17113 Hyperhidrosis

Overview

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where your body sweats much more than it needs to, even when you are not hot or exercising. It can affect your hands, feet, underarms, or face, and can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Yes. Around 1 in 100 to 3 in 100 people have hyperhidrosis. Many people do not mention it to their doctor, even though it can really affect their confidence and social life.

Hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood or the teenage years. It affects people of all ages, and it can run in families. Both men and women can get it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sweating that soaks through your clothes, even when you are resting or cool
• Dripping sweat from your hands, feet, or armpits
• Sweating that interferes with everyday activities like holding a pen or using a phone
• Skin in the affected area becoming soft, white, or peeling
• An unpleasant body odor in some cases

Symptoms in children

• Children with hyperhidrosis may have wet or slippery hands that make writing, drawing, or playing sports difficult.
• They may feel embarrassed or avoid raising their hands in class.
• They might be teased by other children, which can affect their confidence.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice sweating that gets worse with heat, activity, or stress.
• They may have an increased risk of skin irritation or infections in the affected areas.
• Excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of another underlying condition, such as an overactive thyroid, so it is worth checking.

Causes

Main causes

• Primary hyperhidrosis: overactive sweat glands that are not responding correctly to signals from the brain, often starting in childhood and affecting specific areas.
• Secondary hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating due to an underlying medical condition or trigger, such as an overactive thyroid, menopause, low blood sugar, a fever, or anxiety.
• Certain medicines can also cause sweating as a side effect.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of hyperhidrosis
• Stress or anxiety, which can make sweating worse
• Being overweight, which can lead to more sweating
• Living in a hot or humid climate

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your sweating happens along with a pounding headache, chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty catching your breath, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have a fever and feel very unwell, or you notice shaking chills, talk to a health professional today.
• If you see signs of a skin infection like streaking redness, warmth, or leaking fluid, seek care urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If sweating regularly interferes with work, school, or social activities
• If you sweat at night with an unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss
• If you have tried self-care steps for several weeks and nothing helps

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, your family history, and your sweating patterns. They will also examine the areas that sweat most. There is no single test for hyperhidrosis, but your doctor may do a simple starch-iodine test, where a special powder is placed on your skin to show which areas are sweating.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam to check the affected areas
• A starch-iodine test to identify exactly where sweating occurs
• Blood tests to check for conditions that can cause sweating, like thyroid problems or diabetes

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose hyperhidrosis from your description and a physical exam. They may refer you to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) if the sweating is severe or hard to treat.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce sweating and improve your comfort. It often starts with simple antiperspirants and self-care, and works up to stronger treatments if needed. Your doctor will help you find the safest and most effective approach for you.

Self-care at home

• Use an antiperspirant every day, even at night, on the affected areas
• Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural or moisture-wicking fabrics
• Shower daily and dry your skin thoroughly, especially between your toes
• Try to avoid triggers like spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol
• Use absorbent insoles in your shoes and change your socks regularly

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, doctors can offer a range of treatments. These include stronger prescription antiperspirants, a process that passes a mild electrical current through the skin (called iontophoresis), injections that temporarily block the nerve signals that trigger sweating, and oral medications that help reduce sweating throughout the body. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and side effects of each option with you. No specific drug names or brands are mentioned here because your doctor will choose the right treatment based on your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered for severe, difficult-to-treat sweating where other options have not worked. A specialist surgeon can explain the possible risks and benefits before you decide.

Living with this condition

Living with hyperhidrosis can be frustrating, but you can take control. Keep a small towel or extra shirt with you for emergencies. Use products that absorb moisture, and try not to let embarrassment stop you from doing the things you enjoy.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear dark colours or patterns that hide sweat marks less obviously, or use dress shields
• Carry a spare pair of socks or gloves if your hands and feet sweat heavily
• Practise slow, deep breathing to help calm anxiety
• Choose shoes that let your feet breathe and rotate them between days
• Talk to friends, family, or a counsellor about how it affects you

Diet and exercise

Regular exercise is still important because it helps manage stress, which can reduce sweating. Stay well hydrated, and consider limiting spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can trigger extra sweating in some people.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Excessive sweating can make you feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or anxious in social situations. These feelings are normal. Try not to hide away. Many people find it helpful to talk to a counsellor or therapist. If you ever feel overwhelmed or hopeless, please reach out to a local crisis helpline or talk to someone you trust.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent hyperhidrosis, but you can reduce how much it affects you by avoiding your personal triggers and following a good skin-care routine.

Complications

If left untreated

• Skin irritation, rashes, or fungal infections in damp areas
• Damage to clothing or difficulty with tasks like holding tools or typing
• Social isolation, anxiety, or low self-esteem
• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance if sweating becomes extremely heavy

Long-term outlook

For most people, hyperhidrosis can be managed well. There are many effective treatments, and finding the right one can drastically improve your confidence. Even if it takes a few tries, you can live comfortably and do all the things you love.

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