Anti Sweating Treatments

Sweating is a natural process for the body to regulate temperature and excrete any by products. Anxiety, stress, physical activity, hormones and medical conditions may cause excessive sweating. It can be a very embarrassing condition for people and even affect their work and private life.

The best treatment for anti-sweating depends on the location of the sweating on the body and it involves multiple steps. It is always important to rule out underlying thyroid diseases and anxiety. One must watch for if the excess sweating exists even during sleep or happens sporadically during social interactions only. Thorough assessment from a dermatologist and receiving correct input is very important. We will work closely with your dermatologist to ensure the best options for you. There are a variety of options available that include oral medications, topical creams, iontophoresis and botox.

MEDICATIONS

The best treatment will be dependent on your lifestyle and what is suitable for you. -

IONTOPHORESIS

Though it is effective, repeated treatments are necessary and associated tingling and unpleasant sensation is a turn off for many from this treatment.

ALUMINIUM BASED PRODUCTS

Products that contain aluminium compounds can help dry certain areas such as the hands, feet, underarms, but application on face and some other areas can be irritating for the skin. These products need to be used daily. Ideally, they should be applied to clean dry skin at night before going to bed. They work by preventing the sweat production.

ORAL MEDICATION

Anticholinergic medications such as Glycopyrrolate tablets are commonly prescribed for excessive sweating. They are easily taken orally up to 1-2 times daily. Anticholinergic medications are not area specific and will affect various parts of the body, not just the sweaty areas. This in turn can lead to dryness in the mucous membranes of the nostril, throat, eyes and it can also affect other areas of the body that are susceptible. The medication can effectively reduce sweating but they are associated with some side effects as well.

Side effects include: dry mouth, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and fatigue.

ALUMINIUM CONTAINING PRODUCTS

Products, which help in blocking the sweat gland secretions. Products that contain higher concentration up to 20% are more effective but can be irritating. Some very cost-effective products like NOSWEAT and ALLDRY are available. We can titrate the use as per the response. Initially we can use the products twice a day and then once a day, and sometimes later, even alternate day applications may be enough.

Botox injection, miraDry and surgery are other options available. Botox and miraDry are great options for underarm sweating and a consulting practitioner can provide details to see if this option is suitable for you. Topical creams, tablets and iontophoresis are a little less invasive but they generally require ongoing treatment.

Absorption pads can be an option in patients who sweat excessively under the armpits. But they can be quite impractical and uncomfortable for everyday use.

• Meditation and behavioural therapy from a dermatologist/ psychologist.
• Exercise- keeps your stress levels down. Excessive stress releases stress hormones into the body and activates excessive sweating.
• Oral glycopyrrolate pills etc. should be used under supervision only.