Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects up to 3% of Canadians, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association.
The most widely used treatment for hyperhidrosis is antiperspirants like DRYSOL®, which passed the HRIPD test and met the criteria of The Canadian Dermatology Association’s Skin Health Program. This over-the-counter treatment is a convenient, non-invasive, affordable, and, most importantly, effective option for people suffering from excessive sweating.
What Medications Are Available to Treat Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can range from mild to extreme, and choosing the right treatment is based on the severity of your case. For many, switching from deodorant to antiperspirant may be the best solution, while others require lifestyle changes, including medication.

1. Topical Treatments

Before prescribing any medication, your doctor may first prefer to start with a topical treatment. Topical treatments for excessive sweat are usually in the form of prescription-strength antiperspirants that temporarily block your sweat glands, preventing sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. Unlike deodorant, which simply masks the smell of sweat, antiperspirants act as a temporary block of the sweat ducts and usually contain higher concentrations of aluminum salt.
Antiperspirants are not only for your underarms and can be applied on your hands and feet as well. Simply roll or spray on your antiperspirant as instructed.

2. Oral Medications

There are a number of oral medications available to help manage excessive sweating. These are prescribed by your doctor. These medications limit sweating by preventing the stimulation of sweat glands.
Oral medications are best suited to patients with specific types of hyperhidrosis, including excessive facial sweating and generalized hyperhidrosis. They are also a good option for those who have not seen changes with other forms of treatment.

3. Botox

Botox is much more than a solution for saggy skin. It is also known to be a good treatment for heavy sweaters. Botox is approved by the FDA as a treatment for excessive sweating of the underarms, although some doctors may use it to treat sweaty hands and feet as well. While Botox is usually used as a solution for wrinkles, it also works for excessive sweating by blocking the release of the chemical that signals the sweat glands to produce sweat. Botox injections last about a year, so several injections are needed for long-lasting results.

4. miraDry

This is a non-invasive process where the sweat glands are targeted with electromagnetic energy. The treated sweat glands do not grow back, making this an effective, treatment option, although the procedure is said to be expensive and somewhat painful. However, if you have a serious problem with excessive sweating and are looking for a long-term solution, this might be it.
It is not always easy to determine the best option for your hyperhidrosis, but it is helpful to know that there are many options available to you. Start with a good antiperspirant like DRYSOL® and work from there. For more extreme cases, visit your local GP for the best treatment for your individual condition.
DRYSOL® is the number one doctor recommended antiperspirant that offers up to 72 hours wetness protection for all types of perspiration problems.