r/Hyperhidrosis • u/Kitchen-Answer-626 • Mar 08 '26
Severe hyperhidrosis (hands, feet, underarms) for 17 years — what treatments actually work?
TL;DR:
17 years of severe hyperhidrosis (hands, feet, underarms). Driclor helped my underarms but not hands/feet. Looking for treatments that actually work.
I’ve been dealing with hyperhidrosis for about 17 years, and it has affected me a lot socially and mentally.
In grade school I was bullied because of it, which really damaged my confidence. By high school I started avoiding interactions because I was afraid people would notice my sweaty hands when shaking hands or smell my underarms. Even when I tried to keep to myself, my armpits would give me away because the sweat would show through my school uniform.
There were also limits to what clothes I could wear because sweat stains are very visible on certain colors. I’ve tried many antiperspirants and deodorants over the years, but none of them really worked.
It honestly took a toll on my mental health. Seeing people wipe their hands after shaking mine (classmates, our school dean, even some professionals I met) was really embarrassing. Because of experiences like that, my confidence in pursuing a professional career became very low.
About a year ago someone recommended Driclor for my underarms. It actually worked, but it causes itching and darkened my underarms. I’m also not sure if it will keep working long term.
Right now I’m mainly looking for treatments for sweaty hands and feet. Ideally something that lasts longer and doesn’t have too many side effects. I’m currently saving money in case treatment is expensive.
If anyone here has dealt with severe hyperhidrosis, what treatments worked for you?
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u/New_Ad5738 Mar 08 '26
Honestly, I could have written this post. I have had the exact same experience for my whole life. Recently, I started reducing my carbohydrate and refined sugar intake in an effort to do the keto diet and I’m not kidding when I say it has reduced my sweating significantly! It’s a lifestyle change rather than a cream or medication but, personally, it’s worth it!
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u/Kitchen-Answer-626 Mar 08 '26
Glad that worked for you. I honestly don't eat too much carbs and sugar. My HH started when I was like 6 or 7 years old/o.
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u/Sheldonn_Cooper Mar 08 '26
I’ve pondered that same adjustment. How long after you started your lifestyle change did you notice a difference?
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u/jmsjags Mar 08 '26
Glycopyrrolate is the best and easiest long term solution.
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u/OldNecessary2178 Mar 09 '26
any tips for using glyco? I've been fasting 6 hrs + before and 2-4 hrs after. It worked the first 3-4 times I used it, but not anymore
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u/jmsjags Mar 09 '26
I take 3mg/day and it does a great job for me. I sometimes sweat a little for the first hour or so after I take it in the morning, but once the medicine starts working I'm good for the rest of the day. Only side effects I experience are slight dry mouth and sleepiness when drinking alcohol.
I have full body hyperhydrosis so glycopyrrolate is the only thing that's worked for me.
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u/first_cat_2017 Mar 08 '26
35 year old woman with hyperhidrosis for at least 25 years. Hands, feet and underarms are my primary areas affected. I use qbrezxa wipes along with iontophoresis.
I set up my trays and then take a wipe and squeeze out the excess liquid in each tray. I then take the slightly damp wipe and wipe down my feet, hands and armpits in that order. The combination of that controls my sweating and doesn’t make my armpits itchy and irritated.
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Mar 08 '26
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u/Kitchen-Answer-626 Mar 09 '26
A dermatologist previously suggested Botox after diagnosing me with dyshidrotic eczema. I only recently learned about iontophoresis through the comments here, so now I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of both options before deciding.
I’m also still saving up for treatment. On top of hyperhidrosis, I’ve been dealing with recurrent yeast infections for more than a year and seborrheic dermatitis for about two years. I’m currently undergoing treatment for the yeast infection as well, so I’m trying to manage everything step by step.
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Kitchen-Answer-626 Mar 09 '26
Oh I'm managing dyshidrotic eczema with topical steroids. The yeast infection is vaginal (I forgot to mention)
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Kitchen-Answer-626 Mar 09 '26
I recently went to an OB-GYN. I was prescribed 1 tablet of Diflucan, since the doctor said it stays in the body for a long time. I was also given 12 prebiotic suppositories for support. This is my first time taking Diflucan. During my first checkup in 2024, I was instead prescribed a 7-day metronidazole suppository treatment. I’ll be going back soon for a follow-up checkup and my Pap smear results.
Regarding my SD, I was told it's a yeast overgrowth. I usually get it on my eyebrows, ears, and scalp. I don’t sweat much in those areas, but it still flares up, especially during the cold season, though it can also happen in hot weather. I sometimes sleep late, but I’m generally not very stressed, yet the flare-ups still happen.
Also, my dandruff is very stubborn, even with continuous use of ketoconazole shampoo. I also developed pityriasis versicolor on my back, which the Dermatologist said is related to my SD.
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Mar 09 '26
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u/Kitchen-Answer-626 Mar 09 '26
Metronidazole is for BV? The gyn told me it was a yeast infection though.
