Key Takeaways

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a brand new patch that treatsexcessive armpit sweating, and it just might be the secret to saving your white T-shirts.

The new treatment, called the Brella SweatControl Patch, is a single-use disposable underarm patch that can reduce the symptoms ofhyperhidrosis—excessive sweating that’s not always related to heat or exercise. One application can last up to four months.

What Are the Hyperhidrosis Treatment Options?

How Does Brella SweatControl Patch Work?

The patch—which consists of a sodium sheet with an adhesive overlay—works using a pretty simple scientific principle, according toDee Anna Glaser, MD, a dermatologist who participated in the Brella clinical trial and a founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society.

When the sodium on the patch comes into contact with the water from sweat (which is made of 99% water), thermal energy is generated, Glaser explained. The heat from the sodium sheet is highly localized, microtargeting the sweat glands to substantially reduce the production of sweat. Brella is the first clinical application of this technology called targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT), she added.

“Only a trained healthcare provider can properly apply the patch into the underarm area, ensure the patch is secure on the treatment area, monitor the treatment for procedure success, and ensure the patch is properly removed, discarded and the treated area is appropriately cleaned,” Glaser said.

The Best Clinical Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants, Tested and Reviewed

Who Is the Brella SweatControl Patch for?

Research shows that roughly 5% of Americans—or 15.3 million people—report having hyperhidrosis, but experts say these numbers are likely an underestimation because many individuals who suffer from the condition don’t report it and therefore never receive a diagnosis.Glaser said Brella presents a new option for all those who want to find relief from excessive sweating.

“Patients can reclaim their confidence to raise their arms, reduce their worry about sweating through their tops, and attend their important and fun social events they have been avoiding,” she said. “I believe they will see reduced financial burden from dry-cleaning, purchasing new shirts, and spending money on less effective treatments and products.”

Causes of Hyperhidrosis

Is Brella More Effective Than Botox in Controlling Armpit Sweating?

Mariano Busso, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who was an FDA advisory member, said Brella is an “interesting new tool added to the armamentarium of hyperhidrosis treatment.” It works differently from Botox, which he said is currently considered the gold standard of in-office hyperhidrosis treatments.

Brella is a needle-free application that lasts about four months, while Botox is administered through an injection and lasts from four to six months, Busso explained. In other words, Brella is a good alternative for those with a fear of needles.

Trials have shown that Brella is effective in 83% of patients and highly effective in 67% of them,while around 82% of patients reported improvements in hyperhidrosis symptoms with Botox after 16 weeks.

But Botox comes with a high price tag of roughly $1,000-$1,500 per treatment, which is unaffordable for many. The price of Brella hasn’t yet been revealed, but Glaser said patients can expect it to be similar to the cost of in-office facials and peels, indicating it will likely be a more affordable option.

The price tag of Brella might be a major factor in patient acceptance, Busso said.

“One particular area where the TAT technology used in Brella can prove to be very useful is in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis,” Busso said. “Botox treatments can be associated with side effects like muscle weakness, whereas Brella seems to be very safe for this area.”

How Hyperhidrosis Is Diagnosed

What This Means For YouIf you have primary axillary hyperhidrosis, the Brella SweatControl Patch might be a good non-invasive treatment option for you. Ask your healthcare provider about the patch when it’s released across the U.S. later this summer.

What This Means For You

If you have primary axillary hyperhidrosis, the Brella SweatControl Patch might be a good non-invasive treatment option for you. Ask your healthcare provider about the patch when it’s released across the U.S. later this summer.

3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaufman J, Green JB, Cazzaniga A, Canty DJ, Tims E, Waugh J.A pilot study of the safety and effectiveness of a novel device in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.Dermatol Surg. 2022;48(11):1220-1225. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003598Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J.Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States.Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308(10):743-749. doi:10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9Lakraj AA, Moghimi N, Jabbari B.Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins.Toxins (Basel). 2013;5(4):821–840. doi:10.3390/toxins5040821

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaufman J, Green JB, Cazzaniga A, Canty DJ, Tims E, Waugh J.A pilot study of the safety and effectiveness of a novel device in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.Dermatol Surg. 2022;48(11):1220-1225. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003598Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J.Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States.Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308(10):743-749. doi:10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9Lakraj AA, Moghimi N, Jabbari B.Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins.Toxins (Basel). 2013;5(4):821–840. doi:10.3390/toxins5040821

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Kaufman J, Green JB, Cazzaniga A, Canty DJ, Tims E, Waugh J.A pilot study of the safety and effectiveness of a novel device in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.Dermatol Surg. 2022;48(11):1220-1225. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003598Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J.Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States.Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308(10):743-749. doi:10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9Lakraj AA, Moghimi N, Jabbari B.Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins.Toxins (Basel). 2013;5(4):821–840. doi:10.3390/toxins5040821

Kaufman J, Green JB, Cazzaniga A, Canty DJ, Tims E, Waugh J.A pilot study of the safety and effectiveness of a novel device in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.Dermatol Surg. 2022;48(11):1220-1225. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003598

Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J.Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States.Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308(10):743-749. doi:10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9

Lakraj AA, Moghimi N, Jabbari B.Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins.Toxins (Basel). 2013;5(4):821–840. doi:10.3390/toxins5040821

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?