Botox can provide welcome relief for people who suffer excessively from sweating.

Hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating - affects one per cent of the population and in most cases there is no underlying cause.

It usually occurs in the armpits and on the palms of the hands and feet. Regular use of anti-perspirant is not helpful.

Botox, which is often used for cosmetic purposes and temporarily rids people of wrinkles, can be used to help prevent perspiration for six to 12 months.

In the past, people suffering from excessive sweating would undergo evasive treatment to help cure the condition such as surgically having their skin removed from their armpits or cutting the nerves in the neck which stimulate the glands which produce sweat.

Botox treatment involves the doctor applying a mixture of iodine and starch to the area to show up the glands.

The Botox is then injected into the upper layers of the skin. Each armpit will need approximately 16 injections.

The Botox works by blocking the chemical messengers which allow the body to sweat.

Anaesthetic is used if the palms of hands are being treated.

Court House Clinic, Haywards Heath, treats patients who suffer from excessive sweating with Botox and said it is growing in popularity.

Spokeswoman Jules Collier said they recently treated an 18-year-old woman.

Jules said: "She would be out and could feel the perspiration running down her.

"She said the treatment changed her life."

It cannot be used to treat women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

For more information, call 0870 8583456.