Heat rash stinks - and it’s even worse when it affects your crotch. If you have hyperhidrosis on top of that, it can feel downright terrible. Luckily, there are heat rash treatments you can use to get you back on your feet. Here’s everything you need to know about what heat rash and how to treat it.

Heat rash is no fun, and unfortunately for people with a condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis, it is a common occurrence. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes those who have it to sweat excessively from specific parts of the body. The most commonly affected body parts are the hands, feet, armpits, face, and sometimes, the groin.

It is currently estimated that 2.8% of the population struggles with hyperhidrosis, making hyperhidrosis a fairly common ailment. According to a retrospective chart review published in the journal of Dermatologic Clinics only 1.3% of the patients reviewed dealt with excessive sweating of the groin. This means that even though many people deal with hyperhidrosis, not as many have to struggle with the type that affects the skin of the groin.[1] For those that do, sweat rash - known more commonly as heat rash - can be an uncomfortable reality.[2]

What is Heat Rash?

Heat rash is a common type of rash that causes tiny bumps surrounded by red coloring to appear on the affected skin. The skin often feels prickly or stings. Heat rash, like the name implies, is caused by overheating of the skin. It occurs when someone sweats too much, often in response to high temperatures, and sweat ducts become clogged. When this happens the excess sweat leaks into the surrounding tissues and causes the characteristic bumps and stinging.[3]

Due to the fact that people with hyperhidrosis consistently sweat too much, they can easily develop heat rash, especially when exposed to high heat conditions[2]. Heat rash occurs most frequently on parts of the body covered by clothing, like the groin, during hot humid conditions. It tends to improve when the skin cools down and it is not dangerous.[3] Heat rash is also referred to as sweat rash, prickly rash, miliaria rubra, or wildfire rash.[4] Heat rash treatments exist, so don’t worry, there are ways to improve symptoms and prevent it from happening as frequently.

Symptoms of Heat Rash

Are you unsure whether your irritated groin skin is caused by heat rash? Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate that heat rash is indeed your problem:

There are also some symptoms that can tell you whether your heat rash needs to be inspected by a doctor. If your symptoms don’t resolve on their own in a few days, the skin appears to be infected, you have any other signs of illness like fever, or the rash starts after beginning a new medication then you need to speak with a doctor.[3] Keep reading to learn about heat rash treatment and what you can do to prevent rashes in the future.

Heat Rash Treatment

Most of the time, heat rash will resolve on its own without any treatment. It is important to keep skin with heat rash cool and to stay in air conditioned areas. Taking a cool shower or bath and letting skin air dry can also be beneficial. Left untreated, most heat rashes will resolve within a few days.[3]

However, sometimes heat rash treatment can be beneficial. If you prefer to treat your heat rash here are some ideas:

Don’t hesitate to use the above heat rash treatments if you are uncomfortable. However, if you have a severe case of heat rash it can last for weeks and be debilitating. It can also lead to more serious secondary infections if it does not heal properly. If the rash develops more serious symptoms then a doctor should be consulted and more serious medical heat rash treatments may need to be used.[4]

There are ways to prevent sweat production in the groin area, even when someone has a condition like hyperhidrosis. If you are struggling with frequent heat rashes then it may be time to check out some of the treatments that are available for hyperhidrosis in order to prevent further rashes from developing.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
2. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 21). What is hyperhidrosis? Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
3. What is Heat Rash? (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-heat-rash-basics
4. Kraft, S. (2017, April 26). What is heat rash and how do we treat it? Retrieved July 31, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181512.php
5. Talcum Powder and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer

Baby powder, also known as talcum powder, can help to manage some of the symptoms associated with excessive sweating, but it is not as effective as some other over-the-counter topical treatments. It is also important to note that there has been some controversy over whether or not baby powder is safe. The company Johnson and Johnson has been manufacturing baby powder for over 100 years and several generations have used it as a way to manage unwanted sweat.[1]

