Treatment with over-the-counter antiperspirants containing topical aluminum chloride or zirconium salt, is an easy option for patients with mild-to-moderate hyperhidrosis. Aluminum, or zirconium in some antiperspirants, precipitates with mucopolysaccharides in the eccrine duct, thus obstructing the secretory coils of the lower dermis and preventing secretion of any fluids, providing temporary relief [10]. Patients with mild-to-moderate hyperhidrosis can purchase these antiperspirants with 10 % aluminum chloride concentration without a prescription, but those with more severe hyperhidrosis require concentrations of 20 % aluminum chloride in ethyl alcohol [24, 25]. Initial application should be during the night as sweat glands are less active during sleep. A stable sweat gland allows the metal salts in the antiperspirant to be absorbed easily. Haider et al. conducted a study with application of 20 % aluminum chloride in ethyl alcohol on the palms and axillae regions. Within 48 h there was substantial improvement, but the effect lasted only for another 48 h. These investigators study noted efficacy of topical treatment in 98 % of cases [26]. Topical application may result in adverse side effects like skin irritation, dry skin, and itchiness. Persistent treatment may reduce the skin irritation and pruritus [12]. Applying aluminum chloride in combination with 2–4 % salicyclic acid gel also may help reduce skin irritation and promotes penetration of the treatment [27]. Hydrocortisone cream is another method that has been reported to alleviate irritation [24, 28].

Administration of oral anticholinergics such as glycopyrrolate is another available treatment. Bajaj et al. performed a retrospective analysis on 9 patients with generalized hyperhidrosis and 15 patients with localized hyperhidrosis and reported the efficacy of oral glycopyrrolate 2 mg twice daily, with dosages adjusted according to patients’ ability to control sweating. Of the original 24 patients enrolled in the study, only 19 committed to follow up. 79 % (15/19) of hyperhidrosis patients responded well to oral glycopyrrolate. Adverse effects of glycopyrrolate included dry mouth, headaches, and urinary retention. There was no correlation between increasing dosages and adverse side effects [10, 12, 29].

Iontophoresis uses a direct electrical current to pass an ionized substance through the skin [30]. The mechanism of action of this treatment is poorly understood, though several theories have been proposed. Iontophoresis is indicated in patients with palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis whose symptoms persist despite treatment with topical therapy [10]. Physicians initially administer treatment, but eventually patients can self-administer iontophoresis once properly trained for appropriate home-use. In addition to the convenience of home application, patients prefer iontophoresis because of a financial incentive. Many insurance companies view treatment for hyperhidrosis medically necessary when topical therapies have failed and will pay for iontophoresis therapy. An observational study of 113 patients with palmoplantar reported a 91 % response rate [30]. The side effects of iontophoresis are mild and include redness of skin, vesiculation in the affected area, burning sensations, and dryness. Many of the side effects can be prevented with proper knowledge of the procedures and precautionary measures are taken. In general, patients should refrain from touching the electrodes to prevent electrical shock [10, 12, 30].

Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA), Botox, is popularized for its beneficial, cosmetic effects on unwanted wrinkles and creases, however it can also be used to treat both axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis. In many studies, intradermal injections of BTXA demonstrates efficacy of 80–90 % [3, 31]. This toxin directly stimulates the eccrine glands, irreversibly obstructing acetylcholine release from presynaptic bulbs at postgangiolinc nerve endings, leading to anhidrosis for up to 6 months [12]. In each palm, 100 U are injected intradermally; 50–100 U are injected per axilla [31]. Although not a cure-all treatment for hyperhidrosis, many patients seek out this modality because it is less invasive with minimal side effects, which include slight discomfort during the procedure. and slight bruising immediately post-injection. Some patients have noted that application of ice and topical anesthesia alleviated their discomfort during injection [32, 33]. A significant downside of this option is the frequency of treatments the patient must endure to maintain efficacy; botox treatment of PAH calls for at least 15 injections per axilla, every few months [12, 31, 34].

Surgical treatment is reserved for treatment of severe, recalcitrant hyperhidrosis. Several surgical methods such as the complete excision of sweat glands, subcutaneous curettage, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy can be employed. Complete excision of the sweat glands significantly reduces sweat production, but routinely results in unpleasant scars, the risk of infection, and restricted arm movement [12]. The risks and benefits of surgical removal of sweat glands should be thoroughly discussed with the patient.

Another surgical alternative for patients, one of few that renders a permanent solution is subcutaneous curettage. This option is simpler than complete excision of sweat glands, as it requires fewer preoperative preparative measures. First, the target axillary region is washed with antibacterial soap to ensure the axillary regions are free of dirt and other bacteria. Shaving is recommended prior to surgery, as the surgeon will have better visualization of the area, but this is not necessary. To prevent infection stemming from contamination of the incision, a precautionary dose of intravenous antibiotics should be administered. It is imperative that the patient’s system be clear of any anticoagulant medications as these may induce excessive bleeding and lead to additional complications in an otherwise simple procedure [35]. Before incision, the region of the patient’s maximal sweating is marked with the starch and iodine method followed by marking the patient’s skin to clearly outline the sweating area. An elliptical excision is made and subcutaneous fat and lower dermis in the targeted region is removed. Scarring is reduced if the coils of sweat glands at the lower dermis are removed. Ten of the 13 patients treated in this manner in a test conducted by Munro et al. experienced significant benefit [13]. Other side effects include bleeding, pain, hematoma, infection, seroma, and brachial plexus damage [12].