Control Excessive Sweating With Help From These 4 Medications

This heat wave we are currently experiencing is intense. I live in Memphis, Tennessee, and my weather app has had excessive heat warnings daily for the past few weeks. It is regularly breaking 100 degrees outside. After a major storm we experienced, a lot of people I know are without power… which means no air conditioning!

Experiencing this as someone who sweats normally is excruciating enough. Unfortunately, there is a population of people who have a medical condition that causes them to sweat excessively, even in cool environments. This condition is called hyperhidrosis. When severe enough, it can get in the way of normal day to day activities and cause the individual a lot of stress which… you guessed it, can cause them to sweat even more.

Fortunately for these people, there are medical treatments that can really help control excessive sweating and give them their lives back. I am going to cover the top 4 medications that I turn to, as a dermatology physician assistant, when these patients come to see me. If you or someone you know is suffering from this condition I hope after reading this article you will be able to walk away with a strong idea of what medication may be right for you so you can be well-informed prior to your next appointment with your local dermatology medical provider.

Drysol

If a patient has mild hyperhidrosis and has not tried a treatment in the past then the first place I typically start is with a medication called Drysol. Drysol is an antiperspirant that contains up to 20% Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate. I recommend patients apply it nightly to the affected area. This can be used on hands, feet, and underarms. It can start working after only one week of use. If the patient is starting to notice positive results then they can slowly taper down to using it less consistently.

One potential side effect of Drysol is irritation to the skin. The axilla (underarms) can be an especially sensitive area. If irritation occurs and is mild then we are typically able to resolve it with mild topical steroids. However, if there is too much irritation then the patient may have to discontinue altogether.

I like Drysol as a treatment option to control excessive sweating because it is not a systemic medication so it is only drying out the area where it is applied. This may not be the most optimal treatment option for someone that is experiencing excessive sweating in multiple body surface areas. For these people, a systemic medication such as glycopyrrolate may be a better option.

Qbrexza

Qbrexza is similar to Drysol in that it is a topical medication that is applied to the skin. It is used in the underarms for primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Instead of a deoderant stick the medication comes in a moistened towelette. It is a prescription medication, and the ingredient used is glycopyrronium.

Topical glycopyrronium is an anticholinergic medication that can inhibit sweating. It is used once a day to clean underarms. The most important thing is to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after wiping the skin. If you were to rub your eyes you could cause blurry vision.

Glycopyrrolate

Glycopyrrolate is the oral version of topical glycopyrronium. Oral glycopyrrolate can be very beneficial for people with excessive sweating in multiple locations such as palms and soles, face, and axilla.

Since it is a systemic medication there are several potential side effects to discuss with your medical provider prior to starting this medication. Glycopyrrolate dries you out from the inside out which is how it can really control excessive sweating. You can also expect dry eyes, dry mouth, and possible urinary retention. I typically start patients off on a very low dose and then will increase it slightly only as needed.

It can be an excellent medication for the right patients, but in some the side effects may be worse than the actual hyperhidrosis.

Botox

A lot of people are surprised when they learn that Botox may be a treatment option for excessive sweating. When someone hears Botox they tend to think about treating wrinkles. While Botox is more commonly used for anti-aging, it also has many other medical benefits. When you understand the science behind Botox it will make a lot more sense.

Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the muscles. When injected into the site of concern it blocks the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter in eccrine sweat glands. This will temporarily reduce sweat production.

The downside to Botox is that it can be painful (especially in the hands) and it can be very difficult to get insurance to cover it, so it is also expensive.

Final Thoughts on How to Control Excessive Sweating

There are additional treatments as well as supportive measures that someone with hyperhidrosis can turn to in the case that none of the treatments discussed in this article helped or for whatever reason are not right for you as an individual. When in doubt always go talk to your dermatology medical provider to determine which treatment is right for you.

If you needed a sign to finally take control of your hyperhidrosis and live a life where you don’t have to worry about the embarrassment of sweating through your clothes then count this as your sign. I hope this information has been helpful. If you have tried any of the treatments discussed in this article and one either worked or didn’t work for you then I would love to hear more about your experience. Please leave a comment and let us know!

*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer. Information on this website is for education and entertainment purposes only. Content is my opinion. It is not substituted for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. One should not make any health or medical-related decisions based in whole or in part on any content on this site. Content is not intended to replace the services of a licensed, trained health professional. Content may not apply to you as an individual. Although I will update my website with current information, this website is not a definitive guide to dermatology.