Excessive sweating is a medical condition referred to as hyperhidrosis. The clinical definition of the disease is when the body creates more sweat than the body needs. The great amount of excessive sweating can cause an imbalance in the body as well as embarrassment for an individual. Sweating can occur on hands, feet and armpits and the disease is generally passed on genetically.
Step 1
Use a prescription antiperspirant for mild to moderate sweating. Drysol is one such antiperspirant available. The major ingredient is aluminum hydrochloride and commonly aids in decreasing arm pit sweating. Aluminum hydrochloride is also available in lotion form to be used on hands. Apply the lotion with gloves on. Reapplication is necessary. Some over-the-counter antiperspirants such as Maxim balance the pH level.
Step 2
Have small tubes surgically placed into the armpit areas, and have the sweat glands sucked and cut to decrease the amount present is another option to decrease armpit sweating. The surgery results in an 85 percent success rate, and will provide long-term resolution to excessive sweating. Still, not every surgery is successful.
Step 3
Inject Botox into the armpit area. This generally stops sweating for three to six months. It is not approved by the FDA for treating sweating in the hands, but it is still occasionally used. Botox is the toxin produced by botulism. The toxin chemically blocks excessive sweat from forming. Botox injections are commonly requested by insurance companies before surgery is approved.
Step 4
Take oral medications, which can reduce the amount of sweat available. Ditropan, Robinul and Probanthine are all medications that block the chemical production of sweat. The medications are not specifically made to treat hyperhidrosis, but a side effect of the medications is increased drying of the skin.
Step 5
Receive electric shocks or currents through the skin using iontophoresis equipment. The machine is commercially produced. Hands and feet are immersed to receive treatment. Treatment must be performed for several sessions. The success rate varies and does not work for everyone.
