In brief, botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Actually, it’s the same toxin causing botulism, a life-threatening food poisoning. But in recent years, people use it more and more for cosmetic purposes.
However, as the toxin can weaken or paralyze certain muscles, doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including
- Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance
- Severe underarm sweating
- Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
- Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking
- Strabismus – misaligned eyes
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
However, the effects only last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating.
The most common side effects are:
- pain, swelling and bruising at the injection site
- flu-like symptoms such as headache, and upset stomach
- temporary drooping eyelids
Be careful! Though it can relax and soften your wrinkles,you should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keywords: botox botulism, botulism botox
