Stop Sweat From Controlling Your Life This Summer
Excessive sweating is more than a small annoyance. When sweat soaks through shirts, drips from your hands, or makes you avoid raising your arms, it can start to control your day. That is what happens with hyperhidrosis, a condition where the body produces more sweat than it needs to stay cool.
As winter in Toronto slowly gives way to longer, warmer days, many people start thinking about lighter clothes, outdoor plans, weddings, and patio season. If you already worry about sweat in heavy sweaters, the idea of T‑shirts and dresses can feel stressful. The good news is that there are safe, evidence‑informed options available in Ontario, from prescription antiperspirants to in‑office procedures such as botulinum toxin injections and device‑based treatments like miraDry.
In this article, we compare these 3 commonly used approaches, explain how they work, and share when each might be reasonable to consider. We also remind you why a proper assessment with a qualified physician, following Canada regulations and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) guidelines and policies, is always the safest first step for hyperhidrosis evaluation and treatment in Ontario.
Understanding Hyperhidrosis and When to Seek Help
Hyperhidrosis comes in 2 main forms. Primary hyperhidrosis is sweating that happens on its own, often starting earlier in life, without another medical cause. It usually affects specific areas such as:
• underarms
• palms of the hands
• soles of the feet
• face or scalp
Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is linked to something else going on in the body. This might include thyroid problems, infections, medication side effects, or hormonal conditions. In these cases, identifying and treating the underlying issue may be just as important as treating the sweating itself.
It may be time to seek medical help if you notice things like:
• soaking through clothes even when you are not hot
• needing to change outfits or socks multiple times a day
• leaving damp marks on chairs, keyboards, or papers
• avoiding handshakes, public speaking, or social events
In Ontario, a proper medical assessment is important before choosing a treatment. During this evaluation, a physician may review your medical history and medications, ask about family history and when symptoms started, examine the areas that sweat the most, and order bloodwork or other tests if a secondary cause is suspected.
Treatment planning is always individualized. Age, medical history, skin type, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and personal goals all matter. And what works for one person may not be ideal for another. Some people may not require procedural treatment, and watchful waiting or simple measures may be reasonable. The information here is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
First‑Line and Stepwise Options
Management of hyperhidrosis is usually stepwise and tailored to the area affected and the severity of symptoms. Depending on your situation, your physician may discuss options that can include the following:
• Lifestyle measures (for example, clothing choices, stress management strategies)
• Over‑the‑counter antiperspirants and skin care
• Prescription‑strength topical antiperspirants (discussed below)
• Iontophoresis devices, particularly for hands and feet
• Oral (systemic) medications in selected cases
• Botulinum toxin type A injections for focal areas (discussed below)
• Device‑based treatments such as miraDry for underarms (discussed below)
• Referral to a dermatologist or other specialist, if needed
Not all options are appropriate for every patient. A CPSO‑regulated physician can help you understand which treatments are suitable for you, in line with Canada’s standards of care.
Prescription Antiperspirants: Common First‑Line Relief
For many people, an early step in hyperhidrosis treatment is a prescription‑strength antiperspirant. These products usually contain higher levels of aluminium chloride compared with store‑bought options. They work by temporarily blocking the sweat ducts so that less sweat reaches the surface of the skin.
They are often used as follows, based on your prescriber’s directions:
• applied at night to clean, completely dry skin
• left on while you sleep, then washed off in the morning
• used nightly at first, then less often once the sweating improves
Some potential advantages of prescription antiperspirants:
• Non‑invasive, with no needles or devices
• Can be used at home
• Often considered an appropriate place to start before moving to procedures
• Can sometimes be combined with other options later on if needed
However, prescription antiperspirants also have limitations:
• They can cause itching, stinging, or irritation, especially on sensitive or recently shaved skin.
• They may not control more severe sweating on their own.
• The results depend on regular, ongoing use.
In Ontario, these stronger products should be prescribed and overseen by a licensed healthcare professional. If sweating is still affecting your quality of life despite proper use, a physician may discuss other options, such as iontophoresis, oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, or device‑based treatments, depending on your needs and preferences.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Hyperhidrosis: Precise Control
Botulinum toxin type A (often referred to by brand names such as Botox) is widely used for medical and cosmetic purposes and has an established role in treating excessive sweating. For hyperhidrosis, small amounts of botulinum toxin type A are injected into the skin of the affected area, commonly the underarms. The product works by blocking the nerve signals that tell the sweat glands to activate.
