New Advances in Hyperhidrosis Treatment

David Pariser, MD is an active dermatologist and a founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS). He is a professor in the Department of Dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, where he is also the senior physician with Pariser Dermatology Specialists, Ltd. 

In this video, Dr David Pariser discusses the modern advancements in hyperhidrosis treatment over the last few years and what to expect next.

Visit SweatHelp.org for Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month to find more research and education about the subject.

This video is made in collaboration with the International Hyperhidrosis Society.

TRANSCRIPT-

Dr David Pariser:  There are many ways to treat hyperhidrosis, some old and some new. Some of the old ways that we still use very much, there are topical medications that can be applied, prescription-strength antiperspirants. There are topical anticholinergics, which I'll talk about in a minute because that's something that's new.

There are some oral medications that can be given for hyperhidrosis, even though none of those are approved by the FDA for that purpose. There is a treatment called microwave thermal lysis or miraDry for the underarms, not for the hands. Microwave thermal lysis is for the underarms only. Another procedure called the iontophoresis, which is the one for the hands and feet.

There are lots of treatments. Some of these have been around for quite a while. Another great treatment that's been around for more than a decade and a half is botulinum toxin or Botox treatments for excessive sweating, which can be used to basically dry up sweat in any area of the body, it depends on exactly whereas to how that's done.

What is new in the last couple of years is now there is a new topical medication that's called an anticholinergic that comes in a foil pack. If you tear it open, there's a little moistened towelette for use on the underarms. It was approved, and it is FDA-approved, and it is safe and effective for underarm treatment.

We do have ways where it can be treated in other areas of the body too or others that can be treated with this, but that's not FDA-approved to do that in other body areas. Similarly, there are other medications and devices that are in the investigational pipeline. That means they're being clinically studied now, but not quite available.

There's another topical anticholinergic that will probably be the next new thing on the market. That may be another year or so more. There's a device that uses a thermal patch to help stop sweating, which is in development and there are some oral medications as well.

After quite some time with no real advancement, there are now some new things to try. People who have maybe tried something in the past that hasn't really worked and maybe have given up, can now seek treatment and get another chance to have something new and different that may help them better.