Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Treatment Options
Imagine holding hands with a new love interest but your hand is sopping wet and you feel ashamed and embarrassed. Perhaps, you meet a new business associate in an overly warm room but you know you can’t take off your jacket because the wetness that has drenched the sides of your shirt will be evident to everyone.
For 3% of the population, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) causes a tremendous impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that may help hyperhidrosis as well as additional support for those who have this condition.
Hyperhidrosis develops more often in children, teens and young adults. It occurs primarily in the underarms, hands and feet but can also take place in the face or the total body. Secondary hyperhidrosis may be the result of a side effect of a medical condition or medication. Regardless of cause, treatment for hyperhidrosis proceeds in stages.
First line treatment is with antiperspirants, which come in various strengths and are applied to the parts of the body that have excessive sweating.
1. Drysol is a brand name for aluminum chloride prescription strength antiperspirant that treats excessive sweating. To reduce skin irritation, it can be applied each night and washed off in the morning. Once excessive sweating is under control, it can then be used once or twice a week as needed. It is reported that Drysol is effective 80% of the time.
2. Oral medications can be used as a short term treatment and are thought to reduce stimulation of the sweat glands. However, they can create other side effects so they are only used intermittently.
3. Iontophoresis is a special treatment used for excessive sweating of hands and feet, and is performed by placing them in a water tray with a mild electric current for 20-40 minutes. It is believed iontophoresis acts to thicken the skin making it more resistant to sweating. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is supposed to be 83% effective.
4. Botox injections are used to treat excessive underarm sweating. Botox works by blocking the release of chemicals in the blood responsible for sweating.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment2 Comments
This is great information and thanks for the link to www.SweatHelp.org. It's a fantastic web site with loads of information and free resources. Thanks!
October 2, 2009 - 4:59pmThis Comment
Your welcome! It is a great website. One of the best I found researching for this article. Glad they have info that is helpful to you.
October 2, 2009 - 5:42pm