What’s In Baby Powder and How It Works

Baby powder is typically made from a substance known as talc. It is a mineral found in clay that can be mined from underground deposits. It is one of the softest minerals in the world which is one of the reasons it is so useful. Talc is sometimes referred to as talcum powder, talcum, magnesium silicate, or cosmetic talc. In addition to baby powder, talc is used in several other cosmetic products like mascara, lipstick, blush, and many others. It is also used to make crayons, pills, chewing gum, and many other products. Talc gives these products a silky texture and the ability to absorb water easily. Some baby powders use cornstarch as an alternative to talc, but this is less common. It will say on the label if a particular brand uses talc or cornstarch.[2]

People use baby powder to manage excessive sweat because it is both astringent and absorbent. Astringent means that a substance causes body tissues to constrict which helps them to remain dry. So, when you apply baby powder to your skin it absorbs extra moisture on your skin while also encouraging the skin to stay dry. Baby powder also reduces friction between body parts and acts as a barrier to protect skin. Historically, it was used by parents to prevent diaper rash on babies, although this practice is now discouraged by doctors. Many baby powders also contain a fragrance which helps detract from bad smells that often come along with heavy sweating. Most of the time people use baby powder to help with sweating in the axillary and groin regions, although it can also be used on hands and feet. It is generally less advantageous for those who have craniofacial hyperhidrosis.[1]

Baby powder is not irritating and can be used on sensitive skin. However, it does have some downfalls. It tends to clump when exposed to lots of moisture which can be uncomfortable or unpractical depending on which part of the body it is used on. It is also not as effective as an antiperspirant when it comes to reducing sweat production. Finally, baby powder made with talc, has been subject to controversy for the last several years and no definitive conclusion has been made as to whether or not it is entirely safe to use.[2]

The Difference Between Baby Powder and Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant is the first line treatment for people who have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes the body to produce excessive amounts of sweat. It usually contains an active ingredient like aluminum chloride, or another type of metallic salt. The active ingredients in antiperspirant are so strong that they are actually able to prevent the body from producing sweat and the FDA classifies antiperspirants as drugs. This means that they are regulated by the US government.[3] Unlike antiperspirants, baby powder can’t stop the body from producing sweat and it is not regulated by the FDA. Often baby powder is not a strong enough treatment alone for those with hyperhidrosis, but it can be a helpful alternative method to manage hyperhidrosis, especially for those with sensitive skin. If you are interested in choosing the right over-the-counter antiperspirant for your situation, or the right type of baby powder, it is a good idea to read the label on the products so you know which products will work best for your situation.[1]

Baby Powder and Possible Health Concerns

It is thought that baby powder made from talc might lead to the development of cancer. This is because, in its natural form, some talc contains asbestos, which is known to be cancer causing. [4] Talc can be contaminated by asbestos because it lines some of the same mines that talc is taken from.[2] However, it has not be proven that all talc is contaminated with asbestos. In 1976 the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrances Association (CTFA) said that all cosmetic products containing talc should be free from detectable amounts of asbestos. However, there is controversy over whether or not consistent exposure to Johnson and Johnson baby powder has led some women to develop ovarian cancer.[4] Roughly 12,000 women filed a lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson citing that using baby powder is the cause of their ovarian cancer.[2] So far, results from studies looking into whether or not baby powder causes ovarian cancer have been mixed. The nternational Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), currently does not classify talc as a carcinogen if it doesn’t contain asbestos. The same organization has also said that the use of talc containing powders on the genitals may be cancer inducing for humans. Better studies need to be conducted before an official consensus can be reached.[4]

It is also important to note that baby powder should not be used as a preventative for diaper rash. This is because talcum powder is so tiny that is poses a risk for babies to inhale it and aspirate on it. Several babies have died from baby powder inhalation and doctors have been recommending against its use for decades.[2]

If you have hyperhidrosis and you want to incorporate baby powder as a part of your routine it may be prudent to a little research beforehand. If you are worried about the health issues talc can cause, you can always try a cornstarch based baby powder. Cornstarch does not pose any of the same risks that talcum powder has and it is still quite effective at absorbing sweat.

