Sweating too much? Get a jab of wonder drug

DUBAI - A jab of the wonder drug, Botox, may be the panacea for those who sweat a lot on almost all occasions.

by

Asma Ali Zain

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Published: Tue 12 Aug 2008, 1:21 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 5:02 PM

The procedure, which has gained popularity around the world of late, is being used in the UAE by brides-to-be, models and people who sweat excessively.

According to a report published in the Mail on Sunday, up to 50,000 patients are paying £500 or more for the latest kind of Botox injection - Sweatox - in the UK every year. Around one in 100 adults suffers from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating which is caused by an overreaction to heat by the body's sweat glands, it adds.

"Men love it too," says Dr Luiz Toledo, a Dubai-based consultant plastic surgeon and professor.

Botox is widely used to make wrinkles disappear. However, it can also be used to temporarily reduce excessive sweating by more than 50 per cent, says the expert.

Botox is a natural and purified protein that relaxes the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. In this case, Botox binds to the nerves in the skin that control sweating.

Although hyperhidrosis is not a cosmetic problem, many patients need treatment for this embarrassing disorder, says the surgeon, who claims to have carried out at least 20 such procedures over the last year.

"People face public embarrassment since they may smell as well," explains Dr Maria Angelo Khattar, Managing Director, Aesthetica Clinic. She adds, "We have treated many brides-to-be who do not want to sweat on their special day. Models too use it often, and it works well for up to eight to nine months."

Dr Toledo says, "Unfortunately, topical, oral medications or even surgery do not work for many patients." The treatment is administered to the over-active sweat glands in the feet, palms and armpits. It is done in a single sitting that may last up to one hour."

However Botox alone cannot do wonders. "I have been using a combination of Botox and Laser and this treatment may last up to one year," he adds.

The amount of the drug used and cost may differ from person to person. "Normally, 10 units of the drug are used per square inch. So, if the person is huge and sweats a lot, it means more of the drug," says the doctor.

This means that the treatment may not be affordable for many. "Treating forehead wrinkles only may cost anywhere between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000," he says. However, the good news is that apart from having to bear the painful jabs, patients may not suffer from any side-effects.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com


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