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Perspire Much? CBS 2's Tips To Stop Sweating

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Tuesday is the 7th straight day of 90 degree heat with little relief in sight. If the sweltering weather has you sweating up a storm, experts say there are a slew of new ways to help keep you dry.

"In terms of sweating, you can go from the simplest to the most expensive treatment," says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a Manhattan dermatologist.

Many antiperspirants promise to give prescription strength sweat protection. For example, Secret's Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, used at night, promises to mix with your own sweat to form a barrier that minimizes or stops perspiration for up to 24 hours.

"If you have mild sweating, there are medications that you can use," Dr. Jaliman says.

This includes prescription antiperspirants, which can be used on hands and feet. While Dr. Jaliman says they work well, she cautions that some patients complain of dry skin.

One of the more popular treatments today is Botox. This option, which is usually used for wrinkles, is now being injected directly into armpits to prevent sweating, lasting 7 to 9 months.

However, this series of injections will cost you anywhere from $1500 to $2000.

Dr. Jaliman also suggests another new treatment. "It's called iontophoresis," she says.

This new treatment requires a machine, which can be purchased for about $150, that uses electric currents to stop the sweat glands from working.

There are also oral medications called anticholinergics that are taken to reduce or stop perspiration, but there is a laundry list of side effects that have been associated with them.

These side effects include "dry eyes and dry mouth," Dr. Jaliman says, "because it dries you."

Besides a little local discomfort and minor bruising, doctors say there are no side effects to the Botox treatment. Doctors say some insurance companies will cover Botox injections, but only if the prescription deodorant has not worked for you.

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