HYPERHIDROSIS GUIDE: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

What is hyperhidrosis?

 

Hyperhidrosis is persistent, excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. It most often affects the underarms, palms, soles, face and scalp, and can occur on one or both sides of the body. For many people it starts in adolescence and follows a fairly predictable pattern: sweating is worse during the day and eases during sleep.

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Causes and types

 

Doctors generally describe two patterns:

• Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis – sweating arises from over‑active sweat nerves without another medical cause. It typically affects specific sites such as the underarms or palms.

• Secondary (generalised) hyperhidrosis – sweating is driven by another factor (for example certain medicines or medical conditions) and often involves larger areas of the body.

 

Stress and anxiety don’t cause hyperhidrosis, but they can trigger or intensify episodes.

Learn more about the types of here: Types of hyperhidrosis

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Everyday strategies that help

 

Small changes can make a real difference:

• Use a clinical‑strength antiperspirant at night; apply to dry skin and re‑apply in the morning.

• Choose breathable clothing and rotate shoes/socks; carry a compact towel or wipes.

• For hands and feet, some people find iontophoresis helpful (a device that uses a mild electrical current through water).

• Keep a brief trigger diary (heat, spicy foods, stress) so you can plan around predictable flare‑ups.

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When to see a clinician

 

Speak with a health professional if sweating:

• starts suddenly or is generalised,

• disrupts work, study or social life, or

• occurs with other symptoms (such as weight loss, fever or palpitations).
  They can check for secondary causes and discuss treatment choices.

 

 

Treatment options (overview)

 

Depending on the site and severity, options may include:

• Prescription antiperspirants and topical medicines.

• Iontophoresis for hands/feet.

• Botulinum toxin injections temporarily switch off overactive sweat glands - most often underarms, and also palms, soles, and forehead/scalp with relief that lasts for months.

• Oral medicines in selected cases.

• Surgery is generally a last resort due to potential side effects.

 

 

Learn more about injections: Botox for hyperhidrosis

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