Regardless of which type you may have, “Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by extreme and excessive sweating,” explains Bruce Robinson, MD, FAAD, an adult and pediatric dermatologist in New York City who is also a clinical professor of dermatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). According to the IHS, an estimated 365 million people worldwide are living with the condition. Primary hyperhidrosis tends to appear as excessive sweating in one or two specific body parts, especially the hands, feet, underarms, face, or head. Secondary hyperhidrosis tends to affect the whole body, especially through night sweats, and has a root cause such as thyroid disease, heart disease, or even pregnancy. “It’s important to remember primary hyperhidrosis seems to have a strong genetic component — as many as 80 percent of affected individuals report a family history of the condition,” says Jason A. Clark, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in laser and cosmetic dermatology who treats hyperhidrosis and cosmetic sweating in his practice in Atlanta. “The severity of hyperhidrosis varies from one person to another,” says Dr. Clark, though one thing remains consistent for people who have the condition: They likely need a combination of remedies to best treat excessive sweat.
Step 1: Find the Right Hyperhidrosis Medication
The first step in treating hyperhidrosis is to be diagnosed by a doctor. If you aren’t sure if you have primary or secondary hyperhidrosis, start by seeing a dermatologist. If you’re diagnosed with secondary hyperhidrosis, your dermatologist can refer you to a primary care physician to treat the root cause of your sweating. If you’re diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis, there are many tools dermatologists use that can help. “There are medical and surgical treatment options,” says Clark. “My typical treatment algorithm starts with topical antiperspirants and over-the-counter or prescription options.” If those don’t work, surgical options such as botulinum toxin type A injections or energy-based devices that use focused microwave energy to target sweat glands may be used. In addition, there are other steps you can take on your own to help cut down on excessive sweating. “At a minimum, hyperhidrosis management incorporates avoiding triggers such as social stressors, warm environments, and synthetic clothing,” says Dr. Robinson. This is often combined with dermatologist-prescribed treatments, he says.
Step 2: Try Complementary Therapies
It’s no secret that being stressed can raise your body temperature and cause you to sweat. “Sweating is a reflex that is part of the sympathetic nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response,” notes Clark. “Complementary medical modalities like aromatherapy or acupuncture can reduce stress and potentially the frequency of sweating episodes.” Robinson suggests meditation as a tool that may help as well. Exercise and social support also matter, according to the American Psychological Association. According to the IHS, these natural remedies can also help you reduce stress and cut down on excessive sweat:
Sage tea or tabletsChamomileValerian rootSt. John’s WortBiofeedbackAcupuncture
Before trying any supplements, it’s important to check in with your dermatologist for their approval. Just because a remedy is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s not potent — and it could potentially interfere with other medication you’re taking.
Step 3: Control Your Environment
A cool environment is a surefire way to feel more comfortable when you have hyperhidrosis, agree Robinson and Clark. Air-conditioning is the easiest way to regulate the temperature in your home or workplace. In addition, dressing in layers in natural fabrics such as cotton or silk can help. You may also want to slip out of your shoes when you can or go barefoot to air out your feet.
Step 4: Don’t Stop Till You’re Sweat-Free
If you find you’re still sweating despite sticking with your prescribed treatment plan, experimenting with complementary therapies, and controlling your environment, don’t be too hard on yourself. It can take some trial and error to find the most effective combination of treatments to help get sweating under control. Be sure to work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment and management tools for you. “With a multitude of treatments, gone are the days feeling embarrassed to shake hands or being self-conscious about sweat-soaked clothing,” says Clark. “There’s no need to suffer in silence.”
