Sweaty Back, Groin, Etc.

Over the years, it has become accepted practice to use Botox injections to treat hyperhidrosis of the underarms. In fact, underarm, or axillary, hyperhidrosis is the most common form of hyperhidrosis to be treated with Botox. But more and more physicians -- and particularly dermatologists -- are also learning the techniques for treatment of the palms, soles of the feet, and head/scalp/face. Additionally, dermatologists are pioneering the treatment of other excessively sweaty localized (or relatively small) body areas such as areas in the groin, under the breasts, and on the back. To get information about these breakthroughs in the treatment of "non-typical" hyperhidrotic areas of the body, we talked to Dr. Nowell Solish, a founding member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society's Board of Directors and a renowned North American hyperhidrosis expert.

Dr. Nowell Solish, is Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto and past president of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery. In his Toronto dermatology practice at the Sunnybrook and Women's Health Science Centre, he has successfully used Botox to treat excessive sweating in the groin, under the breasts, between the breasts, on the lower back, upper lip, and nose.

In terms of technique, says Dr. Solish, "It's a matter of depth [of the injections]" on different body areas. For instance, he says, when injecting Botox in the face one must be conscious of the underlying muscles and avoiding a negative cosmetic effect. For the groin, Dr. Solish assures us that the injections do not affect sexual function as they are usually given along the crease of the groin and leg, towards the rectal area, and not near any muscles that would have impact on sexual function. (One might argue, however, that the confidence boost derived from relief of groin sweating may have a positive impact on sexual function.)

When considering an excessively sweating area for Botox injections, Dr. Solish says that the limiting factor is often the size of the area, the amount of Botox required to inject the area, the cost of that Botox, and the time to do the injections. "Consider this," says Dr. Solish, "One vial of Botox usually is enough to treat one hand. When you start trying to inject more than two vials -- meaning that you're trying to cover a body area that's larger than the size of two hands -- it starts to get impractical."

Physicians wishing to introduce themselves to the technique of Botox injections for hyperhidrosis of both non-typical and typical body areas, or to review and improve their skills, should attend one of our upcoming continuing medical education programs. But if you can't make it or want a refresher, review valuable skills and techniques online with the International Hyperhidrosis Society's Video Library. Recently-released videos are now available with demonstrations and explanations given by International Hyperhidrosis Society Board of Directors members Dr. David Pariser, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, Professor of Dermatology and Vice Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. The new videos include important research statistics, tips to ensure successful treatment, step-by-step detailed demonstrations and instructions, and much more. Whether you'd like to improve your professional skills in injecting Botox for axillary, craniofacial, palmar, plantar, or submammary (sweating under the breasts) hyperhidrosis, our Video Library is the place to start.

As with other online materials related to a learned medical skill, these videos are designed to help physicians prepare for hyperhidrosis continuing medical education events or other training, or as a review after training. Each technique discussed and demonstrated in the videos requires proper training and background -- such as that provided at International Hyperhidrosis Society continuing medical education events. Comprehensive, day-long programs are held twice per year and include live demonstrations and hands-on skills training.

Nothing about hyperhidrosis is really typical, but with more physicians learning to treat non-typical body areas with Botox through the resources available online at SweatHelp.org and our CME programs, patients with unexpected hyperhidrotic body areas can get the treatment they need to feel normal or "typical" again.