8 steps to treat excessive sweating

Excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) is an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem for some people at work and in public. Here are some proven techniques you can use to treat excessive sweating.

The easiest way to treat excessive sweating is to use an antiperspirant. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When you roll them onto your skin, the antiperspirant forms a sweat stopper. Antiperspirants aren't just for the underarms, but they can also be used in other areas that sweat a lot, like hands and feet, and even hairline.
You can buy over-the-counter antiperspirants at your local supermarket or drug store, or by prescription from your doctor if over-the-counter medications don't work. They are usually less irritating than prescription antiperspirants. Many antiperspirants are sold in combination with deodorants, which will not help prevent sweating, but will only aid in controlling sweat odor. Also, don't just roll or spray your antiperspirant/deodorant in the morning, you should also apply it at night before going to bed to help the area drier.
MORE: Treatments for increased sweating in the armpit

If antiperspirants do not prevent excessive sweating of the hands and feet, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
Iontophoresis : During the treatment, you will have a foot bath, hand or both in a tray of hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes, and pass a low current through the water. To be effective, you need to repeat at least a few times a week, some people only need a few times a month to maintain. You can buy a machine for home use after you know how to use it. Although iontophoresis is safe, because they use electricity, they are not recommended for pregnant women and people with pacemakers or metal implants (including joint replacements), cardiovascular disease, and epilepsy. Botulinum toxin: Botox is FDA-approved to treat excessive underarm sweating, but some doctors may also use it on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Botox works by blocking the release of a chemical that signals the activation of sweat glands. You may need several Botox injections, but the results can last for almost a year. Anticholinergics: When you've used antiperspirants and treatments such as Iontophoresis and Botox but that don't work, your doctor may recommend a prescription medication such as an anticholinergic. Oral anticholinergics block the activation of sweat glands, but they are not for everyone because they can have side effects such as blurred vision, heart palpitations, dry eyes, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. . Surgery: There are 2 types of surgery to treat excessive sweating that are applied to patients who do not respond to the above treatments: Surgery to cut, cure, remove sweat glands and surgery to remove lymph nodes. Endoscopic thoracic sensation (surgery to cut nerves that stimulate sweat gland activity). This method is very effective, but it is only used as a last resort for people who have tried every other treatment. ETS is irreversible and can leave scarring. One side effect that most people with ETS face is compensatory sweating, which is when the body stops sweating in one area, but begins to sweat in another (such as the face or chest) to compensate. MiraDry treatment: Using a miradry machine to treat hyperhidrosis is commonly used in clinics. This method uses heat energy to remove sweat and odor glands from under the arms. Once the glands are destroyed, they will not grow back. SEE ALSO: How to treat hyperhidrosis of hands, feet and armpits

While using these treatments, you can also use some other home remedies to reduce sweating such as:
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and silk. Bring a spare shirt when you go to the gym or are out in the hot sun. Feet can also sweat, so wear wicking socks (choose socks made of merino wool and polypro). Shower every day with antibacterial soap to control bacteria that can live on sweaty skin and cause odor. Dry completely afterwards and before applying antiperspirant. Use underarm linings and shoe insoles to absorb sweat so it doesn't damage or cause odors to your clothes. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol as well as hot drinks like tea and coffee as they can both make you sweat a lot. Increased sweating may not have a serious impact on health, but it has a huge effect on the outside and on the body's scent. You can seek medical help if taking steps to treat hyperhidrosis with medications doesn't work.

Reference source: webmd.com