Botox for Hyperhidrosis: Overview, Usage, and Side Effects

Botox vs. Other treatments for Hyperhidrosis

When it comes to managing hyperhidrosis, Botox is just one of several treatment options. Here’s how Botox compares to other common treatments, so you and your healthcare provider can decide which approach is right for you.

Botox vs. OTC Antiperspirants

Over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirants are often the first line of defense for anyone dealing with excessive sweating. These products work by using active ingredients, typically aluminum-based compounds, to temporarily block sweat glands on the skin’s surface. While they can be effective for mild cases of sweating, OTC antiperspirants often fall short for those with hyperhidrosis. They require frequent reapplication, and some people experience skin irritation from the ingredients. In contrast, Botox goes straight to the source, making it much more effective for severe or persistent sweating. For those who need longer-lasting results without the hassle of daily reapplications, medical treatments such as Botox can offer a reliable alternative.

Botox vs. Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate, part of a class of drugs known as anticholinergics, is another effective option for treating hyperhidrosis. The medication was originally developed to treat peptic ulcer disease, however its anti-perspirant properties were discovered to be a welcome side effect for many struggling with hyperhidrosis. Available as a topical or oral medication, glycopyrrolate works by blocking chemical signals that stimulate sweat glands, offering relief from excessive sweating. While Botox targets localized sweating with injections, glycopyrrolate provides a non-invasive solution that doesn’t require needles and works locally (if applied topically) or generally (if taken orally).

Botox vs. Aluminum Chloride

Aluminum chloride is an ingredient commonly found in clinical-strength antiperspirants. It’s often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate hyperhidrosis. It works by blocking sweat ducts on the skin’s surface, reducing sweat in the treated area. While effective for some, aluminum chloride can cause skin irritation, especially with long-term use. Botox, on the other hand, targets the problem at its source by blocking nerve signals that activate sweat glands. For those who don’t get enough relief from aluminum chloride products, alternative treatments like Botox or glycopyrrolate may offer a more direct way to reduce sweating.

Botox vs. Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive treatment for hyperhidrosis that involves sending a mild electrical current through water to temporarily block sweat glands, most commonly for hand and foot sweating. To receive the treatment, you sit with your hands and/or feet in a tray of shallow water, and a machine delivers the electrical current through the water. Iontophoresis is time consuming—you’ll need to repeat the treatment three times per week until you achieve the desired results, and then receive a maintenance treatment once per week. While iontophoresis may be helpful for mild cases, if you prefer a more convenient (and less sci-fi) treatment, Botox or glycopyrrolate may be better options for you. 

Botox vs. Surgery

In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, medical professionals may recommend a surgery called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). This surgery involves cutting certain nerves to reduce sweating. While surgery can be effective, it’s a major procedure with risks, including compensatory sweating (excessive sweating in other parts of the body). Other treatment options like Botox or glycopyrrolate, by comparison, provide a much less invasive approach for those with moderate to severe hyperhidrosis who want to avoid surgical options.