Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. While medical problems can cause excessive sweating, the condition may also be inherited or have no identifiable cause. Antiperspirants, which plug sweat ducts to stop sweating, are usually the first line of treatment for excessive sweating, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Nighttime treatment with an antiperspirant may be all you need to get your excessive sweating under control.
Step 1
Purchase a strong antiperspirant or see your doctor to get a prescription-strength antiperspirant. If you choose to use an over-the-counter product, look for a clinical-strength antiperspirant.
Step 2
Wait until bedtime and dry the areas to be treated with a towel to make sure there is no moisture on your skin. If necessary, use a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry your skin, recommends the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Step 3
Apply the antiperspirant to the areas of your body where you notice excessive sweating. Common problem areas for people with hyperhidrosis include the underarms, palms and feet.
Step 4
Wash the antiperspirant off when you wake up.
Step 5
Repeat the process nightly until you notice that your sweating has improved, recommends the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Once the problem is under control, you can treat your skin with antiperspirant once every one to three weeks to maintain the results, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.
Step 6
See your doctor if you do not get relief from home treatment. Medical treatments and prescription medications are available to treat hyperhidrosis.
Tips and Warnings
- Occlusion, which involves wrapping the areas treated with antiperspirant in plastic wrap overnight, is sometimes used to treat excessive sweating. The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends checking with your doctor before you try occlusion, as it can cause skin irritation and its effectiveness as a hyperhidrosis treatment has not been proven. Antiperspirant therapy may be less effective on the thick skin of the palms and feet. If these areas do not respond to treatment, talk to your doctor about stronger antiperspirants or other treatment options.
- Talk to your doctor about your excessive sweating, especially if the problem is severe, if it involves a large portion of your body or if the sweating is accompanied by other symptoms that concern you. Excessive sweating can sometimes be caused by a more serious underlying disorder. Antiperspirant treatment can sometimes cause skin irritation. If you develop irritation, stop the treatment and contact your doctor for advice about how to proceed. Talk to your doctor before you use antiperspirant therapy on sensitive areas, such as the face, recommends the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription or clinical-strength antiperspirant
