Is there a cure for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?
Dr. Hibberd’s Answer: Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is very common, is embarrassing, and often stains clothing. There are three main categories: 1) Axillary (armpit) 2) Palmoplantar (hands) 3) Generalized There is no cure for idiopathic (no cause found) hyperhidrosis, but we do have effective treatments available: a) OTC antiperspirants (especially those containing aluminum chloride, but may be irritating); b) Prescription antiperspirants (usually contain aluminum hexahydrate, such as Drysol); c) Lontophoresis (mechanism is unknown but involves multiple sessions where painless electrical current is applied using tap water); d) Prescription medications (anticholinergics such as Robinul which have side effects including blurred vision and dry mouth); e) Botox (botulinum toxin) for underarm sweating (50 units spread over 20 spots each armpit); and f) Surgery (sympathectomy is risky and rarely done). Most often, excessive sweating is triggered by heat and stress, but other cases ha
