Many people sweat excessively for unknown reasons. The disorder called hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating is not related to the heat or exercise. It occurs at anytime during daily activities, or at night at bedtime. Heavy sweating can often be embarrassing, and it is uncontrollable. Some people sweat so often that their clothes become soaked, or sweat drips off their hands. Sweating profusely can cause social anxiety, and it will also disrupt daily activities.

This is not an uncommon ailment, and there are ways to effectively treat this condition:

1. Prescription deodorant and antiperspirant
A doctor may prescribe an antiperspirant that has aluminum chloride which is usually applied to the skin that is affected before going to bed. This is washed off in the morning. Precaution should be taken because this medication can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. If skin irritation should occur using hydrocortisone may help.

2. Nerve-blocking medications
Some of these oral medications will block the chemicals that allow certain nerves to relate to each other and reduce sweating. This may work for some people, but not for everyone. It does have side effects that include blurred vision and dry mouth.

3. Antidepressants
This is a medication that is normally used for depression, but it can also decrease sweating. They help decrease anxiety which typically worsens heavy sweating.

4. Botox injections
Botulinum toxin injections like Botox will block the nerves that are responsible for the heavy sweating temporarily. The skin is anesthetized, then each area of the body that is affected will need to receive several injections. The effects of the injections generally lasts from six months to a year, then the procedure needs to be repeated. The Botox treatment can cause some pain, and you may experience muscle weakness, but this is only temporary.

5. Sweat gland removal surgery
Sometimes people experience excess sweating under the armpits only. Removing the sweat glands in this area may help. The procedure is called suction curettage and is a minimally invasive technique. This is an option if other treatments do not offer the desired result.

6. Sympathectomy
This is a surgical procedure where the spinal nerves that are responsible for sweaty hands are clamped, burned, or cut by the surgeon. Sometimes this procedure will cause compensatory sweating which is sweating in other areas. There is a variation of this surgery that interrupts the nerve signals without having the sympathetic nerve removed.

Heavy sweating is a medical condition that is not only embarrassing, it can be very annoying. People with the disorder must bathe daily, sometimes more than once a day. It is vital to use an antiperspirant daily. This blocks the sweat pores because it contains aluminum based compounds. Applying over the counter products that contain tannic acid will also help reduce heavy sweating in some people. Another tip that will help make life better is to wear clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton, silk, or wool, and dress according to your activity to ensure that you do not wear more clothes than needed.