Sources

1. Freeman, S. (n.d.). Does baby powder stop sweating? Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/sweating-odor/baby-powder-stop-sweating
2. Rabin, R. C. (2018, December 14). What Is Talc, Where Is It Used and Why Is Asbestos a Concern? New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/14/business/talc-asbestos-powder-facts
3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
4. Talcum Powder and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer
5. Gill, K. (2018, October). Does baby powder cause cancer? What to know. Retrieved May 6, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323525.php

Anyone can struggle with excessive facial sweating under the right conditions, but some people struggle more than others. People who consistently deal with sweating of the face and head may be suffering from a condition called craniofacial hyperhidrosis. It is a type of primary focal hyperhidrosis that causes patients to sweat excessively from the forehead, scalp, nose, chin, and sometimes, cheeks. About 3% of the population has some type of primary focal hyperhidrosis, but only 22.8% of those with the condition specifically have craniofacial sweating.[1] If you think you may have craniofacial hyperhidrosis, or you just struggle with facial sweating, check out these treatment options that may help you find some relief.

Antiperspirants

The first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis in general are over-the-counter topical treatments called antiperspirant. Antiperspirants are agents that reduce the body’s production of sweat and they are usually applied to the skin. Most antiperspirants use aluminum chloride or another type of metallic salt as an active ingredient. Unfortunately, these ingredients can be irritating to the skin which makes it hard to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, especially for those with facial sweating.[2] There are some antiperspirants that are made specifically for the sensitive skin on areas like the face and groin. One brand, called Neat Feat 3B Face Saver Antiperspirant Gel for Facial Perspiration and Shine, is available on Amazon and is specifically formulated for facial sweating. Another brand, called Carpe, will be coming out with an antiperspirant specifically formulated for facial use in May of 2019, which is just a few months away. These new facial antiperspirants will give people selection that was not available until quite recently. Antiperspirants can be safely used on the face, but you should be careful about which products you use as irritation can become an issue. If you find that over-the-counter antiperspirant is not enough, there are some prescription options you can discuss with your dermatologist.

Oral Medications

Sometimes, oral medications are used to treat hyperhidrosis. Most often, doctors will prescribe a type of medication called an anticholinergic which causes the body to produce less sweat by interfering with a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.[1] Anticholinergics can be effective for some people, but they often have burdensome systemic side effects because they affect the entire body. Glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin are the most common anticholinergics prescribed for hyperhidrosis.[2] Anticholinergics are sometimes available in a topical form that can be applied directly to skin with less side effects, but these medications are newer in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.[3]

Botox

Botox, or botulinum toxin A, has been used to treat hyperhidrosis successfully and is FDA approved for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. It has also been a useful treatment for people with excessive facial sweating when more conservative options haven’t worked. Botox is a toxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and injected into the skin to stop sweat from being produced.[3] While it is effective, botox does come with some risks when used on the face. Specifically, facial asymmetry is an issue as one side of the face may droop after treatment (ptosis).[4] More studies need to be done to demonstrate how safe and effective botox is for facial sweating, but it is a promising treatment option.

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a type of surgical procedure used to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis. It is typically used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands) and it is sometimes used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis. However, ETS is an invasive surgery and it comes with some big risks. Patients can develop complications, like compensatory sweating, that can occasionally be worse than the original hyperhidrosis. Therefore, ETS should only be considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted. The surgery works by disconnecting the nerves that communicate with sweat glands so that they cannot tell them to produce sweat anymore.[3] In order for the surgery to stop craniofacial sweating a surgeon would have to operate on the T2 or T3 area of the spine, which is quite high up on the spine for this type of surgery. It is not commonly done, but it can be very effective when performed by a skilled surgeon.

If you struggle with excessive facial sweating, keep looking until you find a treatment that works for you. There are new innovations happening every day as the medical field recognizes hyperhidrosis as a common and treatable condition more and more each day.

Sources

1. Nicholas, R., Quddus, A., & Baker, D. M. (2015). Treatment of Primary Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 16(5), 361-370. doi:10.1007/s40257-015-0136-6
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Craniofacial hyperhidrosis can usually be managed pharmacologically, but surgery may sometimes be needed. (2016). . Drugs & Therapy Perspectives, 32(5), 191-194. doi:10.1007/s40267-016-0282-9
4. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.

