Body odor has plagued people for thousands of years. In fact, soap was invented by the Phoenicians in 600 B.C. and ancient Egyptians are known to have bathed in perfumed water in an attempt to mask their body odor.[1] Luckily, these days there are many effective ways to manage sweat and prevent body odor from causing a problem. First, it’s important to understand how sweat causes body odor in the first place.

How Sweat Causes Body Odor

Humans have two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of the skin’s surface and are used to maintain thermoregulation by cooling the body in times of high heat. They produce sweat that is initially clear and odorless. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are larger than eccrine glands and are located within hair follicles. They only appear on the armpits, groin, and areolas. Apocrine glands produce sweat that is thicker and yellowish. The sweat from apocrine glands is most often associated with body odor. This is because it is made up of fatty acids and proteins that bacteria on the skin metabolize. The byproducts that bacteria create, like isovaleric acid and androsterone, give off a strong, unpleasant smell that we recognize as body odor.[1]

Some people have conditions that make them sweat excessively or have especially stinky sweat that make dealing with sweat and body odor even more difficult. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes people to sweat in excess of what is needed by the body for thermoregulation. Depending on the type of hyperhidrosis they have, a person may sweat excessively from certain areas of the body at random times (primary focal hyperhidrosis) or they may sweat all over (secondary generalized hyperhidrosis). Unfortunately, due to their high volume of sweat production people with hyperhidrosis often also struggle with the odor it can cause. When someone has especially stinky sweat it is referred to as bromhidrosis. People with bromhidrosis have body odor that is significantly worse than the average person and it can be socially isolating. However, there are effective ways for people with hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis to manage their sweat that can drastically reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.[3][4]

How to Stop Body Odor Caused by Sweat

There are several ways to stop the sweat. The most important, and most obvious way to reduce to body odor is to prevent it by having good basic hygiene. This means showering once a day, changing clothes every morning or after sweating significantly, and applying antiperspirant and deodorant as needed. Removing the bacteria and sweat from your skin prevents body odor from forming in the first place. Unfortunately, in the real world people don’t always have time to wash up every time they sweat a little bit, which is where the use of antiperspirant and deodorant come into play.

Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Many people do not realize what antiperspirant is and how it differs from deodorant. Antiperspirants are agents that can be applied to the skin which prevent the production of sweat. They are considered to be the first line treatment for people with hyperhidrosis and can be extremely helpful for anyone who deals with sweat and stink on a regular basis.[3] When it comes to choosing the right over-the-counter antiperspirant there are a lot of options. There are several companies like Carpe, Dove, SweatBlock, Certain Dri, and many more that offer options with different active ingredients and in different applicators. The FDA regulates the active ingredients in antiperspirant as it is considered to be a drug. There are different active ingredients, but most antiperspirant use some type of metallic salt to plug sweat glands and prevent sweat production. Most of the time antiperspirant comes in a stick, spray, or gel form which can be applied to the body. Some companies, like Carpe and SweatBlock, also sell antiperspirant lotions and wipes that can be especially helpful for those who struggle with sweaty hands and feet.

Deodorant is different from antiperspirant because it is made to mask any odors that are already present and kill bacteria on the skin to prevent them from producing more odor. There is no one best deodorant, but often combination products that contain both antiperspirant and deodorant are the most effective when combating body odor. Combination products are called antiperspirant deodorants.

Other Treatments

Aside from maintaining good hygiene and using antiperspirant and deodorant products there are a few things you can do to get rid of body odor caused by sweat. One other simple adjustment you can make is to wear fibers that are breathable, like organic cotton, or moisture wicking. There are some specific types of clothes that are best for people who struggle with excessive sweating. Finally, if all else fails, there are some medical treatments you could pursue.

A visit to your local dermatologist will give you a sense of what the best treatment options for you are, but here are a few ideas. If you struggle with excessive underarm sweating and smell you could try a local permanent procedure for axillary hyperhidrosis that stops your sweat glands in that area from being able to produce sweat. One example of this type of procedure is MiraDry. There are also prescription antiperspirants and antiperspirant wipes, called Qbrexza, that can help. There are many ways to manage sweat with and body odor with a doctor.

