Sweat protects the body from overheating.
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a result of overactivity of the sweat glands.
Excessive sweating can be triggered by emotions, medical conditions, and medications.
This can be idiopathic or secondary to an underlying medical condition such as
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a metabolic disorder
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infection
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or medication use
Secondary hyperhidrosis presents with generalized or nocturnal sweating.
For primary hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating without an underlying cause, there are several common treatment options...
figure 1
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants with metallic salts, such as aluminum, can help.
These work by mixing with the sweat and forming a substance that temporarily blocks the sweat gland.
Over time, this substance washes away and the antiperspirant must be reapplied.
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Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current through water to reduce sweat production.
Iontophoresis affects the electrical gradient formed by sympathetic nerve activity in the sweat gland.
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Botox
Botox injections can disable sympathetic nerves in the skin and stop sweat production for several months; however, the injections can be painful and treatment requires multiple injections.
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Lasers
Lasers use heat to permanently destroy the sweat gland in the target area.
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Care Instructions
Discuss excessive sweating with your primary care doctor or dermatologist to determine if there is an underlying cause.
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The most common affected areas of idiopathic hyperhidrosis are the palms, feet, or underarms.
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Treatment options include topicals such as aluminum chloride, or glycopyrrolate.
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Botulinum toxin can be administered intradermally and is used to treat axillary, palmar, plantar and scalp hyperhidrosis.
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Tap water iontophoresis, microwave thermolysis and local surgery can also be utilized.