The Dry Factor

Recall the hot days when you were covered in sweat, or while at a soiree, you greeted someone with a sweaty handshake, or lifting your arms to say ciao while giving them a sneak peak of a wet underarm. Just the thought of it is terrifying, isn't it?

Three percent of the population endures this daily. Individuals with hyperhidrosis experience profuse perspiration regardless of the level of physical activity, or the weather. In a scent-centric society like ours, drenched in sweat at all times can be enough reason to poison yourself with botulinum toxins or botox.

ISN'T BOTOX AN ANTI-AGEING TREATMENT?
True, but that's not all it is. Although botox is most commonly linked with removing dynamic wrinkles lines particularly on the forehead, frown lines, crow's feet or lifting sagging breasts, this magical toxin can also be used to treat excessive perspiration, migraines, overactive bladders and lower back pains.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The body's mechanic that is relevant for the use of botox, includes a chemical called acetylcholine, which is released by the nerves to signal muscle movements in the desired body part. For instance, to move your arm, the brain will signal the nerve to release acetylcholine to the arm muscle. When the receptor at the arm muscle receives this chemical, it contracts causing arm movement.
Botulinum toxin is a complex protein produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum.
There are seven types of botulinum toxins, serotype A to G. Out of the seven, serotype A, the most stable and researched serotype, is used for botox. Serotype A, when injected, blocks the reception of acetylcholine and stops or significantly reduces the contraction of that muscle. Botox paralyses the muscles in the injected area.
HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO HYPERHIDROSIS?
By blocking the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system that stimulates the sweat glands, Botox temporarily controls excessive sweating. Your sweat doesn't go anywhere or get backed up because the sweat simply is not produced in the areas treated with botox. Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis), hands, feet and the groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH INJECTING THIS POISONOUS PROTEIN?
Even though the botulinum toxin is one of the most dangerous toxins, the amount used for botox and if injected correctly, is very low, so it will not have any adverse effect on the body. Minor side effects may include pain, headache, nausea or flu-like symptoms. These usually last a short period of time.
Note that botox is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those who are allergic to drugs of the albumen group. Even people with neurological disorders do not qualify for botox treatment. Like for all remedies, it is best to consult a qualified physician first.
DO I HAVE TO PREPARE WELL IN-ADVANCE?
In fact, it's just the contrary. The procedure is quite simple. Just 24 hours before treatment, patients should avoid deodorants and antiperspirants and half an hour before the procedure refrain from exercise and hot beverages.
For the treatment, the affected area is first dried for iodine application to identify the sweat glands. A drop of botox is then injected through a very fine needle into the marked areas. There will be about 15-20 injections on each armpit and 20-25 for each palm. This non-invasive outpatient procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes and then you can freely run your errand.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE, CAN I EXPECT TO STOP SWEATING COMPLETELY?
You should see results within 48 hours and sometimes body odour may also disappear. However, there's no guarantee for the latter, so do not toss away your deodorant until then. Another thing you should know is botox is not a permanent solution. Conditions will gradually be the same as pretreatment within an average of six months. For some patients it may last only four months but in some cases there is no sweat in the injected area for up to a year. After that, you will have to repeat the procedure to retain the benefits.
SOUNDS CREDIBLE, BUT HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?
Prices can vary anywhere from a couple of thousands to several tens of thousands of baht, and as mentioned above, you need to repeat the procedure every few months.
IS IT WORTH IT?
It could improve the quality of your life. Weigh hanging out with friends and associates with poise for about half a year against shying away from invites for fear of humiliation.

source : bangkokpost