Hyperhidrosis Treatment: Effective Options to Stop Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis, commonly known as excessive sweating, impacts millions of people worldwide. It causes excessive sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate the body temperature. While it is not life-threatening, hyperhidrosis can negatively impact one's quality of life. 

Primary Treatment Options

Primary treatment options are those directly targeting the underlying cause of excessive sweating. This includes both medical and surgical options.

Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Simple over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants are usually the first line of treatment tried for excessive underarm sweating. Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat glands to restrict sweat formation. Opt for clinical strength antiperspirants that contain higher concentrations (15-20%) of active ingredients like aluminium chloride. Apply it at night before bed for best results.

Anticholinergic Medications

The most commonly prescribed oral medication for Hyperhidrosis Treatment is anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates sweat glands. These prescription-strength pills can significantly reduce sweating when taken 1-3 hours before activities that cause sweating. Common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation etc.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive office procedure to control excessive palm or plantar sweat. It uses a mild electrical current to help push ions of antiperspirant medication like aluminium chloride deeper into the sweat glands. A 20-session treatment course over 4-6 weeks is usually recommended for best results. It is safe, effective and can last for months after completion of the treatment protocol.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Also known as Botox injections, this treatment involves injecting purified botulinum toxin type A into sweat glands to temporarily paralyze them. A session of Botox injections into affected areas like underarms or hands can effectively control sweating for 4-6 months. This non-surgical option is well-tolerated but repeat injections are needed to sustain results.

Thoracic Sympathectomy Surgery

For severe primary hyperhidrosis unresponsive to other treatments, thoracic sympathectomy is often recommended. It is a surgical procedure that severs specific sympathetic nerve pathways to interrupt sweat signals from reaching sweat glands. This stops excessive underarm sweating for majority of patients. Compensatory sweating at non-affected areas like trunk or groin may occur in some cases.

Secondary Treatment Options

When hyperhidrosis is caused due to another medical condition or medication side effect, treating the underlying trigger also helps control excessive sweating. Some examples of secondary treatment options are:

Menopause Hormone Therapy

Hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause can sometimes be managed using hormonal therapies like low-dose birth control pills, estrogen patches, creams etc. prescribed by an OB/GYN doctor.

Antidepressants

Changing antidepressant medications that are causing sweating as a side effect may help alleviate the symptoms in many cases. Consult your psychiatrist for suitable options.

Skin grafting surgery

Surgery to replace injured or burned skin areas may help stop post-burning or post-injury sweating in affected body parts by skin grafting from non-sweaty donor areas.

Lifestyle Management and other Options

In addition to medical treatments, following certain lifestyle habits can help minimize hyperhidrosis symptoms:

- Wear light, breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from skin
- Use paper towels or tissues instead of handkerchiefs to pat sweat away
- Carry extra clothing or towels for changing as needed
- Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation to reduce stress
- Control room temperature and keep extremities cool whenever possible
- Apply talcum powder or cornstarch to soak up excess underarm sweat

Alternative treatments like acupuncture, hypnosis and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are also being studied for managing hyperhidrosis symptoms. While non-curative, they may offer temporary relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Finding the right treatment option requires thorough evaluation of the underlying cause, severity of symptoms and individual patient factors. With the various highly-effective options available today from antiperspirants to surgery, people with excessive sweating issue now have hope to regain control over their lives. Consulting a doctor is advised to identify the most suitable treatment plan.

Hyperhidrosis greatly impacts quality of life but should not be silently endured. Several safe and effective medical as well as lifestyle options exist to manage excessive sweating. Early evaluation and adherence to a personalized treatment plan prescribed by a physician ensures best results. With proper treatment, people can stay dry and confident once again.

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