Key points about how botulinum toxin is used for sweating:
• A grid pattern of tiny injections is placed in the treatment area.
• The procedure time is usually short, with minimal downtime for most patients.
• The results often develop gradually over days to weeks.
• The effects typically last several months and then wear off; repeat treatments are usually required to maintain benefit.
Possible benefits of botulinum toxin:
• Targeted treatment for specific problem areas
• May be helpful for people who did not get enough relief from topical antiperspirants or other conservative measures
• Can be scheduled in advance of warmer weather or specific events, when appropriate
Important limitations and safety considerations:
• Results are temporary, so maintenance sessions are usually needed.
• Mild pain, bruising, or tenderness can occur at injection sites.
• Temporary muscle weakness may happen if areas like the hands are treated.
• Headache, flu‑like symptoms, or other side effects can occur in some patients.
• Botulinum toxin is not suitable for everyone, depending on medical history, medications, and the area being treated.
• As with any procedure, individual responses and satisfaction vary.
In Ontario, botulinum toxin injections for hyperhidrosis must be provided under appropriate medical supervision, using Health Canada-approved products. CPSO policies and standards on medical records, informed consent, and advertising guide how these treatments are offered and documented. This includes a clear, balanced discussion of possible risks, expected benefits, uncertainties, and alternative options, and ensuring that patients have adequate time to ask questions before consenting.
MiraDry: Longer‑Term Underarm Sweat Reduction
MiraDry is a non‑surgical device treatment designed specifically for underarm sweat and, in many cases, odour as well. It uses controlled microwave energy to target and destroy sweat and odour glands in the underarm area. Local anaesthetic is usually used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Some potential benefits of miraDry:
• Longer‑term reduction in underarm sweat for many patients
• No incisions or general anaesthesia
• Potentially less daily antiperspirant use
• More durable approach than botulinum toxin injections for the underarms
Considerations and risks (as with any treatment):
• MiraDry focuses on underarms only, not hands, feet, or face.
• Temporary swelling, tenderness, numbness, or firmness can occur.
• Changes in skin sensation can occasionally be longer‑lasting.
• Multiple sessions may be recommended for the best results.
• Upfront costs are generally higher than topical treatments and may not be covered by insurance or public funding.
• Outcomes vary between individuals, and the complete elimination of sweating cannot be guaranteed.
A proper medical assessment is needed to see if miraDry is suitable. The procedure should be performed in a medically supervised setting with appropriate equipment, infection control, and monitoring, under the guidance of a qualified physician or a properly supervised practitioner, in accordance with CPSO policies.
How to Choose the Right Option in Ontario
When comparing these and other choices, it can help to think about them in simple terms:
• Prescription antiperspirants: Non‑invasive, at‑home, commonly used early in treatment, often best for mild to moderate underarm sweating.
• Iontophoresis and/or oral medications: May be considered for certain patients, particularly with hand and foot sweating or when topical agents are insufficient.
• Botulinum toxin injections: Precise, repeatable, suited to underarms and sometimes other specific areas when topical care and other conservative options are not enough.
• MiraDry: Focused on underarms, aims for longer‑term reduction, appropriate for selected patients who understand the potential risks, benefits, and costs.
Key decision factors:
• Severity and location of sweating
• Whether a secondary medical cause is present
• Your comfort level with medications, needles, or devices
• How often you are willing or able to come in for treatments
• Budget and any available private insurance coverage
• Timing if you are planning ahead for summer, travel, or special events
During a consultation with a CPSO‑licensed physician in Ontario, your health history will typically be reviewed, the affected areas examined, and, if appropriate, tests may be ordered to rule out secondary causes. From there, you can discuss the full range of reasonable options, including non‑procedural measures, and the benefits, risks, limitations, and realistic expectations for each. The goal is to create a personalized hyperhidrosis management plan that aligns with Canadian standards of care and CPSO expectations, and that fits your daily life and comfort level.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, not a personal flaw. With appropriate medical guidance and a clear, individualized plan, many people find that sweating becomes a more manageable part of life rather than something that limits clothing choices, handshakes, or social activities as warmer days arrive.
Feel Confident Again With Lasting Relief From Excessive Sweating
If excessive sweating is affecting your comfort or confidence, we can help you explore a personalized hyperhidrosis treatment in Toronto. At Sovereign Skin, we take time to understand your concerns and recommend options tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Reach out to our team to discuss your symptoms, ask questions, and learn what to expect from treatment. To book a consultation or request more information, please contact us today.
