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ANTI-SWEATING TREATMENTS

 

My Skin Pharmacy carries a select range of anti-sweating products including antiperspirant roll-on to facial gels. We also specially formulate products for specialist doctors which are not commercially available. We work alongside the Sweat Free specialist clinic to formulate quality medications to suit your needs.

Facts on Treatments

  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) affects 2-3% of population
  • Various options available creams, tablets, injections, surgery
  • Anti sweat treatments generally need to be done preventatively to be effective
  • Patients must keep areas moisturised and hydrated when using topical medications.
  • Some treatments are medicare rebateable
  • Glycopyrrolate is one of the most effective medications for the treatment of hyperhidrosis

WHAT CAUSES SWEATING?

Sweating is a natural process for the body to regulate temperature and excrete any by products. Anxiety, stress, physical activity, hormones and medical conditions may cause excessive sweating. It can be a very embarrassing condition for people and even affect their work and private life.

WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR MY EXCESSIVE SWEATING?

The best treatment for anti-sweating will depend on the location of the sweating and involves multiple steps. Assessment from a specialist and getting the correct advice is very important. We will work closely with your health practitioner to ensure the best option for you. There are a variety of options including oral medications, topical creams, iontophoresis, botox and miradry.

Medications

The best treatment will be dependent on your lifestyle and what is suitable for you. There are treatments that you can do daily, weekly and even monthly depending on your severity and response to treatment. Prescription medications are very effective however will require assessment from a practitioner. 

Anticholinergic medications such as Ditropan and Probanthine tablets are commonly prescribed for excessive sweating. They are easily taken orally up to 2-3 times daily. Anticholinergic medications have no specificity and will affect various parts of the body and not just sweaty areas. This in turn can lead to dry mucous membranes of the nostril, throat eyes and affect other areas of the body that are susceptible. The medication can effectively reduce sweating but are associated with some side effects such as dry mouth, light headedness, blurred vision, and fatigue.

 

Glycopyrrolate Solution for Iontophoresis

One of the best treatments for hand and feet sweating is iontophoresis, for up to 2-3 weeks. Patients submerge their hands and feet in the solution and a small electrical current is induced. This aids in the penetration of the drug taking effect. We formulate and supply this solution for patients undergoing this form of therapy. Once stabilised on this therapy in clinic, patients can purchase the device and conduct therapy in the privacy of their own home.

It is essential that the area be continually moisturised and hydrated to allow for effective re-application. If this is not done, then there will be a poor response on the next application. For the hands and feet, we recommend using an exfoliating pad or pumice stone twice weekly to exfoliate these areas and improve effectiveness.

Side effects include: excessive dryness of the skin, dry mouth and nose, irritation.

Aluminium based products

Products containing aluminium can help dry certain areas including the hands, feet, underarms, body and face. Products to initially try include Driclor (discontinued), 3B face saver and no more sweat. These products need to be used daily. Commonly they will be applied to clean dry skin at night before bedtime. They working by preventing the sweat production.

Glycopyrrolate Lotion

Glycopyrrolate lotion is a very effective and easy form of application. This cream is only available on prescription and can be used for the underarms, hands, feet, head and neck. It is easy to apply and can be used once or twice daily. Some patients use the cream once daily whilst others only need to use it once weekly. Apply a small amount to the affected area and work it in thoroughly until absorbed.

It is essential that the area be continually moisturised and hydrated to allow for effective re-application. If this is not done, then there will be a poor response on the next application. For the hands and feet, we recommend using an exfoliating pad or pumice stone twice weekly to exfoliate these areas and improve effectiveness.

It is very important that you have the creams compounded by expert and trained compounders to produce optimal formulations. Some of these medications are highly reactive and unstable

Side effects include: excessive dryness of the skin, possible dry mouth and nose, irritation.

WHAT NON-PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANTI-SWEATING MANAGEMENT?

St John’s Wort Tablets

 

This herbal extract can be effective in patients who have mild to moderate anxiety and stress that may be causing the excessive sweating. These assist in increasing the serotonin available in the nervous system to help with mood. The dosage is 900mg once or twice daily.

 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCTS I CAN TRY?

Botox injection, miradry and surgery are other options available. Botox and miradry and great options for underarm sweating and a consulting practitioner can provide details to see if this option is suitable for you. Topical creams, tablets and iontophoresis are a little less invasive but generally do require ongoing treatment.

Absorption pads can be an option in patients who sweat excessively under the arm pits. These can be quite impractical and uncomfortable for everyday use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT SWEATING?

  • Meditation and behavioural therapy from a specialist psychologist
  • Exercise- keeps your stress levels down. Excessive stress releases stress hormones into the body and activate excessive sweating
  • St John’s wort tablets can be effective in people who are anxious and stressed

 

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