The medications and application agents listed below show an exemplary extract of possible therapeutics against hyperhidrosis / bromhidrosis. The mode of action and side effects of these preparations are individual. Self-medication without medical supervision is not recommended (except for commercially available deodorants/homeopathics).
systemic and local sweating therapies
aluminum chloride hexahydrate - External therapeutic agent for excessive sweating
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate inhibits sweat secretion in a concentration-dependent manner and is well effective in axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis. The main effect is the occlusion of the sweat glands Precipitation of aluminum mucopolysaccharide complexes and damage to the epithelial cells in the excretory ducts of the eccrine sweat glands leads to the occlusion of the excretory ducts. Other aluminum salts such as alum (alum deodorant stick) or methenamine release formaldehyde in an acidic environment. This precipitates proteins, leading to closure of the sweat glands.
Less frequently used in external sweat treatment are synthetic tanning agents such as boric acid, resorcinol, tannic acid or potassium permanganate.
Antihidrotics - agents for the external treatment of (excessive) sweating.
Antihydral® is an ointment paste with the active ingredient methenamine. It is used as an antiperspirant on weeping foot skin - especially between the toes - but also for hand and underarm perspiration.
Antihydral® dries to the extent that excessive sweat is secreted. Sweat secretion is not suppressed but normalized.
Ansudor® N Emulsion
Ansudor® N is an antiperspirant for external application to the skin in cases of increased perspiration. Ansudor® N can also be used in cases of increased perspiration in body folds, such as occurs in overweight individuals. The reduced sweating reliably prevents soreness in body folds and running sores.
In addition to the antiperspirant effect, Ansudor® N also has bacteriostatic effects. This can prevent the unpleasant and annoying body odor that often occurs with increased perspiration and is caused by bacteria .
Essitol®
The externally applied solution prepared with Essitol® tablets (active ingredient:aluminum acetate - tartrate) is used among other things as a mild-acting medicine for excessive perspiration. The solutions prepared with Essitol® tablets for brushing or dabbing in cases of excessive perspiration can be used on a long-term basis.
homeopathic remedies and natural active ingredients against sweat
Sweatosan® Nist is a herbal and mild-acting remedy that gently regulates perspiration. The dry extract of sage leaves supports the contraction of sweat glands and thus reduces sweating. Contains sucrose (sugar), glucose, lactose.
The small coated tablets can be taken conveniently and unobtrusively and provide sweat inhibition all over the body.
Salvysat® Citizen
The remedy contains herbal ingredients from sage, namely rosmarinic acid as a tanning agent and essential oils. Internally, the remedy causes inhibition of sweat and mammary gland secretion. Externally in the mouth and throat, rosmarinic acid has an astringent effect on the mucous membranes, antibacterial and intervenes in inflammatory processes, while the essential oils have a disinfectant and circulatory effect, so that inflammation is quickly inhibited and healing is promoted. To achieve an antiperspirant effect, the remedy must be taken over a longer period of time.
internal medications - chemical antihidrotics
In patients suffering from secondary hyperhidrosis that cannot be reduced to a tolerable level by causal therapy, oral systemic therapy is used. Two preparations are the focus of therapy here:
Vagantin® and Sormodren®.
Both drugs belong to the group of anticholinergics. These are active ingredients that suppress the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in the autonomic nervous system by inhibiting specific receptors.
Also atropine or oxybutynin inhibit cholinergic signaling to the sweat gland and thus sweat production. Again, as with the above preparations, side effects such as visual disturbances, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention are possible. Restrictions on use and drug-drug interactions must be observed. Atropine as well as oxybutynin can also be applied locally, for example in a combination therapy with tap water - iontophoresis.
psychotropic drugs against sweating
It is well known that hyperhidrosis is mostly a psychogenic disease, which may be caused by mental and emotional stress in the form of stress or anxiety, but may also result in other psychological disorders.
Treaters tend to administer psychotropic drugs in the case of mental illnesses, which is not uncommon in the case of hyperhidrosis. This group of pharmaceuticals contains an even higher risk potential for the patient than that of the preceding anticholinergics.Psychotropic drugs have a psychotropic effect, which means that these synthetic substances interfere with and influence the brain metabolism of humans.
Among the best-known means of regulating and influencing mental and emotional well-being are the so-called beta-blockers, which are now part of almost every medicine cabinet and whose function has already been demonstrated in the presentation of anticholinergics. Beta-blockers gained their popularity due to their spontaneous effect and the fact that these small pills, in contrast to tranquillizers, are accompanied by only a few side effects while having almost the same therapeutic effect.
Easy application and immediate dampening of restlessness and agitation contributed to the popularity of this group of drugs. Especially with regard to hyperhidrosis, these chemical pills will usually appear on the doctor's prescription pad without much delay because the active ingredient of beta-blockers directly intervenes in the psycho-neuronal household and curbs vegetative reactions.
It is well known that hormones are released in anxiety and stress situations, which can be primary triggers of excessive sweat secretion. In particular, the stress hormone adrenaline plays a decisive role here. This hormone irritates the beta receptors of the nerve cells, causing the physical state of arousal. If hormonal irritation of these receptors occurs, anxiety symptoms are produced. In hyperhidrotics, this irritation is finally discharged by a hypersecretion of the sweat glands.
alternative and adjunctive therapies against sweating
The relaxation technique of autogenic training (AG for short) is probably the best-known procedure for achieving physical well-being with only minimal expenditure. Much has been reported and written about the subject in the past, which at the same time can be seen as an indicator of an undeniable healing effect of this self-training. On the other hand, the increasing awareness and interest in autogenic training also symbolizes the inflationary increase of stress and tension at work and in everyday life.
The process of the AG meets stress and fears with a high effectiveness, which is why also the hyperhidrotic should definitely deal with this relaxation technique, because fear and stress can be known main causal factors for excessive sweating.
Autogenic training represents a kind of art of deep relaxation, similar in effect to a healthy sleep state, but which is consciously felt and perceived by autogenic trainees. The sleep process, on the other hand, with its peculiar processes of dreaming, runs more on an unconscious level. The AG serves primarily prophylactic purposes. With a quick "switching off on command" it is possible to be prepared for appealing and very often over-demanding tasks of everyday life and the professional world, to put a stop to the demands and expectations of civilizing activity and to protect and stabilize the highest good of man, his health, with only minor expenditure.