As the heat rises this summer, are you one of the 10 million people who have primary axillary hyperhidrosis, also known as excessively sweaty armpits?
New medication for treatment
There is a new FDA-approved treatment that will be hitting the pharmacy in October called Qbrexza.
The drug is in a wipe which can be used under the armpits. It contains an anticholinergic medication (glycopyrronium) that blocks the production of sweat in the sweat glands.
The side effects of this treatment are dry eyes, mouth, dry skin, dilated pupils, difficulty with urinating and constipation.
Other treatment options
Other treatments for excessive underarm sweating vary, but people should talk to their healthcare providers. There are options such as prescription-strength antiperspirant and Botox.
Botox injected into the skin works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is the signal between the nerve endings and the sweat glands.
Surgery to remove the nerves to the sweat glands and to physically remove the sweat glands can also be indicated in severe cases of sweating.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:
- Sweaty palms, feet or underarms (more than others) which disrupts your normal activities
- Sweating through clothing
- Frequent skin infections
- Can lead to other issues like social anxiety, difficulty with public speaking, depression, worries about body odor, frequent washing of clothing
