Top 7 Solutions for Controlling Excessive Sweat (and How They Compare)
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be frustrating, embarrassing, and disruptive to everyday life. Whether you're soaking through shirts, avoiding handshakes, or worrying about odor, the good news is that you’re not stuck with it — effective treatments exist.
This guide breaks down the top 7 most proven solutions to help you stay dry. Each includes:
- ⭐ Effectiveness
- 💡 Ease of Use
- 🧪 Invasiveness
- 💰 Typical Cost
We also link to our full Hyperhidrosis Treatment Guide so you can go deeper.
✅ 1. Clinical-Strength Antiperspirants (e.g., Drimedex™)
Best for: Mild to moderate sweating
Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Invasiveness: ★★★★★ (non-invasive)
Cost: $20–$25/month
Over-the-counter antiperspirants like Drimedex™ contain powerful aluminum chloride to block sweat glands when applied nightly.
- Great for underarms, hands, feet, and face (when used carefully).
- Works best when applied to dry skin before bed and washed off in the morning.
📌 How to use antiperspirants properly →
Clinical-Strength Sweat Protection Without a Prescription
Drimedex™ is a high-performance, over-the-counter antiperspirant featuring aluminum chloride — a key ingredient trusted by professionals. Designed for lasting confidence and daily use.
Learn More →💊 2. Oral Medications (e.g., Glycopyrrolate)
Best for: Widespread or facial sweating
Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Invasiveness: ★★★★☆
Cost: $30–$100/month (prescription)
These pills work by calming the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands.
- Especially effective for multiple sweat zones.
- Common side effects: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision.
📌 Read about systemic medications →
💉 3. Botox Injections
Best for: Underarms, palms, feet (moderate to severe cases)
Effectiveness: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆ (in-office)
Invasiveness: ★★☆☆☆
Cost: $1,000–$2,000 every 6 months
Botox blocks the nerves that trigger sweat in the area injected.
- Results last 4–6 months.
- Highly effective and FDA-approved for underarm sweating.
- Temporary muscle weakness possible in palms.
⚡ 4. Iontophoresis (At-Home Device Therapy)
Best for: Sweaty hands and feet
Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Invasiveness: ★★★★★
Cost: ~$400 device + supplies
This uses mild electric current through water to block sweat. Safe and effective for daily or weekly home use.
- Takes 3–5 sessions to start working, then weekly maintenance.
- Non-invasive and no drugs required.
🌡️ 5. miraDry® (Microwave Gland Elimination)
Best for: Long-term underarm sweat solution
Effectiveness: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Invasiveness: ★★★☆☆
Cost: $1,500–$2,500 (elective)
miraDry destroys sweat and odor glands in the underarms using microwave energy. Results are permanent.
- Often requires 1–2 treatments.
- May reduce sweat, odor, and underarm hair permanently.
🛠️ 6. Prescription Antiperspirants (e.g., Drysol)
Best for: People needing stronger than OTC
Effectiveness: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Invasiveness: ★★★★★
Cost: $30–$60/month (Rx only)
Drysol contains 20% aluminum chloride — stronger than any OTC product.
- Excellent for underarms, palms, and feet.
- High chance of irritation if applied incorrectly.
📌 Compare to OTC antiperspirants →
🏥 7. ETS Surgery (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy)
Best for: Only severe, treatment-resistant palmar cases
Effectiveness: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★☆☆☆☆
Invasiveness: ★☆☆☆☆ (surgical)
Cost: $10,000+ (some insurance coverage possible)
This procedure severs nerve signals to stop palm/facial sweating.
- Permanent results, but serious side effects like compensatory sweating on the back, legs, etc.
- Rarely used now unless all else fails.
🔍 Summary Comparison Table
| Solution | Effectiveness | Invasiveness | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drimedex (OTC) | ★★★★☆ | None | $20–$25/mo | Mild/moderate sweat |
| Drysol (Rx) | ★★★★☆ | None | $30–$60/mo | Stronger topical relief |
| Oral Meds | ★★★★☆ | Low | $30–$100/mo | Generalized sweating |
| Botox | ★★★★★ | Medium | $1,000+/6 mo | Severe underarm/hands |
| Iontophoresis | ★★★★☆ | None | ~$400 device | Hands and feet |
| miraDry | ★★★★★ | Medium | $1,500+ | Permanent underarm relief |
| ETS Surgery | ★★★★★ | High | $10,000+ | Severe, treatment-resistant |
Clinical-Strength Sweat Protection Without a Prescription
Drimedex™ is a high-performance, over-the-counter antiperspirant featuring aluminum chloride — a key ingredient trusted by professionals. Designed for lasting confidence and daily use.
Learn More →Final Takeaway
You don’t need to live in sweat-soaked clothes or hide your hands. Start with safe, proven options like Drimedex and build up from there. Many people find lasting relief by combining treatments — for example, Botox for underarms and iontophoresis for hands.