Hyperhidrosis is a condition that leads to excessive sweating, so much so that it interferes with your daily life. An estimated 2-3% of people in the country have this condition, which can make for embarrassing and even uncomfortable situations. So, if you are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, here are some of the treatment options for the condition:

• Prescription antiperspirant:  This is one of the common treatment options for hyperhidrosis. You can take an antiperspirant with aluminum chloride prescribed by your doctor, but antiperspirants can cause skin and eye irritation in some cases. These are usually applied to the affected area before going to bed and washed off after waking up. In case your skin becomes irritated, hydrocortisone cream might help.
• Prescription creams:  Another simple treatment option for hyperhidrosis is a prescription cream containing glycopyrrolate. It may help if you are suffering from hyperhidrosis that affects the face and head.
• Nerve-blocking medications:  Your doctor may prescribe oral medications to block the chemicals that permit certain nerves to communicate with each other. This can reduce sweating in some people, but these medicines may lead to side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and bladder problems in some people.
• Antidepressants:  People suffering from depression can be prescribed antidepressants to reduce sweating. Also, these medications help those who have anxiety about hyperhidrosis, which causes more sweating.
• Botulinum toxin injections:  Botox treatment can temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating, but each affected area of the body needs several injections. The effects last for 6 to 12 months, and then the treatment needs to be repeated. This treatment can be painful, and some people also experience temporary muscle weakness in the area treated.
• Microwave therapy:  In this therapy, a device that delivers microwave energy is used to destroy the sweat glands. Treatments involve two 20-30 minutes sessions that are held 3 months apart. The therapy may also cause changes in skin sensation and some discomfort and is not widely available.
• Sweat gland removal:  In case you experience excessive sweating in the armpits, sweat gland removal may help provide relief. A minimally invasive technique called suction curettage is prescribed if other treatments do not bring the desired results.
• Nerve surgery (sympathectomy):  A surgical treatment option for hyperhidrosis, sympathectomy is a procedure wherein the surgeon cuts, burns, or clamps the spinal nerves that control sweating in the hands.
• Lifestyle changes:  Another effective treatment option for hyperhidrosis is to make some lifestyle changes. Using antiperspirants, astringent, socks made of natural material, airing the feet often, and wearing cotton clothing can help. You can also opt for yoga, meditation, and biofeedback to help reduce the stress that triggers sweating.

Heavy sweating can be problematic and hamper normal life, so consult a doctor at the earliest and understand the treatment options for hyperhidrosis.