Sweat is the body's way of regulating internal temperature. As your body temperature rises, the body sends signals through your nervous system to sweat glands that release moisture from the body. As the moisture reaches the skin, the process of evaporation removes heat from the body, lowering the body temperature. Not all people sweat at the same rate, and for some sweating can be an embarrassing issue that may progress into a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). When sweat becomes a major problem, there are several treatment options on the market that can vary in both cost and effectiveness.
Step 1
Apply an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants can be found in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths and work by blocking or plugging the sweat pores on your body. Common active ingredients, such as aluminum chloride hexahydrate, work to effectively reduce the amount of sweat from the applied surface area.
Step 2
Have your dermatologist perform an Iontophoresis procedure on sweat-prone areas of the body. Iontophoresis uses low level electrical current and water to temporarily block the sweat glands. According to the Mayo Clinic, these treatments will need to be performed daily for the first couple weeks, with intermittent follow-up visits as needed.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergic drugs, such as ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and tiotropium (Spiriva), work by blocking a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is necessary for the body to activate the sweat glands.
Step 4
Inject Botox into the sweat glands. Botox is a injectable drug made from a potent neurotoxin called botulinum type A. When injected by a qualified dermatologist or medical professional into sweat-prone areas of the skin, Botox reduces the ability of the nerves near the injection site. By blocking the sympathetic nerve signals, Botox prevents the body from being able to activate the neighboring sweat glands.
Step 5
Have your sweats gland removed. When other methods fail, a final way to stop sweating is to have a surgeon remove the sweat glands. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, sweat glands are typically removed through scraping, liposuction or a mixture of both.
Things You'll Need
- Antiperspirant
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