Inhibition of hyperhidrosis by topical application of a local anesthetic composition

An eutectic mixture of 5% lidocaine and 5% prilocaine applied locally to the skin inhibited epinephrine-induced sweating in healthy subjects. It also inhibited palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis from 1 to 6 hours after application to 15 of 17 patients tested. A placebo lotion was without effect. When used daily for 3--4 weeks, only 25% of the patients were very pleased with the treatment. The reason for the decrease of efficacy is uncertain.