Hyperhidrosis affects upwards of 3% of the population, making it a very common medical condition. This means that there are many people seeking treatment for their excessive sweating. While there are several effective treatments for people with hyperhidrosis, there are some pitfalls that people need to be aware of. All of the medically recommended treatments for hyperhidrosis have been tested by the medical community but it doesn’t mean that they don’t come with their own risks. For those that suffer from primary focal hyperhidrosis proper treatment can make an immense difference in their quality of life.[1] Here is what people with hyperhidrosis need to watch out for as they figure out which treatments work best for them:

Skin Irritation

The first line treatment that dermatologists will recommend for hyperhidrosis is the use of antiperspirant. Antiperspirant is a type of topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that prevents skin from producing sweat.[1] It is considered to be a drug by the FDA due to the fact that it changes the function of skin. Most antiperspirants, even powerful ones, can be found over-the-counter and are quite effective at stopping a person from producing excessive sweat.[2] Typically, antiperspirant is used for axillary sweating although it has been used on other parts of the body more frequently as time goes on. One of the most bothersome side effects of antiperspirant is the irritation it can cause. When used on the less sensitive skin of the armpit this is not as big of an issue, but it is a problem when antiperspirant needs to be used on other, more sensitive, areas of the body.[1]

The reason that antiperspirant can be so irritating is because of its active ingredient. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride, aluminum chloride hexahydrate, or a newer generation ingredient, like aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex. These products can easily irritate skin. One study published in the journal of Dermatologic Clinics found that 26% of patients being treated with aluminum chloride antiperspirant reported stinging and itching sensations after use. If you are struggling to use antiperspirant because of skin irritation there are things you can do. Using antiperspirant consistently over a period of time seems to reduce skin irritation. You can also apply 1% hydrocortisone cream the morning after applying antiperspirant to clear up irritation. If you are sensitive to irritation then you may benefit from trying a newer generation antiperspirant with aluminum zirconium hexahydrate as the active ingredient. Studies have found that these antiperspirants tend to cause less irritation. There are also specific antiperspirants that are made for sensitive skin that you can try. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to put up with skin irritation to talk to your doctor and see if you can find the antiperspirant that works best for your skin.[1]

Stains

Antiperspirants can be extremely helpful for those with excessive sweating, but they come with another major downfall - they stain clothing. Unfortunately, antiperspirant can leave a yellowish stain on clothing, especially when it is mixed with sweat. One study showed that up to 70% of people with axillary hyperhidrosis reported having to change their clothes at least two times a day. If a person is regularly sweating through their clothes it is safe to assume that they are also getting antiperspirant residue on their clothing. Antiperspirant is usually worth the inconvenience, and thankfully, there are effective ways to get antiperspirant out of clothes.[1]

Medication Side Effects

Doctors often treat hyperhidrosis with oral medications when other, more conservative, therapies have failed to work. Most of the time patients are prescribed a type of medication that falls into the class of anticholinergics. Anticholinergics work on the part of the nervous system that innervates sweat glands and stops the body from producing as much sweat. Unfortunately, they can also act on other parts of the body as well and cause unintended and unwanted side effects. The side effects a person will experience depend on their individual biological makeup and the specific medication they use. Some of the side effects of anticholinergics include dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and many other possibilities. If you are planning to try oral medications for your hyperhidrosis, make sure that you work closely with your doctor to make sure that you aren’t suffering from intolerable side effects so that you can find the best medication for your body.[1]

Not Trying Less Invasive Therapies First

Almost all doctors that treat hyperhidrosis will recommend that patients begin trialing the most conservative treatments first before they move on to more invasive options. Sometimes, however, patients are exasperated with their condition and want to move on to more extensive options before trying all of the more conservative treatments. This is a big mistake because some of the most effective options are local therapies which are less invasive.[1] For example, a patient with palmar hyperhidrosis who didn’t respond well to an antiperspirant may try iontophoresis, but be inconsistent with their routine and fail to see a benefit. They may want to move on to botox injections, or even surgery, when iontophoresis may have worked if they had given it a proper chance. This would require them to take less risk and cost them less money. However, this isn’t the case for everyone and sometimes patients decide to go with more invasive treatments first for a variety of legitimate reasons. The most important thing is that you communicate openly with your doctor to find the treatment that is most effective for you.

