There is a bacterium called clostridium botulinum, which is often found on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables and in seafood if these are not stored or preserved properly.
This bacterium produces eight different kinds of neurotoxins (poisons that attack the nervous system), which are designated by letters A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G.
Neurotoxin A, B, E & F have been found to cause severe illnesses, and, in some cases, death among human beings.
One of the ways these toxins affect the body is by blocking the signals from our brain to our muscles, eliminating our muscles’ ability to contract.
Without muscle contraction, we can’t move; so, when signals for muscle contraction are blocked, our muscles are paralysed.
It is this feature of the toxin that Botox (derived from Botulinum toxin) uses to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
As an example, our knee is one area that is full of wrinkles because right from the day we are born, we keep bending and straightening our legs.
If Botox was injected in our knees at an early age, we wouldn’t be able to bend or straighten our legs and become immobile, but, at the same time, we will not have any lines on our knees.
That is why this procedure is said to be more preventative than restorative, i.e. it will freeze facial muscles, so that you don’t contract them and thus avoid developing lines, to begin with.
Lines that are already there will reduce, but come back (after 3-4 months) and will have to be treated again.
Because it is preventative, there is a growing trend of Botox among people who are in their 20s.
Botox is just a brand name of this injectable drug that is made from purified and heavily diluted neurotoxin type A (the most potent of the 8 poisons).
There are other brands, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox being the oldest is the most popular.
Though it is considered morally inappropriate and unsafe by some, the number of people taking it is increasing and only 36 cases of adverse effects were reported in the US between 1989 to 2003.
However, the stuff being used is dangerous, to begin with; so, it is important to get it done by a licensed medical professional only and to take all precautions, before and after.
