Do You Sweat Too Much?

Try this solution for treating your overactive sweat glands.
By Alissa Hicks

Kaitlyn Hicks says there are a variety of options for managing hyperhidrosis such as Botox. 

Excessive sweating affects so many people. While it’s nothing to be concerned about, it is definitely something that can interfere with one's daily life. We talked with Kaitlyn Hicks, APRN of Dermatology Specialists Research about what can be done to help find relief from excessive sweating.

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating beyond what is required for thermoregulation – the process that allows the body to maintain its temperature – is the proper term medical professionals use for overactive sweat glands in the palms of hands, soles of feet, or in the armpits. While professionals are not sure of the exact cause of hyperhidrosis, “This condition usually begins in childhood or adolescent years,” says Kaitlyn. “If this occurs later on in life for you, it might be a good idea to see your doctor about what else could be causing this.”

“Unfortunately, it is difficult to effectively treat this condition. While it doesn’t cause a person or the body any harm, it does affect the person’s quality of life depending on the severity,” Kaitlyn adds. “There are a few options for treatment including topical medicines, systemic medicines, and even Botox injections.” Topical medicines are creams applied directly to the skin of the affected area. Systemic treatments come in the form of an oral pill. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn says, each has its own, mostly unpleasant, side effects. “The majority of topical treatments can cause irritating side effects or can stain clothing. These typically don’t provide much relief either. Systemic treatments can often cause dryness throughout the entire body which comes with its own side effects as well. You’d want to consult with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist about options that are best for you.”

For a more effective treatment option, Botox has been known to help reduce sweating for those with hyperhidrosis. While it’s definitely the more pricey option, Kaitlyn adds that “keeping up with regular intervals of Botox injections could lead to long-term results which is appealing to many people seeing that topical methods of treatment are not very practical if you suffer from sweaty palms or feet.”

Approximately 220 million people around the globe suffer from some form of uncontrollable sweating, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. While there may not be an exact cure, people can find some relief in medical treatments. There are also homeopathic methods to be tried for temporary relief. “It’s best to talk with your doctor about your individual issue to see what option of treatment is best for you,” says Kaitlyn.

Do you suffer from hyperhidrosis? If so, what treatments have worked for you?