Giving Up

Sometimes, despite their best efforts, patients can’t find an effective treatment for their hyperhidrosis. This can be extremely frustrating and disheartening because hyperhidrosis is a condition that negatively impacts quality of life.[1] However, it is important that patients continue to try new treatments as they come out and that they remain open to using the treatment options they do have. Even if your hyperhidrosis symptoms are not completely under control, most people find at least some relief from treatment. There are new treatments coming out every year and as awareness grows the future continues to look brighter for those with hyperhidrosis.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Zirwas, M. J., & Moennich, J. (2008). Antiperspirant and Deodorant Allergy Diagnosis and Management. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 1(3), 38-43. Retrieved August 22, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3013594/

SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT

How to Apply Powder to the Groin

Seems like a no brainer, point and shake right?

However, it is a little different depending on whether you are a man or woman:

For Men:

1. Clean the area. (Powders work best if used right after the skin is cleaned.)
2. Dry completely. 
3. Shake into hands, a cloth, or directly onto crotch 
4. Use less than you think you need
5. Fully cover area (front, back, under, in between)
6. Actually rub it it until the powder is evenly spread around the problem area.
7. Check it, It should not come off on hands. 
8. Get dressed and enjoy your day, dry and confident[5]

For Women:

1. Clean the area. (Powders work best if used right after the skin is cleaned.)
2. Dry completely. 
3. Shake into hands, a cloth, or directly onto crotch 
4. Use less than you think you need
5. Actually rub it it until the powder is evenly spread around the problem area.
6. Check to make sure the powder is spread out well and will not come off on your hand. I
7. NOTE: It is important to make sure that you do not put any powder in your vagina, instead dust it around your vulva.
8. NO TALC. It is also important that women avoid using powders made of talc so they do not expose themselves to unnecessary risk.[6]

Do you need a groin powder? 

Excessive sweating and constant moisture can wreak havoc on the skin that covers the groin.

• maceration
• jock itch
• body odor
• warts
• bacterial infections
• among others.[2]

This makes it crucial for people who experience consistent moisture around their groin to find ways to keep it dry. So yes, you likely need it! 

While powders will not prevent sweat production, they can protect the skin from moisture damage in a few different ways.

When powder is applied to the groin it is able to:

Types of Groin Powder:

• Talcum powder or Talc
• Cornstarch powders
• Baking soda
• Oat flour,
• Commercially made powders.[3]

There are various types of products available on the market made especially for use on the groin, like Carpe’s No Sweat Groin Powder, that use different types of powders for safe and effective use.[4]

NOTE:  Some studies have linked the use of talcum powder to a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer in women. This is because some natural forms of talc have been found to contain asbestos, which is a cancer causing agent.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Aside from exercise, temperature, or clothing, excessive groin sweating can be caused by several factors, but for those who suffer from chronic excessive groin sweating it is often caused by either primary focal hyperhidrosis or secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.

Unfortunately for those with hyperhidrosis, groin sweating can become so intense that people may frequently soak through underwear, experience embarrassment, and have to deal with health complications that arise when skin is exposed to constant moisture.[1]

However, there are ways to decrease groin sweat and manage it effectively.

What to Do if Powder Isn’t Enough

If you are regularly using powder on your groin and not finding enough relief, consider looking into other ways to prevent groin sweat production.