If you are struggling with sweat and body odor don’t give up because there are lots of treatments out there. Don’t let sweat be drain on your life!

Sources

1. Ramirez, A. (1990, August). All About/Deodorants; The Success of Sweet Smell. Late Edition. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
2. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.
3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
4. Eshini, P., & Sinclair, R. (2013). Hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis: A guide to assessment and management. Australian Family Physician, 42(5), 266-269. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from http://ezproxy.co.wake.nc.us/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1430424903?accountid=14867

What is Antiperspirant Lotion?

Antiperspirant is a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that dermatologists consider to be a first-line treatment, meaning it is the first thing they recommend trying once a patient decides to seek treatment for hyperhidrosis.[1] There are prescription strength antiperspirants available, but most people find that over-the-counter versions provide enough relief, especially when combined with other methods of managing excessive sweat. Antiperspirant is considered to be a drug according to the FDA, so its active ingredients are regulated by the government. It can be difficult to choose the right type of over-the-counter antiperspirant, but understanding the active ingredients in each product and how a product is supposed to be used can help people determine which antiperspirant is right for them. One important factor in determining which antiperspirant is right for you is deciding how you want to apply it. There are several ways that antiperspirant can be applied, among the most common are roll-on antiperspirants, stick antiperspirants, spray antiperspirants, wipes, and lotions.

While each type of antiperspirant application has its own advantages, antiperspirant lotion has several. First of all, hyperhidrosis doesn’t only affect a person’s underarms, it often causes excessive sweating on hands, feet, the face, and other areas of the body.[1] This is why lotion antiperspirants can be helpful - they are easier to apply to unconventional areas of the body that experience excessive sweating. Antiperspirant lotions also give the user more control when it comes to how much of a product they want to apply. Finally, depending on which formulation is used, antiperspirant lotions tend to leave less residue on clothing because it can be more thoroughly rubbed in and controlled. Several companies have come out with antiperspirant lotions, most notably, Carpe and SweatBlock. Each company uses a different active ingredient and is advantageous for different reasons. Here is a breakdown of each brand’s antiperspirant lotion and the pros and cons of each product.

Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion

Carpe antiperspirant lotion is marketed specifically for people who experience excessive sweating on multiple parts of the body, which is especially helpful for those with hyperhidrosis. Their lotions currently come in specific formulations for the hands, feet, and underarms, although their products can be safely used on other parts of the body. They use 15% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as an active ingredient. Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a type of aluminum salt that is used to form a plug within sweat glands that prevents a person from producing sweat. It is a type of newer generation aluminum salt and it has been shown to be an effective antiperspirant ingredient. One study conducted independently by Carpe found that at least 50% of the people using Carpe lotion as a hand antiperspirant would receive at least a 20% reduction in sweat production. This was the minimum amount of benefit that participants received. The same study concluded that Carpe lotion was an effective antiperspirant, as participants experienced a median sweat reduction of 23.45% after three applications of Carpe lotion to their hands.[2] This is significant because it is generally more difficult to treat hand perspiration with antiperspirants than it is to treat underarm sweating. When Carpe lotion was tested for underarm sweating it was found that participants had a median sweat reduction of 60.35% when used twice a day consistently.[3] Carpe antiperspirant lotion is currently not approved for facial use, but a facial formulation of the product is currently in the works.

Carpe lotion does need to be applied multiple times a day for it to be most effective. For example, for underarm use it is advised that the product be applied twice daily for at least a month. One tube of Carpe lotion costs $14.95 and is expected to last for about two months, this applies to each type of the formulation whether it be for hands, feet, or underarms. One of the biggest benefits of Carpe Lotion is that it does not cause much, if any, irritation, especially when compared to other products on the market. This is what allows users to apply it all over the body.[3]

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion

SweatBlock has several types of antiperspirant products on the market, including an antiperspirant lotion. Their antiperspirant lotion is intended for use on the hands and feet, although it can most likely be used on other parts of the body. Similar to Carpe, they use 20% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as their active ingredient.[4] While their active ingredient is the same, they do use it in a higher concentration. This may make the sweat reduction properties of SweatBlock stronger, but it would also most likely increase the potential for skin irritation. Each tube of SweatBlock antiperspirant lotion has 50 mL of product in it and sells for $14.99. It needs to be applied at least two times per day for the first two to four weeks. The website claims that the lotion becomes more effective as it is used over time, so users may be able to apply it less frequently as time goes on.[5]

