Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Antiperspirant

The first line of treatment is topical application of strong antiperspirant to the affected area. Aluminum chloride is the most common active ingredient in both prescription and non-prescription antiperspirants labeled “clinical strength.” For axillary hyperhidrosis, prescription antiperspirant may be sufficient, although the strength of these formulas can cause localized skin irritation.

Medications

Oral medications are another possibility. For those who have generalized hyperhidrosis, oral medication provides a way to treat all areas of the body. Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, preventing signals from reaching sweat glands. These medications are frequently effective, but may cause such side effects as dry mouth and drowsiness.

Botox injections

Botox toxin injections render sweat glands less active for up to nine months. Sold under numerous brand names including Botox and Dysport, botulinum toxin injections are especially effective for axillary hyperhidrosis. Botulinum(botox) toxin is also safe for use on the face, but must be injected carefully and with restraint to avoid losing tone in facial muscles.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis, the use of a device to send a mild electrical current to the hands or feet, helps some individuals affected by palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. Treatment continues daily for up to four weeks. Patients describe iontophoresis treatments as mildly to moderately painful.

Surgery – Sympathectomy

In severe cases, surgery to correct hyperhidrosis is a consideration. A sympathectomy removes or disconnects a portion of the sympathetic nerve that sends signals to sweat glands. Conventional sympathectomy that removes part of the sympathetic nerve results in compensatory sweating in up to twenty percent of patients; these patients report that while the surgery controlled palmar sweating, they now had hyperhidrosis of the feet or groin. More modern sympathectomy techniques clip the nerve instead of removing it, decreasing the incidence of compensatory sweating considerably.

Local excision is another surgical possibility. Most often used for severe axillary hyperhidrosis, excision involves removal of sweat glands in an area. Relief from hyperhidrosis is immediate, but localized. As with any surgical procedure, complications can arise; surgery of any sort is rarely recommended unless hyperhidrosis is severe.