When you think of Botox, you probably think of its most common use – getting rid of wrinkles and signs of aging. What you may not know is there are other uses for Botox that treat a number of conditions.
6 surprising uses for Botox
Chronic migraines
Botox has been FDA approved for chronic migraines since 2010. Back in 1992, it was discovered that patients receiving Botox reported fewer headaches. It was then tested on those with chronic migraines and approved for use. Some experts are still unsure whether it’s truly effective or if it’s a placebo effect. Either way, patients are experiencing fewer migraines! For migraine prevention, patients typically receive 31 injections in different spots on the head and neck, which lasts up to three months.
Excessive sweating
Also known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is a common condition that can cause frustration and distress. Areas like the armpits, palms, soles, and scalp can be treated with Botox injections. Some studies show that Botox decreases sweating in the injected areas by up to 87 percent, and in the hands, it’s been up to 90 percent effective. Yes, sweating is necessary for our health, but repeated treatments of Botox have been shown to be safe and it’s FDA approved!
Overactive bladder
Many doctors have found Botox is an impactful treatment for overactive bladder in women. In a study, 70 percent of women reported about three leaks a day compared to five at the beginning of the study. For the treatment, Botox is injected into the bladder muscle to target the source of the overactive bladder. It reduces leakage, treats the strong need to urinate, and reduces the number of trips to the bathroom.
Crossed-eyes
This was one of the first conditions Botox was approved for. Crossed eyes, also known as strabismus, can be a congenital issue or can occur from trauma. While there are other methods to correct crossed eyes, such as surgery, some choose Botox treatments first to relax the muscle and see how the uncrossed eye will look. Botox can be used as a longer term solution as well.
Muscle spasms
Whether you have severe spasms in the neck or even in your eyelids, Botox can be used as a blockade to block how the nerves communicate with the muscles. This method is FDA approved and is useful to doctors when muscles are spasming.
Acne
While it’s not the most popular or effective treatment for acne, studies have shown that Botox used on acne lesions can lessen oil production and lead to less acne. In a study, 85 percent of patients who were injected with a single dose of Botox saw a decrease in pore size and oil. Botox is not a permanent solution to acne but may help get severe cases under control.
The effects of Botox on the conditions listed above can vary from person-to-person. If you’re considering Botox as a treatment, it’s important to talk to your doctor about possible side effects. Typically, Botox will last three to four months. For getting rid of wrinkles at ANU, the skin care professionals in New Jersey are offering discounts on Botox units this month!