The Breakdown

Finding the right treatments for sweaty hands and sweaty feet can be tricky as researchers are still trying to find the most effective ways to reduce sweating on these parts of the body. Antiperspirant lotions offer a good over-the-counter option for those looking for relief, but they are not perfect. Both brands, Carpe and SweatBlock, use the same active ingredient meaning they will both most likely have fairly similar results. SweatBlock has a higher percentage of aluminum sesquichlorohydrate which means it may be a stronger product, but it will probably also lead to more irritation. If one does not work well for you, the other will most likely not be a good solution. It may be best to first try the less irritating product, in this case Carpe, and then move on to the stronger brand, SweatBlock, if more relief is needed. No matter which brand a person chooses to go with they will need to apply the lotion consistently several times a day to achieve results.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Evaluation of Hand Antiperspirant Efficacy. (2016). Consumer Product Testing Company, Inc. Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.mycarpe.com/carpetestresults.pdf.
3. Carpe Antiperspirant. (2016). An OTC Antiperspirant Lotion to Help Manage Excessive Sweat [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from
4. SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BM9LHV1?aaxitk=WZxJKwt9Un8LAdpVnumHDQ&pd_rd_i=B07BM9LHV1&pf_rd_p=e037c154-e093-48a4-b127-477e5e294e3f&hsa_cr_id=9246714300901&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet, Proven to Reduce Excessive Sweating, Reduce Hand & Foot Sweat & Smelly Feet, Safe Effective, FDA Compliant Anti Sweat Lotion for Women & Men, 50mL&sb-ci-a=B07BM9LHV1
5. Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands and Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/products/antiperspirant-lotion-hands-feet

What You Need to Know About Antiperspirant Wipes

Antiperspirant wipes are similar to what their name implies - they are individually wrapped wipes that contain antiperspirant. Traditionally, antiperspirant has been offered as a cream, stick, or gel that can be applied to the body. These forms of antiperspirant application have worked well in the past, but they can be inconvenient as they are often messy to apply and leave behind residue on clothing. Over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating, are the first-line treatment option that doctors recommend to reduce symptoms.[1] This makes over-the-counter antiperspirant a very important tool for those who have hyperhidrosis. Now, several companies, notably SweatBlock and Carpe, have come out with antiperspirant wipes to help those with the condition quickly and easily apply antiperspirant in less time and with less mess. Here is a break down of each company’s product, how to use them, and a comparison of their differences.

In addition to over-the-counter antiperspirant wipes there has also been a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe that has recently come out called Qbrexza created by the company Dermira. Qbrexza is quite different to Carpe antiperspirant wipes, or any other over-the-counter antiperspirant products, due to the powerful medication it contains.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes are another option on the market for those who struggle with excessive sweating and are interested in an over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Carpe wipes use 15% aluminum chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[4] This is a type of newer generation active ingredient that is used in many clinical strength antiperspirants. The advantage of using aluminum chlorohydrate is that it is a strong antiperspirant that is associated with less skin irritation than products that use aluminum chloride.[1] This is in line with Carpe’s claim that their wipes can be used all over the body. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are marketed for use on the underarms, but their formulation allows for the product to be used on other areas of the body with more sensitive skin. Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be applied daily in order to keep sweat production low. Each package contains fifteen wipes which should keep users dry for about two weeks if they are used daily. Another advantage of Carpe antiperspirant wipes is that they contain fragrances and antibacterial ingredients to kill bacteria and keep odor at bay.[4] Bacteria on the surface of skin cause conditions that create stinky sweat which can make an already sweaty situation worse.

