Diaphoresis - Treatment

Treatment

When diaphoresis is pathologic, the underlying cause should be treated. When the cause is menopause, the woman may wish to ask her physician about estrogen replacement. Once potential pathological and environmental causes of diaphoresis are ruled out by a physician, it is more accurately referred to as hyperhidrosis.

Medications such as topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox and surgery have been tried to treat hyperhidrosis. Treatment of diaphoresis most often begins at home with over-the-counter antiperspirants. These contain certain compounds that block the sweat pores and reduce the amount of sweat that can reach the skin. Another typical over-the-counter product is deodorant. It eliminates odor, but does not block the sweat pores like antiperspirants. They work by turning the skin to an acidic state which is not a desired place for bacteria. Many antiperspirants will contain deodorants. If these products are not effective, prescription strength versions can be prescribed.

If the typical over-the-counter treatments are not effective, a physician can prescribe treatment based on a person's age, overall health, the cause and severity of the condition, and a patient's tolerance. Some regimens are as simple as placing topical solutions on the area at night, while others like the use of Botox or iontophoresis requires more tolerance. Botox injections help inhibit nerve impulses and are injected directly into the area that is affected most by sweating, while iontophoresis is the application of electric currents to the area. Some oral medications called anticholinergics have been found to reduce the amount of sweating as well. If all previous methods fail to work to the patients expectancy, sympathectomy surgery can be performed. This procedure can be used to control sweating on the hands and feet and works by destroying portions of the nerve supply to the sweat glands in these areas.

Preventing sweat from happening can sometimes be helped by bathing, using antiperspirants, and trying relaxation techniques that will help keep the body calm.