Are there medications to eliminate body odor (hyperhidrosis)?

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From the FDA Drug Label

Directions Apply to underarms only. Apply a small amount of product to underarms at bedtime. It may itch during initial application. The next morning, rinse underarms with abundant water and apply a regular antiperspirant. For best results, use DURADRY® AM. Apply DURADRY® PM for a few nights in a row or until the excessive perspiration is controlled. Then Apply twice a week or as needed for maintenance.

The medication aluminum chloride hexahydrate can help control excessive perspiration, which is a cause of body odor.

  • It is applied at bedtime and rinsed off in the morning
  • It can be used to control hyperhidrosis 1

From the Research

For patients with hyperhidrosis, anticholinergic medications such as glycopyrrolate are recommended as a treatment option to reduce excessive sweating, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2. When considering treatment options for hyperhidrosis, it's essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the primary outcomes. The available evidence suggests that various medications and therapies can help manage hyperhidrosis, including:

  • Topical aluminum chloride solution as the initial treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis 3
  • Botulinum toxin injections as a safe and effective treatment option for focal hyperhidrosis 2
  • Oral systemic agents, such as anticholinergic substances, for treatment-resistant cases or generalized hyperhidrosis 4
  • Iontophoresis as a primary remedy for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis 2
  • Surgery, including endoscopic sympathectomy and axillary tumescent curettage and liposuction, as a last resort for severe cases of hyperhidrosis that have not responded to conservative treatments 5 Key considerations when selecting a treatment option include the severity of the hyperhidrosis, the affected area, and the patient's overall health and medical history. Glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic medication, is a recommended treatment option for craniofacial sweating and can be used as an adjunct in severe cases of hyperhidrosis 4, 3. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for individual patients, as they can help weigh the potential benefits and risks of each option and develop a personalized treatment plan.

References

Research

Hyperhidrosis: Management Options.

American family physician, 2018

Research

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis.

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2011

Research

Hyperhidrosis--causes and treatment of enhanced sweating.

Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 2009

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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