Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating or sweating more than normal. Individuals experience hyperhidrosis differently, and it is primarily defined by the part of the body that sweats excessively. Common symptoms include:¹

• Excessive sweat on hands, underarms, face and torso.

• Face flushing.

Hyperhidrosis can occur anywhere on the body. It is common to have sweaty feet, hands, armpits, face and torso.² 

Types of hyperhidrosis are defined by the body part and the severity. Levels of severity are based on the volume of sweat and can be classified as mild, moderate or severe hyperhidrosis.³

Focal hyperhidrosis is concentrated in one spot and defined by the body part affected. Types of focal hyperhidrosis include:⁴

• Armpits or underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis).

• Soles of your feet (plantar hyperhidrosis).

• Palms of your hands (palmar hyperhidrosis).

• Forehead and cheeks (craniofacial hyperhidrosis).

• Genitals (inguinal hyperhidrosis).

• Lower back.

Excessive sweating is caused by overactive sweat glands. Normally functioning sweat glands produce sweat when the body is overheated. Hyperhidrosis is defined by sweat glands that produce sweat outside of cooling the body.

Why hyperhidrosis occurs isn’t fully understood. You can be at a higher risk if you have a family history of hyperhidrosis. Some research suggests that a hereditary genetic mutation could be an underlying cause of excessive sweating.⁵

Excessive sweating can also be triggered by your environment, medical conditions, foods and medications.

Common environmental triggers for hyperhidrosis include:⁶

• Stress, anxiety, fear or nervousness.

• Warm temperatures or humidity.

• Exercise or physical activity.

Consumable triggers include:

• Spicy foods.

• Fatty foods.

• Sugary or salty foods.

• High-protein foods.

• Coffee or other caffeinated beverages.

• Alcohol.

Conditions that can trigger excessive sweating include:⁷

• Acromegaly.

• An infection.

• Anxiety.

• Cancer.

• Diabetes.

• Heart disease or heart failure.

• Hyperthyroidism.

• Menopause.

• Obesity.

• Parkinson’s disease.

Medications that can trigger hyperhidrosis include:

• Albuterol (Proventil®).

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin®).

• Hydrocodone.

• Insulin (Humulin® R, Novolin® R).

• Levothyroxine.

• Lisinopril.

• Naproxen (Aleve®).

• Omeprazole (Prilosec®).

• Sertraline (Zoloft®).

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition that is usually long term, even lifelong. Treatments can help you find relief. Some individuals find immediate relief from excessive sweating treatments. Other treatments may take weeks or months to reach their full effect.⁸

Hyperhidrosis does not usually go away on its own and there is no cure. Treatments can reduce symptoms. Treating an underlying cause could help resolve hyperhidrosis and help you find relief.⁹

You can prevent or reduce excessive sweating with treatments, or you can address the triggers.

Treatments that reduce sweating include:¹⁰ 

• Strong or prescription antiperspirants like Drysol®.

• Anticholinergic agents like glycopyrrolate.

• Antidepressants.

• Beta-blockers.

• Botox injections.

If your excessive sweating is caused by an underlying health condition or medication, talk to your provider about your treatment options.

There are some medical procedures that can permanently damage or remove sweat glands. Some of those therapies and surgeries for hyperhidrosis include:¹¹

• Iontophoresis. A process where a low electrical current is sent through a tub of water to your hands or feet. The sweat glands are blocked with repeated treatments over time. 

• Microwave therapy. This hour-long procedure places a high-tech device (miraDry®) against the affected area of your skin. The device emits thermal energy (heat), which destroys sweat glands permanently.

• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). A minimally invasive type of surgery to cut the nerve in your body that turns off the signal that tells your glands to produce sweat.

• Sweat gland removal. A surgeon removes your sweat glands using a laser, scraping (curettage), cutting (excision) or liposuction.

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Treatment options for hyperhidrosis range from topical products to surgical procedures.

First steps are usually a topical or oral treatment, including:¹² 

• Strong or prescription antiperspirants like Drysol®.

• Anticholinergic agents like glycopyrrolate.

• Antidepressants.

• Beta-blockers.

• Botox® injections.

There are some medical procedures that can permanently block or remove sweat glands. Some of those therapies and surgeries for hyperhidrosis include:¹³

• Iontophoresis. A process where a low electrical current is sent through a tub of water to your hands or feet. The sweat glands are blocked with repeated treatments over time.

• Microwave therapy. This hour-long procedure places a high-tech device (miraDry®) against the affected area of your skin. The device emits thermal energy (heat), which destroys sweat glands permanently.

• Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). A minimally invasive type of surgery to cut the nerve in your body that turns off the signal that tells your glands to produce sweat.

• Sweat gland removal. A surgeon removes your sweat glands using a laser, scraping (curettage), cutting (excision) or liposuction.

Hyperhidrosis treatments vary based on the part of the body affected, the severity of your diagnosis and what treatment options work for you. Talk to your provider about what options are best for your excessive sweating.¹⁴

There are some hyperhidrosis treatments you can use at home to reduce sweating, including:¹⁵

• Using antiperspirants and deodorants. There are both over-the-counter and prescription options available. Aluminum-based products will work the best.

• Showering or bathing more often can help mild cases of excessive sweating.

• Wearing breathable clothing. You will sweat less and feel more comfortable if you sweat.

You can get hyperhidrosis medications online from RedBox Rx. Start an easy online assessment today and connect with one of our licensed providers.

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