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes

The company SweatBlock offers one type of over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Their product uses 14% aluminum chloride as its active ingredient.[2] The active ingredient a product uses is important to understand when choosing the right antiperspirant as it greatly impacts how a product will work. Aluminum chloride has been used for decades in antiperspirants as a way to reduce the amount of sweat a person produces. It works by forming a shallow plug within sweat glands which prevents sweat from reaching the surface of a person’s skin.[1] While aluminum chloride is known to sometimes produce skin irritation, SweatBlock claims that their wipes only need to be applied once a week on average. They also stress the importance of dabbing the wipes when applying and not rubbing the solution on to prevent irritation.[2] Each pack of wipes contains eight towelettes which are supposed to last for up to a week each. This means that a consumer is supposed to get around eight weeks of sweat protection from one package of wipes.[3] Each wipe is supposed to be applied at night, allowed to air for a few minutes, and then discarded. SweatBlock wipes are only supposed to be used on the underarms and the company encourages users to use deodorant in addition to their product to avoid odor buildup.

The Breakdown

Each company has antiperspirant wipes that can be extremely useful for those with hyperhidrosis. Each company claims that their antiperspirant wipes go on clear and do not leave residue on clothing, which is a big advantage for those who regularly use antiperspirant. Due to the fact that SweatBlock has a product tailored specifically as a treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis with a particularly strong active ingredient, that can be irritating, it may be best for those with extreme underarm sweating. Alternately, Carpe antiperspirant wipes would be better for those who struggle with excessive sweating on other parts of their body like the hands, feet, and back. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also marketed for those with underarm sweating and can also be a useful treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. SweatBlock wipes can be used as little as once a week while Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be used daily which is a factor that should be taken into consideration. However, SweatBlock wipes don’t provide the same odor protection and flexibility that Carpe wipes have. Both products have advantages and each consumer needs to make a decision about which product is best for them based on their own individual needs.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Sweat Wipes by SweatBlock. (2019). Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.sweatblock.com/sweat-wipes/
3. Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes. (2019). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/collections/sweating-products/products/sweatblock-antiperspirant
4. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.

What Are Antiperspirant Wipes?

In short, antiperspirant wipes are a new, convenient method of applying antiperspirant to the body - in order to reduce excessive sweating. They allow users to apply antiperspirant quickly, effectively, discreetly, and with less mess. There are a few different types of wipes that hyperhidrosis sufferers can take advantage of, and which type a person should use depends on their specific needs. Each wipe is contained in its own packet and can be stored easily in a pocket, wallet, or purse. A person just needs to open the wipe and apply it to their affected body area. So far, there are two brands that have dominated the antiperspirant wipe market - Carpe and Dermira. Both companies have antiperspirant wipes that are effective in reducing excessive sweating, but they occupy quite different niches in the market. Below is a break down of each product and how they compare.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes offer a convenient over-the-counter solution to excessive sweating problems. The wipes contain a clear antiperspirant solution that uses 15% Aluminum Chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[1] Many people aren’t sure how to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, but customers can rest assured as Aluminum Chlorohydrate is a common, time-tested antiperspirant ingredient. It works by forming a shallow plug inside sweat glands which prevents sweat from escaping to the surface of the skin. This effectively reduces the amount of sweat that a person produces and decreases the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.[2] While Carpe antiperspirant wipes are ideal for underarm use, one of the great features they offer is that they are able to be used safely on most parts of the body. This is a major advantage as many people with hyperhidrosis also deal with excessive sweating on hands, feet, and other problem areas.

Many times, antiperspirant can be irritating, but Carpe antiperspirant wipes contain ingredients, like vitamin E oils, that help soothe sensitive skin. This feature makes the wipes more versatile. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also easy on clothing as they do not leave a white residue behind. Instead, the formulation goes on clear which makes it much easier to keep shirts clean.[1] Many people with hyperhidrosis can attest to the fact that it can be difficult to get traditional antiperspirant out of clothes, so having a clear solution is a massive convenience. In addition to its antiperspirant properties, Carpe antiperspirant wipes also contain fragrances to dispel any bad smells that may emerge from sweaty areas, and a natural antibacterial agent to cut down on bacteria.[1]