What is Antiperspirant Lotion?

Antiperspirant is a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that dermatologists consider to be a first-line treatment, meaning it is the first thing they recommend trying once a patient decides to seek treatment for hyperhidrosis.[1] There are prescription strength antiperspirants available, but most people find that over-the-counter versions provide enough relief, especially when combined with other methods of managing excessive sweat. Antiperspirant is considered to be a drug according to the FDA, so its active ingredients are regulated by the government. It can be difficult to choose the right type of over-the-counter antiperspirant, but understanding the active ingredients in each product and how a product is supposed to be used can help people determine which antiperspirant is right for them. One important factor in determining which antiperspirant is right for you is deciding how you want to apply it. There are several ways that antiperspirant can be applied, among the most common are roll-on antiperspirants, stick antiperspirants, spray antiperspirants, wipes, and lotions.

While each type of antiperspirant application has its own advantages, antiperspirant lotion has several. First of all, hyperhidrosis doesn’t only affect a person’s underarms, it often causes excessive sweating on hands, feet, the face, and other areas of the body.[1] This is why lotion antiperspirants can be helpful - they are easier to apply to unconventional areas of the body that experience excessive sweating. Antiperspirant lotions also give the user more control when it comes to how much of a product they want to apply. Finally, depending on which formulation is used, antiperspirant lotions tend to leave less residue on clothing because it can be more thoroughly rubbed in and controlled. Several companies have come out with antiperspirant lotions, most notably, Carpe and SweatBlock. Each company uses a different active ingredient and is advantageous for different reasons. Here is a breakdown of each brand’s antiperspirant lotion and the pros and cons of each product.

Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion

Carpe antiperspirant lotion is marketed specifically for people who experience excessive sweating on multiple parts of the body, which is especially helpful for those with hyperhidrosis. Their lotions currently come in specific formulations for the hands, feet, and underarms, although their products can be safely used on other parts of the body. They use 15% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as an active ingredient. Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is a type of aluminum salt that is used to form a plug within sweat glands that prevents a person from producing sweat. It is a type of newer generation aluminum salt and it has been shown to be an effective antiperspirant ingredient. One study conducted independently by Carpe found that at least 50% of the people using Carpe lotion as a hand antiperspirant would receive at least a 20% reduction in sweat production. This was the minimum amount of benefit that participants received. The same study concluded that Carpe lotion was an effective antiperspirant, as participants experienced a median sweat reduction of 23.45% after three applications of Carpe lotion to their hands.[2] This is significant because it is generally more difficult to treat hand perspiration with antiperspirants than it is to treat underarm sweating. When Carpe lotion was tested for underarm sweating it was found that participants had a median sweat reduction of 60.35% when used twice a day consistently.[3] Carpe antiperspirant lotion is currently not approved for facial use, but a facial formulation of the product is currently in the works.

Carpe lotion does need to be applied multiple times a day for it to be most effective. For example, for underarm use it is advised that the product be applied twice daily for at least a month. One tube of Carpe lotion costs $14.95 and is expected to last for about two months, this applies to each type of the formulation whether it be for hands, feet, or underarms. One of the biggest benefits of Carpe Lotion is that it does not cause much, if any, irritation, especially when compared to other products on the market. This is what allows users to apply it all over the body.[3]

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion

SweatBlock has several types of antiperspirant products on the market, including an antiperspirant lotion. Their antiperspirant lotion is intended for use on the hands and feet, although it can most likely be used on other parts of the body. Similar to Carpe, they use 20% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as their active ingredient.[4] While their active ingredient is the same, they do use it in a higher concentration. This may make the sweat reduction properties of SweatBlock stronger, but it would also most likely increase the potential for skin irritation. Each tube of SweatBlock antiperspirant lotion has 50 mL of product in it and sells for $14.99. It needs to be applied at least two times per day for the first two to four weeks. The website claims that the lotion becomes more effective as it is used over time, so users may be able to apply it less frequently as time goes on.[5]

