Medical Treatment

The initial treatment for hyperhidrosis is medical. There are medications such as Drysol, an astringent, which can be used to dry up the sweat glands. Drysol^® is reported to work in 8 out of 10 people who use it to decrease excessive sweating.
It is applied at bedtime and then washed off in the morning. Generally, the medicine is repeated nightly until sweating is under control. Thereafter, it can be applied once or twice weekly or as needed.

In addition to Drysol, many oral medicines have also been prescribed with varying success. These include both sedatives and medications that prevent the sympathetic nerves from stimulating the sweat glands. One of the most recent treatments is an injection of botulinum toxin (Botox^®) into the area of excessive sweating. Botulinum is a toxin that affects nerve endings and decreases the transmission of the nerve impulses to the sweat glands. This results in decreased sweating. It generally requires several injections in the palms or underarms and it remains effective from one to six months. Repeated injections are nearly always required to maintain an adequate level of dryness.

Unfortunately these treatments are only temporary, so the patient may have to take the medications for a very long time. Additionally, these treatments often have side effects. These side effects include dizziness, blurry vision, urinary retention, and flu-like symptoms. Some patients find that taking the medications is not worth the side effects.

Another treatment involves electrically stimulating the sweat glands. Patients place their palms into a water bath through which an electrical current is passed. The mild electric shock tends to "stun" the sweat glands. This treatment has been known to decrease sweating for periods of six hours to
one week.

A family practitioner or internist often begins initial treatment for hyperhidrosis. Cases not responding to simple treatment regimens are often referred to a specialist such as
Dr. Joseph Coselli to discuss surgical options.