Qbrexza Wipes

Qbrexza is a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe formulated by the company Dermira. Unlike traditional topical antiperspirants, Qbrexza uses an active ingredient called Glycopyrronium Tosylate.[3] This active ingredient is the topical form of an anticholinergic medication, which is commonly used as oral medication for hyperhidrosis. In its pill form, anticholinergic medications can have many systemic side effects which often deter people from using them to treat hyperhidrosis, but in its topical form many of the benefits are still present without the systemic issues. Glycopyrronium Tosylate works by inhibiting sweat gland activation and thus reduces the amount of sweat a person produces due to overactive sweat glands. Qbrexza is FDA approved, but only for use on the underarms. As it is a prescription medication its use can have some serious side effects like skin irritation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and others.[3]

Typically, Qbrexza is used once a day and is applied directly to the armpits. This makes it convenient and easy to use. It is most advantageous to people with severe hyperhidrosis who have tried other antiperspirant treatments and have not had success. It can also be used on children older than nine, which gives it an advantage over other FDA approved hyperhidrosis treatments as most cannot be used on children.[3] Qbrexza is a prescription medication, so it should be used with caution, but it can provide hope for those who haven’t had success with less powerful medications.

The Difference Between Carpe And Qbrexza Antiperspirant Wipes

While both types of antiperspirant wipes may appear similar at first glance, they are quite different. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that don’t require a doctor’s prescription. They are easy to obtain and have a relatively low risk of side effects for anyone who uses them. Over-the-counter antiperspirants are the first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis and should generally be pursued before moving on to stronger treatment options.[1] Qbrexza, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that is reserved for more severe cases of hyperhidrosis. It can, however, provide relief for those who have tried more conservative measures to treat their condition without success. Both companies use wipes as a convenient and effective way to deliver very different types of hyperhidrosis medications.

Sources

1. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Qbrexza. (2018). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://dermira.com/our-medicines/

Excessive sweating of the face, head, and neck is medically known as cranio facial hyperhidrosis.

This type of sweating is most often a symptom of a skin condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes people to sweat excessively from specific areas of their body for no apparent reason.

TREATMENTS

There are several treatments you can explore which range from minimally invasive methods to very invasive treatments like surgery.

Here is a breakdown of the treatments that are currently available:

Antiperspirants are safe to use on the face, head, and neck, but it is always wise to speak with a doctor before trying a new product. 

Botox is approved by the FDA for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis, but it can also be used to reduce sweating on other areas of the body, like the face.

 However, you need to be careful when selecting a doctor as the injections can be difficult to administer and require specific knowledge. There can be side effects, like mild facial paralysis, associated with treatment.The risks associated with Botox injections are much lower if it is administered by an experienced doctor.[1]

There are some oral medications for hyperhidrosis that can be helpful in the treatment of head and neck sweating.

Oral medication is often helpful when used in combination with other therapies, but some find them effective on its own.

Typically, a type of medication called an anticholinergic, like glycopyrrolate or oxybutynin, is used to treat hyperhidrosis.

Sometimes, less frequently, doctors may use beta blockers, clonidine, or benzodiazepines (anxiety medication) to treat the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. If your hyperhidrosis is exacerbated by chronic anxiety or depression your doctor may also choose to try an antidepressant medication.[1]

There is a type of surgical treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis,Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). ETS should not be considered unless sweating is severe and greatly impacts a patient’s quality of life. It is usually used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis but it can also improve sweating of the head and neck.

When performing ETS, a surgeon will cut or disrupt nerves that cause the head, neck, and hands to sweat in order to reduce the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Unfortunately, a complication of ETS surgery called compensatory sweating may occur, in which sweating begins to happen on the trunk of the body rather than the areas that were treated by the surgery.

Compensatory sweating is a common side effect and should be taken into consideration when someone is contemplating surgery.[1]

SECONDARY GENERALIZED HYPERHIDROSIS

Facial sweat can also be caused by secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, a different type of hyperhidrosis that has a known underlying cause ie a medical condition. 

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis begins suddenly during adulthood and it has a definitive cause.

If your doctor suspects that your symptoms are caused by secondary hyperhidrosis, then your course of treatment will be significantly different.

If you experience all over body sweating and increased sweating at night in addition to excessive head and neck sweating then you are more likely to be suffering from secondary generalized hyperhidrosis and should be treated by a doctor.

