Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Fortunately, there are several medical treatment options available to help manage this condition. These range from topical treatments to more invasive procedures, depending on the severity and location of the sweating. Some of the primary medical interventions for hyperhidrosis include prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, microwave therapy, and in severe cases, surgical options. Each treatment approach has its own benefits and potential side effects, and the most appropriate option often depends on the individual patient's specific symptoms and needs.

  • These high-strength aluminum chloride formulations, applied nightly to dry skin, work by plugging sweat glands to reduce excessive sweating.

  • This treatment involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the affected areas to temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating.

  • This technique uses a device to pass a mild electrical current through water and the skin's surface to temporarily block sweat glands, typically for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.

  • Anticholinergic drugs like oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate can be prescribed to reduce sweating throughout the body by blocking the chemical messenger that stimulates sweat glands.