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Excess Perspiration Treatment

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes you to perspire excessively and can occur on the hands, feet, underarms and on the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of your condition depends on whether you have focal hyperhidrosis or generalized hyperhidrosis. Focal hyperhidrosis tends to cause sweating during the daytime and stops while you are sleeping. Generalized hyperhidrosis occurs due to an allergic reaction to medication or if you're sick and your immune system is fighting off an infection. Medical treatments for excessive sweating includes prescription antispirant topical creams, oral medication and botulinum toxin, also known as botox.

  1. Prescription Antiperspirant

    • If a store brand antiperspirant doesn't reduce sweating, a prescription antiperspirant may be given to treat your condition. Drysol and Xerac are two popular antiperspirant topical creams prescribed to hyperhidrosis sufferers. Prescription antiperspirants contain active ingredient aluminum chloride, which disrupts the function of the sweat glands, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use a prescription antiperspirant at night for the best results and wash it off in the morning to avoid skin irritation. This treatment can also cause red, itchy skin due to its potency and should be discontinued if pain increases.

    Oral Medication

    • According to Dietmar Stattkus, author of "Help! I'm Sweating," your doctor may prescribe anticholinergic drugs to eliminate the symptoms of generalized sweating. These drugs blocks chemical messages that stimulates your sweat glands and often causes mild side effects such as dry mouth, constipation or dizziness. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, beta blockers and clonidine hydrochloride can also be prescribed to reduce sweating but should not be taken for extended periods of time due to the side effects. Your excessive sweating should subside within 12 to 14 days, and if not, contact your physician.

    Botulinum Toxin

    • Botox is a protein found in bacterium used cosmetically to temporarily deaden muscles and smooth surface facial wrinkles and can also be used to temporarily stop the production of perspiration. According to Stattkus, the injection blocks acetylcholine, a chemical transmitter that sends signals to stimulate your sweat glands. As of October 2009, botox is not effective at treating excessive sweating of the palms and feet. One injection into each armpit rids you of sweating for three to six months and follow-ups must be maintained.

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