Try not to worry, but do seek medical attention if you have other new symptoms in addition to craniofacial sweating.[1]

Treatments:

 In order to treat secondary hyperhidrosis doctors simply need to find the factor that is causing it and fix it. Once the causative agent is removed people stop experiencing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

Most of the time secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by certain common medicines.

If this is the case, the person just needs to stop taking the medication that’s causing the issue.

Other times, secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a physiological condition or disease. Treating the underlying medical issue will clear up secondary hyperhidrosis.[2]

Sometimes, a serious infection or cancer is responsible for excessive sweating.

Other conditions and diseases that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• menopause
• stroke
• spinal cord injury
• and several others.[2]

However, diseases that cause secondary hyperhidrosis usually affect a larger area of the body rather than just the head and neck.

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you have excessive head and neck sweating caused by primary focal hyperhidrosis or secondary hyperhidrosis, there are certain factors that will make your symptoms worse.

AVOID:

• Weather conditions like high humidity and high heat.
• spicy food
• alcohol
• caffeine
• emotional triggers like stress, anxiety, anger, or fear.[2]

In addition to avoiding triggers, you can make some basic lifestyle changes that can help reduce and manage sweating in general.

HABITS TO ADOPT: 

• Apply antiperspirants at night
• Stay well hydrated
• Eat small spaced out meals to aid in digestion
• Limit exercise before social encounters or work
• Clean the skin on you head and neck frequently to keep it healthy and to avoid build up that can lead to breakouts

Excessive head and neck sweating can be devastating, but seeking out treatment can dramatically improve symptoms and lead huge improvements. Don’t be afraid to seek out treatment and advocate for your needs!

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Dix, M. (2018, October 31). How to Curb Excessive Head and Face Sweat. Retrieved April 25, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-sweating-face

Iontophoresis is a treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis that uses an electrical current delivered through water to decrease excessive sweating. It is has been used as a treatment for over 70 years and has withstood the test of time. Scientific studies have shown that iontophoresis really does work, doctors regularly prescribe it, and side effects are reported to be mild.[1] However, some patients think that iontophoresis can actually increase their already excessive sweating. Is this true? It is hard to say. It appears on message boards across the internet, new users asking questions like “Can iontophoresis make my sweating worse?” Many users claim that iontophoresis is an effective treatment but admit that it did increase their sweat production when they first started treatment. While this may be the case for some individuals, it does not appear that any studies have specifically looked into the phenomenon. The good news is that most people who claim that iontophoresis did increase their sweating at first say it eventually did lead to a reduction in sweat. So, if you experience increased sweating when you first start iontophoresis keep trying and you will most likely see good results.

Iontophoresis is a mysterious treatment and no one is quite sure how it works. Some theories posit that iontophoresis plugs sweat glands as a result of ion deposition, blocks sympathetic nerve transmission, or decreases the pH of skin as the result of the accumulation of hydrogen ions. At any rate, studies have shown that about 91% of people respond positively to treatment. When side effects do occur during studies they are usually mild and don’t involve an increase in sweat production. The side effects that have been recorded include redness of the skin, small shocks, scratches, cuts, discomfort (feeling of pins and needles), vesiculation, and dry or cracked skin. Many of these side effects are caused by people using iontophoresis incorrectly and often go away after patients learn how to perform iontophoresis correctly. Some people find that iontophoresis doesn't work and there are ways to make it make it more effective. One study that looked at the effectiveness of iontophoresis over time did note that one patient out of 27 experienced a worsening of symptoms between week 3 and week 4 of the experiment.[2] However, the study still demonstrated the effectiveness of iontophoresis over time.

It is not known why some people appear to experience a worsening of symptoms after beginning iontophoresis but it doesn’t seem to impact the effectiveness of the treatment over time. If you experience a worsening of your hyperhidrosis symptoms after starting iontophoresis it is best to talk to your doctor so you can form a plan of action. If iontophoresis does not work for you, there are other effective treatments for for sweaty hands and sweaty feet.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Kim, D. H., Kim, T. H., Lee, S. H., & Lee, A. Y. (2017). Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial. Ann Dermatol, 29(6), 728-734. doi:10.5021/ad.2017.29.6.728