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Suggested management protocol for primary hyperhidrosis (sweating)

Authoring team

suggested stepwise management of primary hyperhidrosis

The following (based on published recommendations) have been suggested for management of primary hyperhidorsis


Type of hyperhidrosis

Management steps

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Fifth

Axillary hyperhidrosis

topical aluminium chloride at increasing doses as tolerated

botulin A injections

systemic anticholinergic treatment at increasing doses as tolerated

iontophoresis using tap water ±topical anticholinergics

thoracoscopic sympathectomy

Palmar hyperhidrosis

 

topical aluminium chloride at increasing doses as tolerated

iontophoresis using tap water ±topical anticholinergics

systemic anticholinergic treatment at increasing doses as tolerated

thoracoscopic sympathectomy

 

Plantar hyperhidrosis

 

topical aluminium chloride at increasing doses as tolerated

iontophoresis using tap water ±topical anticholinergics

systemic anticholinergic treatment at increasing doses as tolerated

 

 

Craniofacial hyperhidrosis

 

topical aluminium chloride at increasing doses as tolerated; topical glycopyrrolate

systemic anticholinergic treatment at increasing doses as tolerated

thoracoscopic sympathectomy

 

 

NICE state (2):

Glycopyrronium bromide cream can be used as an option to treat severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adults, if lifestyle advice, topical aluminium-based antiperspirants and oral antimuscarinics:

  • have not controlled underarm sweating, or
  • are contraindicated or not tolerated.

Reference:

  1. Benson RA, Palin R, Holt PJ, Loftus IM. Diagnosis and management of hyperhidrosis. BMJ. 2013;347:f6800
  2. NICE (July 2026). Glycopyrronium bromide cream for treating severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis

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