Other solutions: 

• Over-the-counter antiperspirants
• Oral prescription medications
• Botox injections

NOTE: Botox injections have been found to be one of the most highly effective treatments for groin sweating related to hyperhidrosis.[6]

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Common Complications of Hyperhidrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/common-complications-of-hyperhidrosis
3. What Causes Excessive Testicular Sweating, and How Can I Treat It? (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-excessive-testicular-sweating-and-how-can-i-treat-it
4. Carpe Takes Aim At Groin Sweat, Launches Groin Powder With Precision Lever Sprayer. (2019, May 22). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from http://classifieds.usatoday.com/press/carpe-takes-aim-at-groin-sweat-launches-groin-powder-with-precision-lever-sprayer/
5. How to Apply Talcum Powder. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://manscipated.com/how-to-use-talcum-powder-for-men/
6. Butler, K. (2019, June 5). Why You Get So Sweaty Around Your Vagina—and How to Deal With It. Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.prevention.com/health/a21097060/sweaty-vagina/

Heat rash stinks - and it’s even worse when it affects your crotch. If you have hyperhidrosis on top of that, it can feel downright terrible. Luckily, there are heat rash treatments you can use to get you back on your feet. Here’s everything you need to know about what heat rash and how to treat it.

Heat rash is no fun, and unfortunately for people with a condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis, it is a common occurrence. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes those who have it to sweat excessively from specific parts of the body. The most commonly affected body parts are the hands, feet, armpits, face, and sometimes, the groin.

It is currently estimated that 2.8% of the population struggles with hyperhidrosis, making hyperhidrosis a fairly common ailment. According to a retrospective chart review published in the journal of Dermatologic Clinics only 1.3% of the patients reviewed dealt with excessive sweating of the groin. This means that even though many people deal with hyperhidrosis, not as many have to struggle with the type that affects the skin of the groin.[1] For those that do, sweat rash - known more commonly as heat rash - can be an uncomfortable reality.[2]

What is Heat Rash?

Heat rash is a common type of rash that causes tiny bumps surrounded by red coloring to appear on the affected skin. The skin often feels prickly or stings. Heat rash, like the name implies, is caused by overheating of the skin. It occurs when someone sweats too much, often in response to high temperatures, and sweat ducts become clogged. When this happens the excess sweat leaks into the surrounding tissues and causes the characteristic bumps and stinging.[3]

Due to the fact that people with hyperhidrosis consistently sweat too much, they can easily develop heat rash, especially when exposed to high heat conditions[2]. Heat rash occurs most frequently on parts of the body covered by clothing, like the groin, during hot humid conditions. It tends to improve when the skin cools down and it is not dangerous.[3] Heat rash is also referred to as sweat rash, prickly rash, miliaria rubra, or wildfire rash.[4] Heat rash treatments exist, so don’t worry, there are ways to improve symptoms and prevent it from happening as frequently.

Symptoms of Heat Rash

Are you unsure whether your irritated groin skin is caused by heat rash? Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate that heat rash is indeed your problem:

There are also some symptoms that can tell you whether your heat rash needs to be inspected by a doctor. If your symptoms don’t resolve on their own in a few days, the skin appears to be infected, you have any other signs of illness like fever, or the rash starts after beginning a new medication then you need to speak with a doctor.[3] Keep reading to learn about heat rash treatment and what you can do to prevent rashes in the future.

Heat Rash Treatment

Most of the time, heat rash will resolve on its own without any treatment. It is important to keep skin with heat rash cool and to stay in air conditioned areas. Taking a cool shower or bath and letting skin air dry can also be beneficial. Left untreated, most heat rashes will resolve within a few days.[3]

However, sometimes heat rash treatment can be beneficial. If you prefer to treat your heat rash here are some ideas:

Don’t hesitate to use the above heat rash treatments if you are uncomfortable. However, if you have a severe case of heat rash it can last for weeks and be debilitating. It can also lead to more serious secondary infections if it does not heal properly. If the rash develops more serious symptoms then a doctor should be consulted and more serious medical heat rash treatments may need to be used.[4]

There are ways to prevent sweat production in the groin area, even when someone has a condition like hyperhidrosis. If you are struggling with frequent heat rashes then it may be time to check out some of the treatments that are available for hyperhidrosis in order to prevent further rashes from developing.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
2. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 21). What is hyperhidrosis? Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
3. What is Heat Rash? (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-heat-rash-basics
4. Kraft, S. (2017, April 26). What is heat rash and how do we treat it? Retrieved July 31, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181512.php
5. Talcum Powder and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer

Many people struggle with upper lip sweat.

