Tips to Cure Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for excessive sweating. Many sites of the body can be involved, but the palms of the hands, underarms and soles of the feet are the most common. Hyperhidrosis can be distressing, and many affected individuals, self-conscious about their condition, decide to seek medical attention. Although management of hyperhidrosis can be difficult, a physician can help guide decisions on the best treatment.

Causes

• Hyperhidrosis can be emotionally induced, localized or generalized. In localized hyperhidrosis, there are problems with the nerves that control sweating: there may be too many eccrine (sweat) glands in one area, or a vascular abnormality may cause excessive sweating. In generalized hyperhidrosis, sweating is caused by an underlying process, such as a neurologic disease, metabolic disease (eg, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gout, menopause), or occurs due to use of certain medications (eg, propranolol, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). In some cases, no cause of hyperhidrosis can be identified (termed "idiopathic").

Topical and Oral Treatments

• If over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants do not work, a physician can prescribe a medication that can help. There are a variety of potential treatments, including topical agents, systemic agents, iontophoresis, Botox injections and even surgery.

  Topical Agents

  Anticholinergics, boric acid, solutions containing tannic acid, aluminum chloride, glutaraldehyde, methenamine and potassium permanganate are available topical agents for hyperhidrosis. Each medication can be applied directly to the affected area, usually at night, until a positive result is seen. However, these agents can cause irritation, staining, and desensitization. The most commonly used topical agent is aluminum chloride.

  Systemic Agents

  If topical agents are not effective, the possible next step in the treatment of hyperhidrosis is to use oral anticholinergic agents, such as oxybutynin, propantheline bromide, glycopyrrolate, or benztropine. Anticholinergic agents are thought to impact the neurotransmitter that regulates sweat production called acetylcholine. Side effects, however, can limit the use of these agents.

Iontophoresis

• When topical and systemic agents are ineffective, some individuals undergo iontophoresis, a procedure in which a galvanic current is passed across the involved area. Tap water is typically used to conduct the electric current. Iontophoresis appears to be effective in a majority of individuals who undergo the procedure.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

• Although a relatively new option in the treatment armamentarium, injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) have been evaluated in hyperhidrosis involving the underarms and palms and appear to be effective. Botox works by paralyzing the nerves responsible for excess sweat production. Results last four to 12 months, and thus treatment with Botox must be repeated to maintain results.

Surgery

• A surgical procedure called sympathectomy can permanently treat hyperhidrosis. During sympathectomy, a physician removes the sweat glands responsible for sweat overproduction. This procedure is considered when all other treatments have failed.