Self-Help Measures for Hyperhidrosis
To help manage hyperhidrosis, the first agents to try are topical products that can help to absorb the excess sweat, such as talcum powder and cornstarch powder (e.g. Zeasorb®). These are usually only helpful in mild cases.
Stronger antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride e.g. Driclor ® and AnHydrolForte® can be used for armpits, hands and feet. They are applied 2-3 times a week at night and washed off in the morning to avoid damage to clothes. Application can be effective especially for underarm sweating. However, they can cause the skin to become irritated over time.
Botulinum toxin injections
Botulinum toxin injections provide an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis in many people. Treatment involves injecting small doses of the same agents used to aid skin wrinkles into the skin of the affected areas. They work by blocking the action of nerves that supply the eccrine (sweat) glands. This stops the glands from producing sweat.
Treatment totally blocks the nerve ending for about 6-12 weeks, but then new nerve endings start to form. This means the effects of the treatment of hyperhidrosis lasts for several months but will eventually wear off.