While there are multiple reasons for this issue, the most common reason people sweat on from their face is because they have a condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is a condition that causes people to sweat excessively from specific areas of the body including the hands, feet, armpits, and face.[1]

Excessive facial sweating is often referred to as craniofacial hyperhidrosis and this type of hyperhidrosis often affects various parts of the face and scalp, including the upper lip area.

Luckily, there are several treatments that people can try to reduce upper lip sweating and improve their quality of life.[1]

Causes of Excessive Upper Lip Sweating

It is important to distinguish why someone has an issue with excessive upper lip sweat because the type of treatment a person receives will depend on the cause of their sweating.

Unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, which doesn’t have a well understood cause, secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is caused by a specific underlying medical condition or medication.

Certain diseases and conditions cause secondary hyperhidrosis including hyperthyroidism, some cancers, HIV, some infections like tuberculosis, and several others.

Secondary hyperhidrosis can also be caused by medicines like antidepressants, painkillers, hypoglycemic agents, and many of types of medicines. 

In some rare cases, upper lip sweating can be caused by a type of hyperhidrosis called gustatory hyperhidrosis.

Gustatory sweating is occurs when people eat certain foods which makes them flush and sweat profusely from the face.

This type of sweating is very uncommon, but it should be considered if facial sweating occurs only when eating or thinking about food. Most of the time gustatory sweating is caused by an injury or damage to the parotid gland.[1]

Treatments for Upper Lip Sweating

If you are struggling with upper lip sweat caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis then there are several ways to manage your symptoms.

Antiperspirant: There are some antiperspirants for places like the face and groin that have sensitive skin and it may be beneficial to try these products before moving on to more intensive options.[1]

1% topical hydrocortisone cream can greatly reduce irritation caused by antiperspirants when used on the face.[3]

Anticholinergic medications can be applied topically or taken in a pill form. This type of medication stops the body from producing sweat and is often used once local therapies have failed.

Topical formulations of anticholinergic medications have the benefit that they cause less side effects than when the pill form is taken.

Oral anticholinergics can cause systemic side effects and the benefits need to be weighed against the risks. For people with intense facial and upper lip sweating medications can provide much needed relief.[3]

Botox offers another great option for treating craniofacial hyperhidrosis and it can be used to treat specific areas like the upper lip.

The FDA has approved botox for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, but it has been used with promising efficacy in patients with craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

Unfortunately, complications can arise and muscles in the face can be weakened by botox exposure.

This is why it is imperative to consult an experienced doctor and know the risks before undergoing any type of procedure.

When upper lip sweating is treated by botox there is also a risk that patients may experience pursing of the lips or a change in speech patterns which are temporary side effects, but which can be serious. It is relatively uncommon for patients to experience side effects from the procedure and many get great results that allow them to live without symptoms for months at a time.[1]

Surgery. If patients have severe upper lip sweating and haven’t responded to any other treatments, there is a type of surgery that may be able to improve symptoms. 

