Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is not commonly recognized as a disease. Actually, although it affects millions of people around the world, only a small part of them seek medical help. Hyperhidrosis is a very serious medical disorder that causes sweating in certain parts of the body where the sweat glands are located. These include armpits, palms, feet, and growth area.

Hyperhidrosis causes low self-esteem and humiliation. Both social life and career can be affected due to the incredible amount of sweating that occurs. It also causes unpleasant body odors that only add to the problem. It is a very miserable existence with people making fun of you and avoiding you. It is important to find the most effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and lead a normal life.

Most people tend to try over-the-counter remedies first. These include deodorants and antiperspirants that contain a large amount of aluminum chloride. This helps a little for many people, but it usually doesn’t cure it. Therefore, you probably need to see a doctor, preferably a dermatologist. Certain lotions, antiperspirants, and absorbent powders may be prescribed. They can be used a couple of times a day, but they are still not a cure.

Oral medications such as Ditropan, Robinul, and Probathine block excess sweating. These medications are not labeled as a treatment for hyperhidrosis, but they do work. There are side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision.

Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, has been used as a treatment for hyperhidrosis. It decreases sweating at injection sites by blocking the release of acetylcholine, which causes excessive sweating. It is not a cheap treatment but it is 90 percent effective for 7 months. There are also some side effects that need to be treated.

Another treatment for excessive sweating is iontophoresis. It is non-surgical and is performed by exposing the sweaty areas to a controlled electrical current. Although it is effective, it produces some side effects such as dermatitis and skin irritation.

As a last resort, there is endoscopic thoracic surgery or ETS. The part of the nervous symptom responsible for sweating is eliminated. It works on feet, armpits, and hands, but can cause excessive sweating on other parts of the body.

If you can’t find relief with these methods, consider natural treatments, particularly before using surgery.