weating is completely normal—it helps cool the body down when you’re hot, exercising, or nervous. But what if you sweat way more than necessary, even when it’s not hot? That’s when it might be something called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What is Excessive Sweating?
Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition where a person sweats more than what the body needs to regulate temperature. It often affects the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face, but can also be widespread.
It’s more common than you might think. Studies show that around 2–5% of the global population suffers from some form of hyperhidrosis. Many people live with it for years before seeking help—often because they’re embarrassed or think it’s “just how their body works.”
How Does Excessive Sweating Happen?
Think of your sweat glands like sprinklers. In people with hyperhidrosis, those sprinklers go off even when they shouldn’t—like turning on during a snowstorm.
There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:
- Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis: Caused by overactive nerves that trigger sweat glands. It usually affects specific areas like the hands, feet, armpits, or face, and often starts in childhood or adolescence.
- Secondary (generalised) hyperhidrosis: Happens due to an underlying condition, medication, or hormone imbalance. This type tends to cause sweating all over the body.
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
Let’s talk about the possible causes.
In some cases, there’s no obvious cause (primary hyperhidrosis). But when there is a cause, it usually falls into one of the following:
- Medical conditions (secondary hyperhidrosis):
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Infections like tuberculosis
- Menopause (hot flashes)
- Certain cancers
- Obesity
- Medications:
- Antidepressants
- Painkillers (e.g. opioids)
- Diabetes medications (e.g. insulin, sulfonylureas)
- Genetics:
- If someone in your family sweats excessively, you’re more likely to develop it too.
- Stress and anxiety:
- Emotional triggers can fire up the sweat glands, especially in people with anxiety disorders.
Risk Factors
So, who is most likely to experience excessive sweating?
- Young adults and teens: Primary hyperhidrosis often begins in adolescence.
- Family history: Up to 30–50% of people with hyperhidrosis have a relative with the same issue.
- People with certain health conditions: Like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or infections.
- Hormonal changes: Such as during menopause or puberty.
While anyone can get hyperhidrosis, having one or more of these risk factors makes it more likely.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Besides noticeable sweating, you might also notice:
- Sweat soaking through clothes even in cool weather
- Cold, clammy hands or feet
- Skin infections in areas that stay moist (e.g. fungal infections)
- Social anxiety or embarrassment, especially when shaking hands or wearing certain clothes
When hyperhidrosis gets worse, it may interfere with daily activities. Imagine struggling to hold a pen, drive a car, or even use a touchscreen because of slippery hands.
Tests to Identify the Cause
If you’re sweating more than usual and it’s affecting your life, it’s time to see a doctor.
The gold standard test is often: Starch-iodine test
Here’s how it works:
- Iodine solution is applied to the skin.
- Once it dries, starch is sprinkled on top.
- When you sweat, the area turns dark blue or black, showing where and how much you sweat.
In cases where a secondary cause is suspected, blood tests or imaging (like a chest X-ray) may be needed to rule out thyroid issues, infections, or other systemic problems.
Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Let’s talk solutions. The goal is to reduce sweating and improve quality of life.
First-line treatments:
- Antiperspirants:
- These aren’t just for underarms! Products with aluminium chloride (like Driclor or Certain Dri) can be applied to hands, feet, and underarms.
- They work by plugging the sweat ducts.
- Lifestyle tips:
- Wear breathable fabrics (like cotton).
- Change socks regularly and rotate shoes.
- Avoid spicy foods or caffeine that can trigger sweating.
If that’s not enough:
- Iontophoresis:
- A procedure where a mild electric current passes through water to block sweat glands (great for hands and feet).
- Botox injections:
- Botox can temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating.
- Effects last 4–6 months, and it’s commonly used for underarms.
- Oral medications:
- Anticholinergics like glycopyrrolate can reduce sweating all over the body, but may cause dry mouth, constipation, or blurred vision.
- Microwave therapy (miraDry):
- Destroys sweat glands in the underarm using thermal energy.
- Surgery:
- As a last resort, procedures like sympathectomy (cutting nerves that trigger sweating) may be considered, especially for severe palm sweating.
Final Thoughts
Excessive sweating can feel like a hidden struggle—one that affects confidence, comfort, and even your daily choices. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
If you or someone you know is dealing with this condition, you’re not alone, and effective help is available. The key is to speak up and reach out.
References
- Hyperhidrosis: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes
- International Hyperhidrosis Society. Understanding Hyperhidrosis. https://www.sweathelp.org/home.html
- NHS UK – Hyperhidrosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/excessive-sweating/
- American Academy of Dermatology Association – Excessive sweating. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/excessive-sweating-overview