This type of surgery is called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy and it is typically used to relieve the symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis. It has been found to be effective in people with craniofacial sweating, but should be used as a last result as it is an intensive and invasive procedure. Unfortunately, a side effect of the surgery called compensatory sweating may limit how beneficial the surgery is in terms of improving a person’s quality of life.[3]

If you suffer from excessive upper lip sweat, it is important to find a way to manage your symptoms. There are effective treatments and they often greatly improve patient's quality of life.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier
2. Nicholas, R., Quddus, A., & Baker, D. M. (2015). Treatment of Primary Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 16(5), 361-370. doi:10.1007/s40257-015-0136-6
3. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis can usually be managed pharmacologically, but surgery may sometimes be needed. (2016). . Drugs & Therapy Perspectives, 32(5), 191-194. doi:10.1007/s40267-016-0282-9

While there is no exact standard as to how much foot sweat is too much in a 24 hour period, there are ways to determine whether you are sweating in excess of what is normal or not. It is normal to sweat from your feet during periods of intense activity and when exposed to high heat. However, many people struggle with a condition called hyperhidrosis which causes causes them to sweat excessively. Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating that is in excess of what the body needs for thermoregulation. Typically, people sweat in order to cool down their body temperature, but when someone sweats so much that it is no longer serving this function it is considered to be excessive.[1]

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Both types can cause someone to have excessively sweaty feet, but primary focal hyperhidrosis is more likely to affect the feet. Primary focal hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating on specific parts of the body like the hands, feet, armpits, face, and head. According to a retrospective chart review published in the Journal of Dermatologic Clinics, about 25% of people with hyperhidrosis have palmar (hand) and plantar (foot) involvement while only 15.5% of people have hyperhidrosis that only affects their feet. Even though that seems like a relatively small number of people, about 2.8% of the US population has hyperhidrosis so it is relatively high number of people who are affected.[1]

If you aren’t sure whether or not your foot sweating is excessive, there are certain signs that can alert you to whether or not you might have hyperhidrosis. People with hyperhidrosis can sweat up to four times more than the average person and this can have a negative on their quality of life.[2] Here are some ways that excessively sweaty feet may interfere with your life if you have a problem:

If you sweat so much from your feet that you are experiencing some or many of the symptoms listed above, you are probably sweating in excess of what is normal. Another way to determine whether you are sweating too much from your feet is to determine how it is affecting your life. If you think about your sweating frequently and often change your behaviors to deal with it, then you are probably sweating more than the average person. For example, if you refuse to wear flip flops because you know they won’t stay on your feet because of sweating, then you are sweating too much.[2]

If you suspect that you have hyperhidrosis then it is a good idea to speak with a dermatologist, as the are the best type of doctors to treat hyperhidrosis. Doctors have several tools to measure whether you have hyperhidrosis. Most of the time, doctors will administer a type of questionnaire that asseses how much sweating is impacting a person’s life. One of these questionnaires is called the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). This questionnaire has patients rank their symptoms on a scale from 1 to 4, with higher scores corresponding to more severe symptoms. Doctors also use other types of self-reporting questionnaires to determine whether or not a patient has hyperhidrosis and to determine how severe it is.[1]

There are also other types of tests that doctors can use to determine how much you are sweating, but they are not normally needed to assess whether or not someone has hyperhidrosis. These types of tests include the iodine-starch test, skin conductance, and a thermoregulatory sweat test.[3] An iodine starch test can be used to outline the area where excessive sweating is occuring. In this test an iodine solution is spread over the area in question and a few minutes later starch powder is sprinkled over the area. The starch and iodine interact in the presence of sweat and create a purplish color. This can tell the doctor how much a person is sweating and where the specific problem is. It also allows doctors to determine whether hyperhidrosis treatments, like botox injections, are working or not.[4] Skin conductance tests and thermoregulatory tests are not typically needed for a hyperhidrosis diagnosis, but they can help to determine how much sweat a person is producing.

