For most people, acne is a temporary condition that occurs in the teen years and then disappears except for the occasional pimple during adulthood. A medical condition called hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating, can worsen acne in both teens and adults. As many as 2 to 3 percent of people have hyperhidrosis, although most never discuss it with their doctor, according to MedlinePlus. The prescription medication Robinul, the brand name for generic glycopyrrolate, can decrease excessive sweating if you have hyperhidrosis. In some cases, reducing sweat output may help reduce acne outbreaks.
Acne and Sweat Glands
Acne occurs when sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles produce sebum, an oily substance that builds up on pores, along with dead skin cells. Bacteria on the skin get trapped in the area and produce whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Excessive sweating and friction in an area can cause acne to worsen; wearing a tight hat that rubs against your forehead may increase the chance of developing acne in that spot, the American Academy of Dermatology explains.
Robinul's Effects on Sweat Glands
Robinul is a prescription medication known as an anti-cholinergic. Anti-cholinergics decrease secretions in the gastric tracts as well as the mouth, throat and bronchial tubes. Anti-cholinergic medications also decrease sweating, which makes them helpful in treating hyperhidrosis. If you don't have hyperhidrosis and sweat normally, Robinul could cause heat prostration in hot climates, since sweating acts as a cooling mechanism.
Results
If you have hyperhidrosis, Robinul may reduce sweating. Since sweating can block skin pores and increase acne, especially in areas where friction occurs, such as underneath baseball caps or scarves or under backpack straps on the shoulders, Robinul may reduce acne breakouts. While excessive sweating does not cause acne, it may exacerbate it.
Considerations
Robinul is not a general treatment for acne. This medication should be taken to prevent excessive sweating only if you have a medical condition such as hyperhidrosis. Sweating is a normal mechanism for cooling the body; decreasing sweat production when you don't have hyperhidrosis could be dangerous.
Posted in: Acne Problems