Botox can treat excessive sweating of the underarms, hands and feet

Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating can range from mild to extreme. When hyperhidrosis is extreme, it is not just an annoying condition, it can be disabling. The excessive sweating of the hands can make it difficult to work. When it affects the underarms, it can drench your clothes in sweat. When it affects the feet, it can lead to horrible fungal infections which make even walking difficult. Treatment with Botox is FDA approved and very effective. Some insurance companies may even be willing to reimburse you for the cost of treatment.

If you intend to try to get reimbursed from your insurance company, be aware that there are a few hoops you need to jump through to have a chance at getting some money back. First, make sure the doctor uses a vial of Botox that is specifically labeled for therapeutic use. The therapeutic vials and the cosmetic vials both contain exactly 100 units of Botox, but the therapeutic vials have a different NDC number. I have seen some insurance companies reject the claim because the wrong NDC number was submitted. (In my opinion, that sort of rejection is completely unethical, but insurance companies are in the business of making money, not in the business of helping people). Second, make sure you have tried some other treatment such as Drysol applied to the affected area. Again insurance companies may reject your claim unless you have tried and failed some less expensive alternative before you try Botox.

Botox can be injected into axilla (underarms) with very little discomfort. I use a 33 guage needle which makes it almost painless. On the otherhand, Botox injections into the palms or soles can be very painful. In order to inject these areas, I perform a nerve block. The nerve block is very effective, but it might make your hands or feet too numb to drive home...so make sure you have a driver to take you home after the treatment.

Michael Sinclair, MD

www.epilution.com