You might not know what it’s called, but if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you sure know how difficult it can be. Excessive sweating on one or more areas of the body can significantly interfere with your daily life, confidence, and comfort. But it’s also more common than most people realize, and there are a variety of solutions available to effectively manage it.
In this blog, we’ll look at the five top ways to manage hyperhidrosis – everything from what you wear to what you do in a doctor’s office. So, whether what you’re looking for is daily support or long-term relief, one of these solutions should work for you.
1. Sweat-Proof Clothing
Sweat-proof clothing is one of the most practical, non-invasive ways to manage the social and emotional impacts of sweating. Clothing companies like Social Citizen design shirts made with special moisture-wicking fabrics and built-in sweat barriers to prevent the parts of hyperhidrosis that bother you most: discomfort and visible sweat stains.
They’re perfect for using in your everyday life to boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable at work, with friends, on a date, or in any other situation.
Pros: Sweat-proof clothing is stylish, discreet, has no side effects, and works well with other treatments.
Cons: Unlike medical treatments, sweat-proof clothing isn’t going to stop you from sweating; it’ll help you manage the impact and live with your hyperhidrosis.
2. Clinical-Strength Antiperspirants
You probably already use antiperspirant, but did you know that these products actually come in different strength levels? For people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, there are clinical-strength antiperspirants that use aluminum-based compounds to block the sweat glands. They’re usually available over the counter, although sometimes you might have to get a prescription.
Use them by applying them directly to your hyperhidrosis problem areas, including the underarms, hands, feet, and even the face (in some cases).
Pros: Most clinical-strength antiperspirants are relatively accessible and affordable, and they are non-invasive.
Cons: Depending on how sensitive your skin is, clinical-strength antiperspirant might cause irritation. It might also not be enough for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
3. Prescription Medications
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, so it’s no surprise that there are medications available for it. Specifically, anticholinergics are oral medications that reduce sweat by blocking neurotransmitters that trigger sweat glands.
These medications are taken as pills, so they have a systemic effect, reducing the overall sweat response in widespread areas of the body, such as the back, chest, and face. It’s usually prescribed when topical treatments fail and require a prescription and medical supervision.
Anticholinergics can cause side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and dizziness, and are not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision.
Pros: Can be effective when other solutions aren’t.
Cons: Requires a prescription and has side effects.
4. Botox Injections
Botox (botulinum toxin) isn’t just for looking young. It’s also a common treatment for hyperhidrosis, used to temporarily block the nerves that trigger sweating. It’s usually most effective in the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet, which makes it a good choice for those with localized hyperhidrosis. It might sound strange, but Botox is FDA-approved for treating hyperhidrosis and is widely used in dermatology practices. The effects typically work for four to six months.
Pros: As far as medical treatments for hyperhidrosis go, Botox is relatively quick and easy.
Cons: You’ll have to do ongoing maintenance, and the cost can add up. Injections may also be uncomfortable.
5. Medical Procedures
In addition to Botox, other, more permanent medical procedures are available for hyperhidrosis. MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that uses thermal energy to permanently destroy sweat glands. It’s FDA-approved for the underarms, but is not suited for areas like the hands, feet, or face.
ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) is a more invasive surgical solution that involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves that trigger sweating. It’s most commonly used for palm sweating, and is typically seen as a last resort if nothing else works. Unfortunately, it can cause compensatory sweating or nerve issues.
Pros: The results of these procedures are permanent.
Cons: Medical procedures for hyperhidrosis are expensive and much more intense than other solutions.
Finding the Right Solution for You
As you can see, hyperhidrosis solutions range from quick fixes to lasting treatments. The right choice for you depends on your needs and lifestyle; you may need to try more than one. If your sweating is affecting your quality of life, talking to a healthcare provider could be a good place to start.
If you want a stress-free, low-stakes way to manage your sweating right now, try Social Citizen’s sweat-proof clothing. It helps you stay dry, confident, and fashionable without any prescriptions.
