Hyperhidrosis Treatments

In this article I will give an overview of some of the common hyperhidrosis treatment options.

Antiperspirant products

Antiperspirant products are often the first treatment option for sufferers of hyperhidrosis. Products range from over-the-counter brands to stronger prescription products.

It is important to differentiate antiperspirants from deodorants. As the names imply, antiperspirants use active ingredients to impede the natural process of sweating, whereas deodorants mask the odour produced by the bacteria that thrive on the sweat. Many products combine these two features.

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis a sensible approach would be to first try a variety of over-the-counter products to see if they help control your condition. If none can be found then you should talk to your preferred healthcare professional to determine whether a prescription antiperspirant is a suitable treatment option.

Prescription antiperspirants are typically a combination of aluminium-based compounds and other active ingredients such as ethyl alcohol. These products are generally stronger than their over-the-counter equivalents and, in some cases, can trigger skin irritation.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is commonly used as a hyperhidrosis treatment specifically for the hands and feet. The treatment uses an electric charge to pass ionised drugs directly into the skin. Iontophoresis has proven to be an effective hyperhidrosis treatment in many cases.

There are two primary drawbacks to this treatment. Firstly, some patients find the treatment process to be highly uncomfortable. Secondly, Iontophoresis does not cure hyperhidrosis, it simply arrests sweating temporarily. This means that frequent ongoing treatment is required.

Botox injections

Botox injections have become a popular and effective hyperhidrosis treatment. They work by paralysing the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.

Although effective in some cases, Botox injections can be expensive and extremely painful. Since Botox injections will only temporary control excessive sweating, the treatment must be regularly repeated.

Surgery

Surgery is the most extreme and often most effective hyperhidrosis treatment. There are a variety of procedures commonly used and your preferred healthcare professional will help you to identify which is most appropriate for your condition. Generally, surgical procedures permanently remove or sever the sweat glands in order to arrest sweating.

In the majority of cases, the cure is permanent, although side effects such as Compensatory Sweating are common.

Natural Therapies and Self-help Strategies

There are a number of natural therapies and self-help strategies such as those described in Control Your Sweating Naturally that have been used as hyperhidrosis treatments. In general their effectiveness is dependant on the individual case and the severity of the condition.

What to do next?

Natural therapies are well suited as a first attempt to overcoming hyperhidrosis. I would recommend sufferers first try to overcome excessive sweating using natural therapies and self-help strategies before considering other options. This is because they typically have less side-effects than some of the harsher hyperhidrosis treatments.

Start by reading my excessive sweating product review section. There you will find some great resources to help and support you in beating your excessive sweating.

This article is general in nature and does not represent medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before choosing a course of hyperhidrosis treatment.

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