Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by a certain type of bacteria (Clostridium botulinum). It is the same toxin that can cause a type of food poisoning (botulism) if a person gets too much in his or her system.

Botox shots may be used to treat a wide range of problems, such as:

• Removing facial wrinkles.
• Preventing underarm sweating in people who sweat too much.
• Relaxing muscles that cause spasms in the eyelids or the esophagus.
• Treating chronic migraine headaches.
• Reducing urinary incontinence.

The effect usually wears off within a few months. When Botox is injected in small amounts into muscles, it doesn't get into a person's blood or cause sickness.