Medications for Excessive Sweating
There are three general groups of medications used to treat the symptoms of excessive sweating. They include sedatives, beta-blockers, and anticholinergics (medications that block the substances that are responsible for nervous system activity.)
Anticholinergic medications were not developed to specifically treat hyperhidrosis and carry many side effects. The side effects of anticholinergic medications include dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. These side effects often significant, and anticholinergic medications are often not well tolerated by patients.
Sedative medications like benzodiazepines (Valium) are useful in treating excessive sweating that is caused by stress.
Antiperspirant Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Antiperspirants and deodorants are used on a daily basis by most people to reduce underarm wetness and fight odor. In people with excessive sweating, special antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate (Drysol ®) are often the first therapeutic measure recommended. They work by blocking the opening of sweat glands. These topical medications are simple treatments that are easy to apply, and usually given at night. Side effects include skin irritation, and the results are often not sufficient to stop excessive sweating. Topical agents are most effective in individuals with light to moderate hyperhidrosis.
Iontophoresis Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Iontophoresis is primarily used to stop sweaty hands, stop sweaty feet, and stop sweaty palms. A special setup is also used to stop underarm sweat. This treatment uses low-intensity electrical current to disrupt the function of the sweat glands. Each hand or foot is rested on a wet pad in a tray. The pads are connected to an electrical current that passes through the pads. The currents are sent through the skin to sweat glands, which results in blocked sweat glands.
Iontophoresis is a safe, non-invasive treatment and causes only minor discomfort. The biggest drawback is that the iontophoresis process is time consuming, and must be repeated at regular intervals. Each iontophoresis treatment may take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Often the intervals between treatments can be lengthened once control is achieved. Iontophoresis has been shown to stop excessive sweating in around 85% of patients with sweaty palms, sweaty hands, or sweaty feet. (Citation 1)(Citation 2)
Botox® treatment for Excessive Sweating
Botox ® (botulinum toxin type A) is a medication that is used in the treatment of excessive sweating. Botox is a toxin that blocks the function of nerves. When the toxin is spread througout the body, paralysis will occur. When the toxin is injected into a specific site, only the nerves in that area will be paralyzed. Botox injection leads to decreased sweating in the area where it is injected. Please see our section on botox treatment to stop excessive sweating for more information.
Endoscopic Sympathectomy Surgery for Excessive Sweating
The creation of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy to stop palm sweating has lowered the complication rate of surgery for excessive sweating. Surgical treatment is now a good option for patients who cannot control symptoms on medication alone. The most common side effect of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is compensatory sweating, where the patient may experience increased sweating in other areas that previously were not a problem. Please visit our sections on surgical treatment for excessive sweating and results of surgery for excessive sweating for more information.
Newport Beach Hyperhidrosis Clinic is located in
Newport Beach, CA,
and serves the surrounding
Orange County area.
This site is intented to provide background information about hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating. It is thought to be accurate, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Dr.'s Raney, Zusman, or Joyo and is not meant to
replace an informed discussion with our surgeons.
To find out more about surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis, call 877-744-4486 to set up an appointment and discuss your condition with one of our physicians.