Alternatives to Botox for Hyperhidrosis

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Botox is not the only option with regards to treating hyperhidrosis. There are several alternatives which can be effective.

Antiperspirants with Aluminium Chloride

An antiperspirant is meant to decrease the amount of sweat produced by the eccrine glands. Aluminium chloride is found in antiperspirants, and ones with higher concentrations of this compound than normally found in over-the-counter products have been proved to be effective with hyperhidrosis.

Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate, or Anhydrol Forte, can be obtained from your GP in a roller applicator. It is usually the first treatment option for hyperhidrosis, particularly underarm hyperhidrosis. It is normally applied at night then washed off in the morning. The skin must be dry before application. It can be available on the NHS via prescription.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is basically electrical stimulation of the affected areas. It has been seen to be quite effective at treating palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, and can also treat axillary hyperhidrosis. The hands or feet are placed in plastic baths filled with water, with are connected to the Iontophoresis machine. The current is then turned on for a period of 20 minutes. It is painless and you will only experience a pins and needles type of sensation. The treatment can be done as many times as is necessary, but the amount of sweating generally improves after 4-7 treatments.

Surgery

Surgery is considered the last resort for many people suffering from hyperhidrosis. The surgery is called Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathectomy, and the surgeon must divide the overactive sympathetic nerves that cause the excessive sweating. The procedure is performed using small instruments and cameras so can be done with minor discomfort in under an hour.

You are not eligible for the surgery if you suffer from cardio-respiratory illness or thyroid diseases which haven’t been treated. Bear in mind that one of the side effects can be compensatory sweating, meaning you will begin to sweat in areas other than the area that has been treated. There can be risks and complications with any surgical procedure, so talk it through with your doctor before making any decisions.

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