Botulinum toxin (often referred to as Botox) is a neurotoxic protein used for medical and cosmetic use. Medically, it has the ability to temporarily weaken muscles and inhibit nerves from sending proper signals. Botox injections can be used on the feet to treat plantar hyperhidrosis, which is abnormally excessive sweating of the feet.
Botox is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and closely related species. It is also produced commercially for use in the cosmetics and medical industries. Infection from the bacterium can lead to a potentially fatal disease called botulism.
Botox injections work on hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) by paralyzing the nervous activity of the sweat ducts for a period of three to four months. The injections for plantar hyperhidrosis are very painful, considering they’re administered into the tender sole of the foot. On average, each foot requires about 50 injections.
The two most common side effects or off-target effects include allergic reactions and paralysis of the wrong muscle group.