The average person breaks into a sweat when they exercise or their body gets overheated. Sometimes nervousness or anxiety can also cause sweating. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating that is not related to the usual triggers of sweat. This is a problem that is very embarrassing for the patient. It causes the person to sweat uncontrollably and can even soak clothes. Hyperhidrosis negatively impacts a person’s ability to lead a normal life. The most severe cases require surgical removal of sweat glands or interrupting the nerves that signal to sweat.

The non-surgical treatment options for hyperhidrosis are:

• Prescription-strength antiperspirants
  Patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis usually try OTC antiperspirants. These products work for mild cases and are usually packaged in combination with a deodorant. They are mild and do not cause skin irritation. More severe cases need a prescription-strength antiperspirant. These products are usually based on aluminum chloride and are applied to the skin before bed. They can cause irritation and one must be very careful to avoid the eye area. The antiperspirant is washed off in the morning. The resulting skin irritation is then treated with the application of a hydrocortisone product.
• Iontophoresis
  Iontophoresis is a treatment that involves the patient immersing their hands and feet in a tray of water that is subjected to a low current. This is done for a period of half an hour. Initially, the treatment is required to be performed several times a week. After a while, two treatments a month are enough to maintain the effects. The apparatus for iontophoresis is available for home use on a doctor’s advice.
• Anticholinergic medications
  Some doctors prescribe an oral medication that has the effect of blocking certain nerves that cause sweating. While this is sometimes effective for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, it can have other undesirable side effects such as blurred vision and bladder issues.
• Botox
  Botox is the name used to refer to botulinum toxin. It is well known as a cosmetic treatment to relax the skin and smooth wrinkles. It also has other effects that make it an effective treatment for excessive sweating. The toxin, when injected near the major sweat glands, has the effect of blocking the nerves to the glands. This prevents the sweat glands from being activated. Botox is usually injected to all the affected areas after they have been anesthetized or iced. A patient may require several injections in all the affected areas to control the overall problem. The effects of Botox treatment options for hyperhidrosis last from six months and up to one year.
• Antidepressants
  Some medications that are usually prescribed as antidepressants have the side effect of reducing sweat. These medicines are sometimes prescribed as treatment options for hyperhidrosis.
• Microwave therapy
  Some doctors have found success with microwave therapy treatment for hyperhidrosis. The patient is subjected to targetted microwaves to damage the sweat glands. Each microwave therapy session is usually about half an hour long and is repeated every three months. Some patients feel discomfort and a change in the sensation of the skin in the targetted area.