TDC Health News

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively. Sweating is normal for our body to function correctly. Sweating helps cool the body, so a person does not overheat. A small percentage of individuals sweat more than necessary. People with hyperhidrosis most commonly sweat from the axilla (underarms), palms, feet or head. Some people sweat excessively when they are hot, anxious or stressed, while some people sweat excessively all day long. Many individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis can sweat so much that they have to change clothes several times a day because they stain their clothing or soak through their clothes. Many people with hyperhidrosis have trouble performing everyday activities such as driving, shaking hands, opening a door, or using a computer. Hyperhidrosis can cause people to feel embarrassed and avoid social and business situations. Sometimes there is an underlying medical cause for the excessive sweating and occasionally it is the sign of a serious medical condition. An underlying endocrine or neurologic condition can cause hyperhidrosis, so sometimes a doctor may order laboratory tests to help delineate if there is an underlying cause.

There are many treatments available that can help improve hyperhidrosis and help people regain their quality of life. Over the Counter antiperspirants are the first line of treatments. Antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride, such as Certain-Dri, can be very effective. If the OTC antiperspirant is ineffective, many physicians will prescribe a prescription strength aluminum chloride liquid called Drysol. It is commonly applied to the skin three nights a week to the problematic areas. It tends to work the best for patients with underarm sweating. Some patients can experience irritation in the areas where Drysol is used. In 2018, the FDA approved Qbrexza for underarm sweating. Qbrexza is a prescription anticholinergic cloth. Patients wipe each underarm with the cloth daily. It is approved for patients 9 years of age and older.

When topical treatments fail, your doctor might recommend one of the following treatments. Robinul (Glycopyrrolate) is an oral anticholinergic drug that can be helpful for individuals with excess sweating anywhere on the body. Botulinum toxin A (Botox), which is most commonly used as a treatment for wrinkles, is a FDA approved treatment for underarm hyperhidrosis. When injected superficially under the skin, Botox inhibits the sweat gland from producing sweat. Botox can relieve hyperhidrosis for 9-12 months. miraDry is a noninvasive treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands. Two or three treatments may be required for the desired effect. There may be some mild discomfort with the procedure. Thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical procedure which should be considered a last resort for hyperhidrosis. It is a procedure which destroys the nerves that are responsible for sweating. Due to potential complications of the procedure, it should only be used when all other treatments have failed.

You should discuss with your physician which may be the right treatment for you.