Does magnesium help with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?

Magnesium for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

There is no evidence supporting the use of magnesium supplementation for treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The available medical literature does not demonstrate that magnesium helps reduce sweating in patients with hyperhidrosis.

Understanding Hyperhidrosis and Treatment Options

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for normal thermoregulation. It can be:

• Primary hyperhidrosis: Bilaterally symmetric, focal excessive sweating (commonly affecting axillae, palms, soles, or craniofacial region) without underlying medical cause 1
• Secondary hyperhidrosis: Focal or generalized sweating caused by an underlying medical condition or medication 1, 2

First-line Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

The established first-line treatments for hyperhidrosis include:

1. Topical aluminum chloride (10-20%) - first-line for most cases of primary focal hyperhidrosis 1, 3
2. Topical glycopyrrolate - first-line for craniofacial sweating 1
3. Botulinum toxin injections (onabotulinumtoxinA) - first or second-line for axillary, palmar, plantar, or craniofacial hyperhidrosis 1
4. Iontophoresis - recommended for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis 1

Role of Magnesium in Sweating

While one study found altered levels of magnesium in patients with hyperhidrosis 4, there is no evidence that magnesium supplementation helps treat the condition. The study showed:

• Lower plasma magnesium levels in hyperhidrosis patients
• Higher erythrocyte magnesium levels in hyperhidrosis patients

However, these findings suggest magnesium may be involved in the pathophysiology rather than indicating it as a treatment. The researchers hypothesized that low extracellular magnesium might enhance membrane excitability of eccrine sweat glands or influence autonomic nervous system function 4.

Magnesium in Other Medical Contexts

Magnesium has documented uses in other medical conditions, but not for hyperhidrosis:

• Asthma exacerbations: IV magnesium sulfate can improve pulmonary function in severe asthma by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle 5
• Shivering during temperature management: Magnesium has a modest clinical effect on shivering suppression but is typically insufficient when used alone 5

Advanced Treatment Options for Refractory Hyperhidrosis

For patients with severe hyperhidrosis not responding to first-line treatments, other options include:

• Oral anticholinergics as adjunct therapy 1
• Microwave therapy for axillary hyperhidrosis 1, 6
• Laser treatments (particularly Nd:YAG) 3
• Surgical options including local surgery and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for severe cases 1

Important Clinical Considerations

• Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact quality of life, causing social impairment and emotional distress 1
• The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale can help grade the severity and guide treatment selection 1
• Always look for underlying causes in cases of generalized hyperhidrosis or new-onset focal hyperhidrosis 2

Despite some theoretical connections between magnesium and sweat gland function, there is no clinical evidence supporting magnesium supplementation as an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis. Patients should be directed toward established treatments with proven efficacy.