2005 Copyright Dr. Harvey Shapero
What is hyperhydrosis?
Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweatiness, a condition that affects 2 - 3% of people. It can affect underarms, hands, feet, forehead or elsewhere and can significantly affect life functions, personally, in business or at school. The good news is that these local forms of excessive sweatiness can now be treated.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE?
There are currently several treatments that can effectively treat excessive sweatiness. These include:
1 - Local topical lotions and other measures at home
2 - Tap water iontophoresis - the application of a low intensity electrical current to affected areas.
3 - Local injections of Botox approximately twice yearly, which is especially effective for underarm sweatiness, and often for the palms as well.
4 - Surgical procedures - which are usually not necessary now that simpler safer treatments are available.
What is Botox?
Botox refers to botulinum toxoid type A, a treatment used for many conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweatiness).
Treatment consists of a simple and brief office procedure where tiny injections are placed in the skin, which blocks the effect of the sweat glands. The underarm area may first be mapped by the application of a liquid and a powder to outline areas of maximal sweatiness, so Dr.Shapero can direct treatment to the areas that sweat the most. When underarms or the forehead are treated, there is very little discomfort. When palms or soles are treated, it can be more uncomfortable, but simple office measures are available to reduce the discomfort.
Studies show that on average, 80 to 95% of sweatiness is reduced after a single treatment. The effect lasts an average of 6 months, and can sometimes last up to a year or more. When you feel your excessive sweatiness is beginning to return, the procedure can be repeated.
You may call for a personal appointment with Dr. Shapero to help you decide what therapy is appropriate for you. There is NO FEE for a consultation or appointment, as it is covered by OHIP.
OUR SWEAT CLINIC DIRECT LINE IS (416) 745-1091
Botox refers to botulinum toxoid type A, a treatment used for many conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweatiness).
Treatment consists of a simple and brief office procedure where tiny injections are placed in the skin, which blocks the effect of the sweat glands. The underarm area may first be mapped by the application of a liquid and a powder to outline areas of maximal sweatiness, so Dr.Shapero can direct treatment to the areas that sweat the most. When underarms or the forehead are treated, there is very little discomfort. When palms or soles are treated, it can be more uncomfortable, but simple office measures are available to reduce the discomfort.
Studies show that on average, 80 to 95% of sweatiness is reduced after a single treatment. The effect lasts an average of 6 months, and can sometimes last up to a year or more. When you feel your excessive sweatiness is beginning to return, the procedure can be repeated.
You may call for a personal appointment with Dr. Shapero to help you decide what therapy is appropriate for you. There is NO FEE for a consultation or appointment, as it is covered by OHIP.
OUR SWEAT CLINIC DIRECT LINE IS (416) 745-1091
Is Botox therapy covered?
When Botox is used for medical reasons such as excessive sweatiness (hyperhidrosis), the cost of the Botox (which is the main part of the fee) is usually covered by private health coverage that you might have through work or school. If you have private health coverage but it does not cover Botox, Dr. Shapero may be able to arrange coverage of the medication for you through the Access Program.
When Botox is used for medical reasons such as excessive sweatiness (hyperhidrosis), the cost of the Botox (which is the main part of the fee) is usually covered by private health coverage that you might have through work or school. If you have private health coverage but it does not cover Botox, Dr. Shapero may be able to arrange coverage of the medication for you through the Access Program.
