Sweating is a normal part of everyday human life. For some people, however, excessive sweating can cause lifestyle struggles, embarrassment and even affect their overall well-being. For example, if you suffer from constant and excessive sweating, you may want to see a doctor to find out if you have hyperhidrosis.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis1 is the medical term for excessive sweating. This would include abnormal excessive sweating, like sweating through clothes or dripping off hands. The sweating of hyperhidrosis is not necessarily triggered by heat or exercise but can be made worse by the environment or activity.
Common symptoms of hyperhidrosis2
Sweating profusely even when not exercising or in a hot environment
Sweating excessively from hands, feet, underarms, or face
Sweating through multiple layers of clothes
Sweating that disrupts your daily routine or causes social anxiety
Night sweats with no apparent cause
Soft, extra-sensitive skin in areas prone to excessive sweat
Rashes or skin infections in areas prone to excessive sweat
Hyperhidrosis is an uncomfortable condition with both physical and emotional components, and hyperhidrosis is also quite responsive to treatment.
What types of deodorants and antiperspirants are available?
Specialized and prescription deodorants and antiperspirants are often quite effective at minimizing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. However, topical treatments are the least expensive and least invasive of the hyperhidrosis treatment options, making them the chosen first line of defense.
Antiperspirants block the pores and signal the body to stop sweat production. Deodorant works by killing off bacteria that can cause odor from sweating. Most antiperspirants also contain active deodorant ingredients.
Antiperspirant doesn’t just have to be for under the arms, either. Many popular antiperspirants can be applied to hands, feet, or other body areas where sweating is a problem.
Over-the-counter antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis
Many antiperspirant and deodorant brands have launched “clinical strength” versions to help consumers with excessive sweating issues. For many hyperhidrosis sufferers, an over-the-counter antiperspirant is enough to curb sweating under normal circumstances. OTC brands typically use an aluminum-based compound as their active ingredient to stop sweat.
OTC antiperspirants also tend to be gentler on the skin than prescriptions. For example, those with sensitive skin or a hyperhidrosis-induced skin condition may prefer OTC options for this reason.
FDA-Approved Prescription Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
When over-the-counter antiperspirant just won’t cut it, a topical or oral prescription treatment may help. With a $20 online consultation, a licensed medical professional will determine if one of these options is right for you.
Get startedPrescription-strength antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis
For some, OTC antiperspirants are not strong enough to combat their hyperhidrosis. Prescription-strength antiperspirants may offer relief. The prescription-strength antiperspirants have a higher concentration of aluminum-based compounds as the active ingredient.
Common prescription brands3 include:
Xerac AC®
Lumicaine®
Oral medications for hyperhidrosis
In addition to topical treatments, there are oral medications available for hyperhidrosis. Common oral medications for excessive sweating include:4
Oxybutynin (Ditropan®)
Benztropine (Cogentin®)
All of the above belong to a class of medications called anticholinergics and work by blocking the nerves that send signals to sweat glands to activate.5
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx makes receiving prescription treatment for excessive sweating easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Hyperhidrosis prescriptions starting at $9/month
$20 online consultation with a U.S. licensed medical provider
No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
FREE shipping directly to you. Quarterly subscriptions available.
Get started with treatment for excessive sweating by completing our short online assessment.
