 240 patients with excessive underarm sweating, 95% responded to the treatment, with an average reduction sweating of 83% in 1 week. The effect is also long lasting. On average, each treatment will effectively reduce sweating for 7 months.

Is Botox® safe?

Botox® is very safe. For the treatment of excessive underarm sweating, the only drug-related side effect is a perceived increase in sweating in other parts of the body which happens in only 4.5% of patients.

Botox® has been used for many years to treat other diseases. It is approved by Health Canada to treat muscle spasms affecting the eyes, neck (cervical dystonia) and limbs (spasticity from a stroke). Botox® is also used to relieve muscle spasm in children as young as two with cerebral palsy. The long-term safety of the drug is well proven.

What is a Botox® treatment like?

The procedure is very simple - a small volume of the drug is injected by a very fine needle intradermally to the affected area. That means the needle is placed just under the skin, and the discomfort is therefore quite minimal. Most patients report that is is very tolerable. You can also opt for some local anesthetic cream if you are really concerned about needles.

How much does it cost?

Botox® treatment for excessive sweating is often covered by private health plans. For patients who are not insured, the cost of a typical treatment is around $800. Some patients may need a higher dose and the cost may increase accordingly.

What should I expect after I have received botox treatment?

You should notice a significant reduction of sweating from the treated area within a week of your treatment. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed and you continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas. If you do not get significant relief, you should contact the doctor who performed the treatment and ask for a follow-up consultation or possibly a "touch-up" treatment.

Your excessive sweating will slowly return over a number of months. Each person is different, but on average patients require more treatment in about 7 months. When you feel it is time for more treatment, simply call the doctor for another appointment.

What happens if I decide to stop treatment?

The effects of Botox® wear off over a period of several months. If you decide not to have any further treatment, there will be no lasting change in the treated areas. Sweating with gradually return to its original level.

Is there any reason why I should not have Botox® treatment?

You should not have Botox® treatment if you have conditions requiring special care:

• you are allergic to Botox® or anything in the preparation
• you suffer from a neuromuscular disease
• you have an infection at the intended site of injection

You should take special care if:

• you are taking antibiotics which may interfere with neuromuscular transmission

Make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. Your doctor should also know if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant soon, or are currently nursing a baby.

For additional information, visit www.sweatmanagement.ca or call our office to book a consultation.