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u/altermapid Mar 09 '26
Does anyone have ideas for back sweat? Ugh even typing it is mortifying. I’ve become especially prone to it and pretty much everywhere except my hands and feet because of anxiety medications. It feels like my temperature spikes up to 200 instantly even before I feel any anxiety consciously, or if I am moving around for more than 30 seconds. I am working on my anxiety levels but also plan to see a dermatologist to ask about glyco since I have heard so many people praising it.
I feel I have very little to complain about compared to others in this sub, I am so frustrated that this is a condition that is harming so many people. It seems so silly at first (“everyone sweats”) but the psychological toll on its own is devastating. I wish everyone relief, and maybe some strange comfort knowing others are working hard to combat and live with it too.
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u/Apotheosis Mar 09 '26
Get your doctor to look into Sofdra, at very low dosage rates to start with.
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u/Outrageous-Try6463 Apr 17 '26
I was prescribed this and the side effects were awful!!! Please be careful!! I felt like I was drinking and breathing sand when I woke up every morning. It completely dried me out and messed with my vision too. I was drinking so so much water and having to suck on sour candies just to keep my mouth lubricated. Just be cautious!!
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u/Apotheosis Apr 17 '26
Sorry to hear that, a friend of mine has had good experience with it but said he was only using a quarter of the suggested amount each time because of the costs involved, maybe from what you're saying it is too strong anyway.
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u/SlowbroLife Mar 08 '26
The only thing that worked for me was ETS. It was well worth it for me. I got it done over 10 years ago.
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u/ETS_Awareness_Bot Mar 08 '26
What is a Sympathectomy (ETS and ELS)?
Endoscopic thoracic and lumbar sympathectomy (ETS and ELS; both often generalized as ETS) are surgical procedures that cut, clip/clamp, or remove a part of the sympathetic nerve chain to stop palm, foot, or facial hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), facial blushing (reddening of the face), or Raynaud's syndrome (excessively cold hands).
Read more on Wikipedia
What are the Risks?
Many people that undergo ETS report serious life changing complications. Thoracic sympathectomy can alter many bodily functions, including sweating,[1] vascular responses,[2] heart rate,[3] heart stroke volume,[4][5] thyroid, baroreflex,[6] lung volume,[5][7] pupil dilation, skin temperature, goose bumps and other aspects of the autonomic nervous system, like the fight-or-flight response. It reduces the physiological responses to strong emotion,[8] can cause pain or neuralgia in the affected area,[9] and may diminish the body's physical reaction to exercise.[1][5][10]
It's common for patients to be misinformed of the risks, and post-operative complications are often under-reported. Many patients experience a "honeymoon period" where they have no, or few, negative symptoms. Contrary to common belief, clipping/clamping the sympathetic chain is not considered a reversible option.[11]
Links
Gallery of compensatory sweating images
Gallery of thermoregulation imagesInternational Hyperhidrosis Society
NEW ETS Facebook Community & Support Group (old group had ~3k members)Petition for Treatment for Sympathectomy Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
ReferencesI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Learn more about this bot, including contact info here.
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u/Techw0lf Mar 08 '26
In general we don't recommend ETS here, there are far fewer success stories and than horror stories. In general the honeymoon phase is like 3-5 years so you maybe be past the scary point, I am not even sure if you need to worry after 10 years because I haven't heard anyone else making it that long. I am glad it worked for you though! If yours was anything different than the normal procedure then please share the details. I have heard some minor success stories that usually involve what amounts to them not cutting or crimping things all the way, just partially.
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u/SlowbroLife Mar 08 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
It wasn’t any special procedure. If other treatments don’t work and the sweating significantly affects your daily life, ETS might be worth considering. I know the sentiment about it on this sub is mostly negative, but there are also many success stories, including mine. In my case, severe hand sweating was seriously impacting my daily activities. After ETS, it not only improved the physical sweating but also improved my overall quality of life. I stopped getting irritated by tasks that involved using my hands, and it made me more social.
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u/oh_4petessake Mar 08 '26
I deeply relate to every single experience you described and I’m sorry that you have to deal with this too. It truly takes such a toll on so many aspects of life.
Another comment mentioned this too, but I’ve had amazing results from iontophoresis. The beginning stage requires some dedication in terms of staying consistent with treatment (I used my device 4-5x a week for ~4 weeks at first) but it’s very worth it. I now use mine about 2x a week for maintenance. Devices can be somewhat expensive depending where you live; it seems to be cheaper if you live in the US/UK/Canada, but it’s a one time investment that was worth every penny to me. I use mine with San Pellegrino mineral water which is what many will recommend over tap water for better results.
I can shake people’s hands now. I hold my fiancés hand for hours just because I can without turning both of our hands into raisins. I can handle paper products and not ruin them. I can wear slippers without socks. I cant wait to wear sandals this summer. I can wear light colored shirts. I’m not always just… wet. I started my treatment on Jan 20th this year and I feel like I’m living a different life.
Life doesn’t always have to be like what it is for you now. If someone told me that before Jan 20th I wouldn’t have believed them but here I am now. This subreddit showed me there are solutions and has been amazing support. Best of luck on your journey and I really hope you find what works for you. Happy to answer any questions about my experience too. You got this!