Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) explained

What hyperhidrosis is

Hyperhidrosis means sweating more than the body needs to control its temperature. It often affects specific areas such as the underarms, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and face, and it can happen on both sides of the body at once. For many people it starts in childhood or the teenage years and there is no underlying illness — this is called primary hyperhidrosis and may run in families. Sometimes excessive sweating is caused by something else, such as an overactive thyroid, the menopause, some infections, anxiety, or certain medicines; this is called secondary hyperhidrosis and may come on later in life or affect the whole body, including at night. The sweating is real and not a sign of poor hygiene. Understanding which type you have helps guide the right approach and whether any underlying cause needs checking.

How it affects daily life

Although hyperhidrosis is not physically harmful, its effect on everyday life can be considerable. People may avoid shaking hands, choose clothes carefully to hide sweat marks, change tops during the day, or feel anxious in social and work situations. Constantly damp hands can make writing, using tools, or handling paper difficult, and wet feet raise the risk of skin problems and fungal infections. The worry about sweating can itself trigger more sweating, creating a frustrating cycle. Many people feel self-conscious or low because of it, and some avoid activities they would otherwise enjoy. It is important to know that this is a recognised medical condition, not something to be ashamed of, and that help is available. Talking to a GP or pharmacist about the impact on your life is a reasonable and worthwhile step.

Self-care and everyday measures

Simple measures often help manage excessive sweating. Strong antiperspirants, including stronger ones available from a pharmacy, can reduce underarm sweating; a pharmacist can advise on how to use them, often applied at night. Wearing loose clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, and choosing socks that absorb moisture, can help, as can changing socks through the day and wearing breathable footwear. Avoiding triggers where you can, such as spicy foods and alcohol, and managing stress may reduce sweating for some people. Keeping cool, washing regularly, and drying the skin well help prevent skin irritation and infections. Armpit shields worn inside clothing can absorb sweat and protect fabric. These everyday steps do not cure hyperhidrosis but can make a real difference to comfort and confidence, and are usually the first things to try.

Treatments a GP can offer

If self-care is not enough, a GP can help and may suggest further treatments or refer you to a specialist. They will usually check whether there is an underlying cause, such as a thyroid problem, particularly if the sweating started later in life or affects your whole body. Depending on the area affected and how severe it is, options can include prescription-strength antiperspirants, medicines that reduce sweating, a treatment called iontophoresis (which uses a gentle electric current, often for hands and feet), or injections that block the nerves triggering sweat glands in the underarms. For a small number of people with severe symptoms that do not respond to other treatments, surgery may occasionally be considered. Your GP can explain what is suitable for you; this article does not name doses, and treatment choices are made together with your clinician based on your circumstances.

When to see a GP

It is worth seeing a GP about excessive sweating if it is interfering with your daily life, if self-care measures and pharmacy products have not helped, or if you feel low or anxious because of it. You should also see a GP if the sweating has come on suddenly or later in life, mainly happens at night, or comes with other symptoms such as a raised temperature, a pounding heart, weight loss, or feeling generally unwell, as these may point to an underlying cause that needs checking. Do not feel you have to simply live with heavy sweating — it is a recognised condition and there are effective treatments. A GP can look for any underlying cause, suggest treatments, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Getting help can make a real difference to comfort, confidence, and quality of life.