It’s a condition that bothers many people, but few speak up about it: Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects 5% of the population according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Excessive sweating is more than working up a sweat at the gym or perspiring when it’s hot outside. In fact, excessive sweating can be a life-altering medical condition. There are a few ways to stop sweating. Learn more about these options and find one that works for you.
What is Excessive Sweating?
If you’ve ever had to wipe off your palm before a handshake on a cool day, you might have experienced excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is when sweat glands don’t “shut off” like they should. Those with excessive sweating often find themselves perspiring outside of the gym or when they’re feeling calm.
There are two types of excessive sweating:
- Primary Focal: This refers to excessive sweating limited to a certain area of the body without medical cause. If your underarms are always damp regardless of weather, activity level, or anxiety you might have Primary Focal excessive sweating.
- Secondary Generalized: This refers to excessive sweating that takes place over a large part of the body or in just one area. This type of sweating might be caused by a side effect to a medication. With Secondary Generalized excessive sweating, you might even sweat while you’re asleep.
Doctors don’t always know the cause of excessive sweating. In most cases, excessive sweating isn’t medically harmful. But it can be embarrassing. Before you think about adding more layers to hide it or moving to a chillier climate to stop it, try these 4 ways to stop excessive underarm sweating.
1. Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Most people use antiperspirants on a daily basis. These deodorant products are rolled on to the skin under the arms and contain aluminum salts. The aluminum salts plug the skin’s sweat glands, and eliminates sweating in many people. If you have excessive sweating, regular antiperspirants that you might find at your favorite drug store or retailer might not be enough.
2. Prescription Antiperspirants
The next step in fighting excessive sweating is often a prescription antiperspirant. These require a visit to the doctor and contain higher concentrations of aluminum salts. Prescription antiperspirants can be used anywhere on the body excessive sweating occurs: Palms, feet, hairline and underarms are all fair game.
3. Botox
Botox is for more than just wrinkles. Botox injections can be used to help stop excessive sweating, too. Botox is FDA approved to treat excessive sweating of the underarm area. Botox works by preventing the chemical signal that causes sweat glands to activate, keeping you dry. Many doctors also use Botox to treat excessive sweating of the hands, feet and other areas of the body.
4. Qbrexa
New to the treatment game, Qbrexa comes as a cloth towelette you wipe on your underarms once daily. Qbrexa is an anticholinergic medicine, which means it blocks certain involuntary nerve signals. In Qbrexa’s case, it blocks the signal that triggers excessive sweating. Qbrexa has minimal side effects. Qbrexa must be prescribed by a doctor.
For more information about the treatment of excessive underarm sweating, consider seeing Dr. Doppelt. He is prepared to offer the solutions that only a board-certified dermatologist can provide. Give us a call at (865) 474-8800 or schedule an appointment online.
