Alternative Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating, mostly in the palms, feet and face, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can be an embarrassing and sometimes dangerous problem. Hyperhidrosis can be treated several different ways. Surgery is an option for people with severe cases of hyperhidrosis, but there are some alternative treatment options.

Botox

Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a treatment that temporarily blocks the nerves that trigger the sweat glands, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is usually used for excessive underarm and palm sweating because injections in the face might cause weaker face muscles. Botox is injected to sites on the body that are determined by sweat tests. Sometimes, anesthetics are used to ease the pain from the Botox injections. Improvements are often seen within about two to four days after getting the injection. The injection is effective for about four to six months.

Topical Antiperspirants

There are some topical treatments on the market good for treating mild cases of hyperhidrosis. Many topical treatments are over-the-counter antiperspirants, but there are some with greater strength that require a prescription. Topical treatments are not long term, and they generally need to be applied to the desired area every few hours for the best results.

Oral Medications

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several oral medications to help control hyperhidrosis. Anticholinergics block nerve impulses to the sweat glands, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used to inhibit sweating and clonidine is used to reduce sweat output by reducing nerve stimuli. Other types of medications used to reduce sweating are some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, but these may cause side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision.

Electronic Devices

The process called iontophoresis is when a battery-powered device is used to deliver electric currents to the hands or feet through water-saturated wool pads, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is believed that the electric current and minerals in the water work together to thicken the skin and blocks the flow of sweat, according to SweatHelp.org. This treatment can be painful and will need to be repeated for the best results.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for hyperhidrosis is a procedure involving direct stimulation of body parts related to sweating. Thin needles are used to perform this stimulation on the body. Acupuncture should always be performed by a qualified doctor to prevent side effects, such as pain and infection. This process, like several others, is not permanent and may need to be repeated.

References

• MayoClinic.org: Hyperhidrosis
• SweatHelp.org: Iontophoresis