Excessive sweating, technically known as hyperhidrosis, most often affects the palms, feet and face, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you experience excessive facial sweating, you may find it embarrassing and inconvenient, but treatments are available. A physician first assesses whether an underlying condition may be causing the problem, in which case the sweating is considered secondary hyperhidrosis. If not, the diagnosis is primary hyperhidrosis. The International Hyperhidrosis Society explains that whether a person truly has facial primary hyperhidrosis or simply sweats more heavily than most people as a reaction to stress or other factors, the treatments are the same.
Topical Solutions
The IHHS recommends trying topical solutions first to treat facial sweating, either over-the-counter antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride or prescription-strength versions containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate in brands such as Drysol and Xerac. Typically, you would apply the prescription antiperspirant before sleeping and wash the solution off six to eight hours later. Unfortunately, strong antiperspirant solutions can irritate facial skin, but you might be able to use them only in situations where you feel it’s really necessary.
Botox Injections
If topical antiperspirants aren’t effective or irritate your skin, another possible treatment is receiving injections of botulinum toxin type A, available as the brand Botox. The IHHS notes that this treatment works well for facial hyperhidrosis, and advises having an experienced practitioner perform the procedure.
Oral Medications
Oral medications also can resolve excessive facial sweating, but they typically cause some unpleasant side effects, such as dry mouth and blurred vision. Anticholinergics, such as glycopyrrolate, work by blocking nerve impulses to sweat glands, according to the Mayo Clinic, but they also decrease secretions in the mouth, throat and stomach. Other oral treatments include clonidine, an alpha blocker that inhibits nerve impulses and has a thermoregulatory effect, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that block sweating. The Mayo Clinic notes that certain antidepressants can decrease sweating and also help individuals cope emotionally with their condition.