The Breakdown

Finding the right treatments for sweaty hands and sweaty feet can be tricky as researchers are still trying to find the most effective ways to reduce sweating on these parts of the body. Antiperspirant lotions offer a good over-the-counter option for those looking for relief, but they are not perfect. Both brands, Carpe and SweatBlock, use the same active ingredient meaning they will both most likely have fairly similar results. SweatBlock has a higher percentage of aluminum sesquichlorohydrate which means it may be a stronger product, but it will probably also lead to more irritation. If one does not work well for you, the other will most likely not be a good solution. It may be best to first try the less irritating product, in this case Carpe, and then move on to the stronger brand, SweatBlock, if more relief is needed. No matter which brand a person chooses to go with they will need to apply the lotion consistently several times a day to achieve results.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Evaluation of Hand Antiperspirant Efficacy. (2016). Consumer Product Testing Company, Inc. Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.mycarpe.com/carpetestresults.pdf.
3. Carpe Antiperspirant. (2016). An OTC Antiperspirant Lotion to Help Manage Excessive Sweat [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from
4. SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BM9LHV1?aaxitk=WZxJKwt9Un8LAdpVnumHDQ&pd_rd_i=B07BM9LHV1&pf_rd_p=e037c154-e093-48a4-b127-477e5e294e3f&hsa_cr_id=9246714300901&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=SweatBlock Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands & Feet, Proven to Reduce Excessive Sweating, Reduce Hand & Foot Sweat & Smelly Feet, Safe Effective, FDA Compliant Anti Sweat Lotion for Women & Men, 50mL&sb-ci-a=B07BM9LHV1
5. Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands and Feet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/products/antiperspirant-lotion-hands-feet

What Are Antiperspirant Wipes?

In short, antiperspirant wipes are a new, convenient method of applying antiperspirant to the body - in order to reduce excessive sweating. They allow users to apply antiperspirant quickly, effectively, discreetly, and with less mess. There are a few different types of wipes that hyperhidrosis sufferers can take advantage of, and which type a person should use depends on their specific needs. Each wipe is contained in its own packet and can be stored easily in a pocket, wallet, or purse. A person just needs to open the wipe and apply it to their affected body area. So far, there are two brands that have dominated the antiperspirant wipe market - Carpe and Dermira. Both companies have antiperspirant wipes that are effective in reducing excessive sweating, but they occupy quite different niches in the market. Below is a break down of each product and how they compare.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes offer a convenient over-the-counter solution to excessive sweating problems. The wipes contain a clear antiperspirant solution that uses 15% Aluminum Chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[1] Many people aren’t sure how to choose the right over-the-counter antiperspirant, but customers can rest assured as Aluminum Chlorohydrate is a common, time-tested antiperspirant ingredient. It works by forming a shallow plug inside sweat glands which prevents sweat from escaping to the surface of the skin. This effectively reduces the amount of sweat that a person produces and decreases the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.[2] While Carpe antiperspirant wipes are ideal for underarm use, one of the great features they offer is that they are able to be used safely on most parts of the body. This is a major advantage as many people with hyperhidrosis also deal with excessive sweating on hands, feet, and other problem areas.

Many times, antiperspirant can be irritating, but Carpe antiperspirant wipes contain ingredients, like vitamin E oils, that help soothe sensitive skin. This feature makes the wipes more versatile. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also easy on clothing as they do not leave a white residue behind. Instead, the formulation goes on clear which makes it much easier to keep shirts clean.[1] Many people with hyperhidrosis can attest to the fact that it can be difficult to get traditional antiperspirant out of clothes, so having a clear solution is a massive convenience. In addition to its antiperspirant properties, Carpe antiperspirant wipes also contain fragrances to dispel any bad smells that may emerge from sweaty areas, and a natural antibacterial agent to cut down on bacteria.[1]

