The antiperspirant Glutaraldehyde 10% has a direct effect on the sweat glands. It is used for the treatment of Axillary (armpit) and Plantar ( feet) Hyperhidrosis. Its effects may be achieved in 24 hours. It generates brown discoloration in the region where it is used, which is why it’s not used on the hands. The sweating returns, on average, seven days after the discontinuation of the treatment.
Another antiperspirant is Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate 20%. Exactly how it works is not well understood. Hypotheses include that it causes the formation of caps on the glands’ ducts. The effect lessens over time. Dermal irritation of the region occurs in about 50% of patients.
It’s one of the commercial names of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a protein complex produced by Clostridium bacteria, which causes a disease called botulism. For medical purposes, a purified and injectable form of the botulinum toxin is used. When injected on the area of skin affected by hyperhidrosis, it blocks the nervous stimulus that make the gland sweat. When well applied, it usually works for 7 months, and may be repeated. It’s indicated for armpit hyperhidrosis. Its use is questionable for cases of palm print and feet hyperhidrosis.
This consists of the application of a galvanic current to the affected region. How it works is still not well understood. It is efficacious in about 80% of cases. Daily applications are necessary in the beginning. The doctor must make perfect contact between the machine and the skin in order to keep “islands” of sweat from developing in the region. The sweating returns after the suspension of treatment. Occasionally Pruritus, Erythematous reactions, vesicles, changes in sensitivity, etc. may occur. Second degree burns and even Necrosis have been described in the scientific literature. It is used to treat Palmar, Plantar and Axillary Hyperhidrosis.
There is no specific class of medication for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis. Drugs in the Anticholinergics group, Beta-Blockers and Psychotropics may lead to the reduction of sweating, however, systemic side effects contraindicate their use for the long term.