Excessive sweating
CONCERNS
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, goes well beyond normal perspiration, it's sweating that happens regardless of temperature, activity or stress, often from the underarms, hands, feet or face. It's more common than most people realise, it's a recognised medical condition, and there are options that may help manage it.
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What causes excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating usually develops from a combination of factors:
Overactive sweat glands:
The underlying cause of primary hyperhidrosis.
Nerve signalling:
Sweat glands receiving overactive signals from the nervous system.
Genetics:
Hyperhidrosis frequently runs in families.
Stress and anxiety:
Emotional triggers can set off heavy sweating.
Hormonal changes:
Menopause and thyroid changes can increase sweating.
Medical causes:
Some conditions and medications cause secondary sweating.
Understanding hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is sweating that goes well beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. There are two types, and the distinction matters.
Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence, runs in families, and affects specific areas - most often the underarms, palms, soles or face, on both sides of the body. It happens regardless of heat or exercise, and typically stops during sleep. There's no underlying illness; the sweat glands simply receive overactive signals.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating caused by something else - an overactive thyroid, diabetes, menopause, certain medications, infections or other medical conditions. It tends to start in adulthood, often affects the whole body rather than specific areas, and can occur during sleep.
Because secondary sweating can signal an underlying issue, a full history is taken at your consultation. If your pattern suggests a possible medical cause, we'll recommend you see your GP first and our approach can work alongside medical care where appropriate.
Areas we can help with
underarm sweating
Heavy sweating from the underarms regardless of temperature.
Axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis is the most common form, often noticed as sweat marks on clothing within minutes of dressing, even in cool conditions. It usually begins in the teenage years, runs in families, and typically affects both sides equally. Antiperspirants often make little difference.
sweaty feet
Heavy sweating from the soles of the feet.
Plantar hyperhidrosis often occurs alongside sweaty hands. It can cause damp socks and shoes, slipping in footwear, and increases the risk of odour and fungal infections. Like other forms of primary hyperhidrosis, it tends to be lifelong and run in families.
sweaty hands
Persistently damp or dripping palms.
Palmar hyperhidrosis causes the palms to sweat heavily, often to the point of dripping, and can make everyday tasks like handshakes, writing or using a phone difficult. It typically starts in childhood or adolescence and is frequently triggered or worsened by stress, though it occurs without it too.
facial sweating
Excessive sweating from the face, scalp or forehead.
Craniofacial hyperhidrosis affects the face, forehead and scalp, and is often triggered by heat, stress or eating. It can be particularly noticeable because it's visible to others. It's assessed carefully, as facial sweating in adults can occasionally have an underlying cause.
What to expect at your consultation
A hyperhidrosis consultation begins with understanding your sweating pattern - where it happens, when it started, whether it runs in your family, and whether it occurs during sleep. These details help distinguish primary hyperhidrosis from sweating with an underlying cause.
Your nurse will take a full medical history, including any medications and health conditions, and assess the areas affecting you. If anything suggests a possible medical cause, we'll recommend you see your GP first. From there, we'll create a personalised plan tailored to you.
Under Australian advertising guidelines (TGA), we're unable to discuss specific treatments on our website, so options and costs are always discussed in person.
Treatments we offer for excessive sweating
At W.D.I Clinic, professional treatment options for excessive sweating may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation, and treatment options are discussed in person. All cosmetic procedures carry risks, and results vary between individuals.
Frequently asked questions
What is hyperhidrosis?
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It's a condition where the body produces far more sweat than it needs to regulate temperature, often affecting the underarms, hands, feet or face regardless of activity or weather. It's a recognised medical condition and more common than most people realise.
What's the difference between normal sweating and hyperhidrosis?
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Normal sweating responds to heat, exercise or stress and settles when they do. Hyperhidrosis happens regardless of those triggers, often in specific areas, and can soak through clothing or drip from the hands even in cool conditions.
Do I need to see a doctor first?
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Not always, but sweating that starts in adulthood, affects the whole body, or happens during sleep can occasionally have an underlying cause. Your nurse will take a full history and, if anything suggests a medical cause, recommend you see your GP first.
Which areas can be treated?
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Commonly the underarms, hands, feet and face. Your nurse will assess the areas affecting you at your consultation.
How long does treatment last?
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This varies from person to person and is discussed at your consultation.
Will I stop sweating completely?
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Treatment aims to reduce excessive sweating in the treated area rather than stop sweating altogether - some sweating is normal and necessary. Your nurse will explain what to expect at your consultation.
Does W·D·I Clinic offer fine lines and wrinkles consultations near me?
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W·D·I Clinic is based in Dubbo and regularly travels to locations across Western NSW. Visit our Locations page to see upcoming clinic dates and find the nearest location to you.
What causes excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating usually develops from a combination of factors:
-
Overactive sweat glands: The underlying cause of primary hyperhidrosis.
-
Nerve signalling: Sweat glands receiving overactive signals from the nervous system.
-
Genetics: Hyperhidrosis frequently runs in families.
-
Stress and anxiety: Emotional triggers can set off heavy sweating.
-
Hormonal changes: Menopause and thyroid changes can increase sweating.
-
Medical causes: Some conditions and medications cause secondary sweating.