Qbrexza Wipes

Qbrexza is a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe formulated by the company Dermira. Unlike traditional topical antiperspirants, Qbrexza uses an active ingredient called Glycopyrronium Tosylate.[3] This active ingredient is the topical form of an anticholinergic medication, which is commonly used as oral medication for hyperhidrosis. In its pill form, anticholinergic medications can have many systemic side effects which often deter people from using them to treat hyperhidrosis, but in its topical form many of the benefits are still present without the systemic issues. Glycopyrronium Tosylate works by inhibiting sweat gland activation and thus reduces the amount of sweat a person produces due to overactive sweat glands. Qbrexza is FDA approved, but only for use on the underarms. As it is a prescription medication its use can have some serious side effects like skin irritation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and others.[3]

Typically, Qbrexza is used once a day and is applied directly to the armpits. This makes it convenient and easy to use. It is most advantageous to people with severe hyperhidrosis who have tried other antiperspirant treatments and have not had success. It can also be used on children older than nine, which gives it an advantage over other FDA approved hyperhidrosis treatments as most cannot be used on children.[3] Qbrexza is a prescription medication, so it should be used with caution, but it can provide hope for those who haven’t had success with less powerful medications.

The Difference Between Carpe And Qbrexza Antiperspirant Wipes

While both types of antiperspirant wipes may appear similar at first glance, they are quite different. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are a type of over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that don’t require a doctor’s prescription. They are easy to obtain and have a relatively low risk of side effects for anyone who uses them. Over-the-counter antiperspirants are the first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis and should generally be pursued before moving on to stronger treatment options.[1] Qbrexza, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that is reserved for more severe cases of hyperhidrosis. It can, however, provide relief for those who have tried more conservative measures to treat their condition without success. Both companies use wipes as a convenient and effective way to deliver very different types of hyperhidrosis medications.

Sources

1. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.
2. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
3. Qbrexza. (2018). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://dermira.com/our-medicines/

Iontophoresis is a treatment for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis that uses an electrical current delivered through water to decrease excessive sweating. It is has been used as a treatment for over 70 years and has withstood the test of time. Scientific studies have shown that iontophoresis really does work, doctors regularly prescribe it, and side effects are reported to be mild.[1] However, some patients think that iontophoresis can actually increase their already excessive sweating. Is this true? It is hard to say. It appears on message boards across the internet, new users asking questions like “Can iontophoresis make my sweating worse?” Many users claim that iontophoresis is an effective treatment but admit that it did increase their sweat production when they first started treatment. While this may be the case for some individuals, it does not appear that any studies have specifically looked into the phenomenon. The good news is that most people who claim that iontophoresis did increase their sweating at first say it eventually did lead to a reduction in sweat. So, if you experience increased sweating when you first start iontophoresis keep trying and you will most likely see good results.

Iontophoresis is a mysterious treatment and no one is quite sure how it works. Some theories posit that iontophoresis plugs sweat glands as a result of ion deposition, blocks sympathetic nerve transmission, or decreases the pH of skin as the result of the accumulation of hydrogen ions. At any rate, studies have shown that about 91% of people respond positively to treatment. When side effects do occur during studies they are usually mild and don’t involve an increase in sweat production. The side effects that have been recorded include redness of the skin, small shocks, scratches, cuts, discomfort (feeling of pins and needles), vesiculation, and dry or cracked skin. Many of these side effects are caused by people using iontophoresis incorrectly and often go away after patients learn how to perform iontophoresis correctly. Some people find that iontophoresis doesn't work and there are ways to make it make it more effective. One study that looked at the effectiveness of iontophoresis over time did note that one patient out of 27 experienced a worsening of symptoms between week 3 and week 4 of the experiment.[2] However, the study still demonstrated the effectiveness of iontophoresis over time.

It is not known why some people appear to experience a worsening of symptoms after beginning iontophoresis but it doesn’t seem to impact the effectiveness of the treatment over time. If you experience a worsening of your hyperhidrosis symptoms after starting iontophoresis it is best to talk to your doctor so you can form a plan of action. If iontophoresis does not work for you, there are other effective treatments for for sweaty hands and sweaty feet.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Kim, D. H., Kim, T. H., Lee, S. H., & Lee, A. Y. (2017). Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis with Tap Water Iontophoresis: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Single-Blind, and Parallel-Designed Clinical Trial. Ann Dermatol, 29(6), 728-734. doi:10.5021/ad.2017.29.6.728