The Skin You’re In - Excessive Sweating

By: Dr. Cheryl Burgess

Bothered by excessive sweating? 8 million Americans suffer from excessive sweating, know as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a chronic medical condition whereby the sweat glands overact to stimuli, resulting in the production of excessive or unexpected sweat, often four times the average volume of sweat.

Sweat glands are distributed all over the body with the greatest concentration on the forehead, palms and soles. The main function of sweat glands is to regulate the body temperature; however, hyperhidrosis can be triggered by heat, stress, menopause and medical conditions. Hyperhidrosis can be a real problem when it becomes severe enough to interfere with work or social life. Most will describe involuntary sweating throughout the day requiring multiple changes of their shirts and blouses; the need to use underarm shields; permanent staining of their clothing; and body odor.

There are several methods for controlling excessive underarm sweating. Clinical strength antiperspirants containing aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY 20% (Secret Clinical Strength®) and/or aluminum chloride 12% as found in Certain Dri ® is effective when applied at bedtime. The preparations are applied to the underarm at bedtime when the sweat glands are less active. The aluminum chloride blocks the pore of the sweat gland and therefore, trapping the sweat. Bathing the next morning does not remove the aluminum chloride from the pores. Over time, the sweat will force the aluminum chloride out of the pore and sweating will recur. Side effects can include itching and irritation at the site of application; therefore, it is recommended to use the preparations only as needed or when sweating returns. Higher concentrations of aluminum chloride are available by prescription.

When excessive underarm sweating is unresponsive to topical therapy, Botox® injections can be beneficially. In 2004, the FDA approved Botox® injections for hyperhidrosis if a person has exhausted all measures to control sweating short. One treatment can minimize underarm sweating for 6 months or longer. Consult with your dermatologist for the medical treatment of hyperhidrosis.
Did you know…? Sweaty palms and soles can be controlled when treated with aluminum chloride and Botox® injections.