Sweating is a natural function of the body whose primary activity is to control the body's temperature through evaporative cooling. Sweating is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system, which controls reflexive activities in the body such as breathing, organ control, metabolism and circulation.
Oral Medications
"Cures" for sweat exist, but they are generally administered only to small areas of the body as an average human body has between 2 million and 4 million sweat glands covering the entire body. Before attempting to cure localized sweat production, a physician will have to determine if the sweating is excessive. In most cases, "regular" sweating will be treated rather than cured, as the body needs to perspire to remain healthy.
If a physician determines that sweating is excessive--a condition called "hyperhidrosis"--he may prescribe oral medications. Oral medications include anticholinergics, beta blockers and clondine hydrochloride, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Unlike localized cures, oral medications are systemic, meaning they affect the entire body, and, because of this, they can have side effects.
Anticholinergics block the actions of acetylcholine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for many neurological functions in the human body. One of its functions is to stimulate sweat glands. The Mayo Clinic reports that anticholinergic side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, blurry vision, and confusion. More serious side effects can include diarrhea, hives, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. These last side effects need immediate medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Beta blockers are often used to treat heart conditions because they slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. The information website Stop the Sweat points out that they can be helpful for those who suffer from emotional sweating because they block adrenaline and non-adrenaline, which prevents the feelings of anxiety that can trigger emotional sweating. Side effects include lethargy, brief memory loss and diarrhea.
Iontophoresis
In iontophoresis treatments, a patient submerses the hands or feet in a tray of tap water for 15 to 40 minutes at a time, several times a week. A low level current is applied to the water. The current interacts with mineral particles in the water and, it is believed, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, causes the outer layer of skin to thicken. Eventually, the skin becomes so thick that it blocks sweat flow. This cure is specifically indicated for sweating of the hands and feet. While it can be used on other areas of the body, the International Hyperhidrosis Society points out that it can cause irritation in other areas. The treatment is generally safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, but it requires repeated applications and may need a maintenance program.
Surgery
Surgery can permanently cure sweating in localized areas. It is the most extreme method of dealing with hyperhidrosis and is considered a last resort treatment by the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Local surgery aims to remove the sweat glands in a specific area, either by cutting them out, scraping them out or removing them through liposuction.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cuts the nerves to sweat glands so that sweat production cannot be triggered. A serious side effect to this surgery is compensatory sweating, meaning that when sweating is stopped in one area, it begins in another area. One study reported by the International Hyperhidrosis Society showed that compensatory sweating occurred in 80 percent of the patients studied.
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