If you do find that you sweat more from your feet than is normal, there are many treatments for sweaty feet that you can look into. Treatments for hyperhidrosis tend to be quite effective, so talk to a doctor if your sweaty feet are getting you down.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier
2. Nguyen, A. (n.d.). How Much Sweating Is Excessive? Retrieved May 31, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/how-much-sweat-is-normal#1
3. Hyperhidrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20367173
4. Haider, A., & Solish, N. (2005). Focal hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and management. CMAJ, 172(1), 69-75. Retrieved May 31, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC543948/

Anyone can struggle with excessive facial sweating under the right conditions, but some people struggle more than others. People who consistently deal with sweating of the face and head may be suffering from a condition called craniofacial hyperhidrosis. It is a type of primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes patients to sweat excessively from the forehead, scalp, nose, chin, and sometimes, cheeks. About 3% of the population has some type of primary focal hyperhidrosis, but only 22.8% of those with the condition specifically have craniofacial sweating.[1] If you think you may have craniofacial hyperhidrosis, or you just struggle with facial sweating, check out these treatment options that may help you find some relief.

Antiperspirants

The first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis in general are over-the-counter topical treatments called antiperspirant. Antiperspirants are agents that reduce the body’s production of sweat and they are usually applied to the skin. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride or another type of metallic salt as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, these ingredients can be irritating to the skin which makes it hard to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, especially for those with facial sweating.[2] There are some antiperspirants that are made specifically for the sensitive skin on areas like the face and groin. One brand, called Neat Feat 3B Face Saver Antiperspirant Gel for Facial Perspiration and Shine, is available on Amazon and is specifically formulated for facial sweating. Another brand, called Carpe, will be coming out with an antiperspirant specifically formulated for facial use in May of 2019, which is just a few months away. These new facial antiperspirants will give people selection that was not available until quite recently. Antiperspirants can be safely used on the face, but you should be careful about which products you use as irritation can become an issue. If you find that over-the-counter antiperspirant is not enough, there are some prescription options you can discuss with your dermatologist.

Oral Medications

Sometimes, oral medications are used to treat hyperhidrosis. Most often, doctors will prescribe a type of medication called an anticholinergic which causes the body to produce less sweat by interfering with a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.[1] Anticholinergics can be effective for some people, but they often have burdensome systemic side effects because they affect the entire body. Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are the most common anticholinergics prescribed for hyperhidrosis.[2] Anticholinergics are sometimes available in a topical form that can be applied directly to skin with less side effects, but these medications are newer in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.[3]

Botox

Botox, or botulinum toxin A, has been used to treat hyperhidrosis successfully and is FDA approved for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. It has also been a useful treatment for people with excessive facial sweating when more conservative options haven’t worked. Botox is a toxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and injected into the skin to stop sweat from being produced.[3] While it is effective, botox does come with some risks when used on the face. Specifically, facial asymmetry is an issue as one side of the face may droop after treatment (ptosis).[4] More studies need to be done to demonstrate how safe and effective botox is for facial sweating, but it is a promising treatment option.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a type of surgical procedure used to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis. It is typically used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands) and it is sometimes used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. However, ETS is an invasive surgery and it comes with some big risks. Patients can develop complications, like compensatory sweating, that can occasionally be worse than the original hyperhidrosis. Therefore, ETS should only be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted. The surgery works by disconnecting the nerves that communicate with sweat glands so that they cannot tell them to produce sweat anymore.[3] In order for the surgery to stop craniofacial sweating a surgeon would have to operate on the T2 or T3 area of the spine, which is quite high up on the spine for this type of surgery. It is not commonly done, but it can be very effective when performed by a skilled surgeon.

If you struggle with excessive facial sweating, keep looking until you find a treatment that works for you. There are new innovations happening every day as the medical field recognizes hyperhidrosis as a common and treatable condition more and more each day.

Sources

1. Nicholas, R., Quddus, A., & Baker, D. M. (2015). Treatment of Primary Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 16(5), 361-370. doi:10.1007/s40257-015-0136-6
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis can usually be managed pharmacologically, but surgery may sometimes be needed. (2016). . Drugs & Therapy Perspectives, 32(5), 191-194. doi:10.1007/s40267-016-0282-9
4. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.