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Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Sweating is the body’s natural response to cooling down, so it is normal to sweat if you are in a very hot environment or when exercising, but if you sweat when your body doesn’t need to cool down, you could be one of the 1% of UK adults living with hyperhidrosis.
The sweating is noticed most commonly in the armpits, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, on the face or in the groin, but it can affect any part of the body. In some people, the whole body is affected, and this is called generalised hyperhidrosis.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can run in families – it is thought that 30 – 50% of sufferers have a relative who also has the condition.
It can occur as a side effect of some medications, including some antidepressants, opioid painkillers, diabetic treatments like insulin and gliclazide, antipsychotic drugs and nicotine replacement therapy.
You should never stop prescribed medication without talking to your doctor, but if you develop hyperhidrosis after starting a new medicine, speak to your doctor about an alternative treatment.
It can be associated with the menopause, pregnancy or with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injury.
It is often worse in individuals suffering with stress or anxiety and can be triggered by eating spicy foods or drinking caffeine or alcohol.
How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by taking a detailed history from you regarding your symptoms. Some patients may be offered a sweat test to measure how much sweat is being produced, but as far as I am concerned, if an individual tells me they are sweating excessively and it is affecting their quality of life, then we need to act.
You may also be offered blood tests to check for underlying causes, such as an overactive thyroid.
Are there lifestyle changes that help manage hyperhidrosis?
Yes. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and natural fabrics like cotton rather than man-made fibres will help. If feet are affected, wearing leather shoes rather than trainers will help and try to wear different shoes day to day.
If you think spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine could be a trigger for you, then cutting back on these will also help.
What treatments are available for hyperhidrosis?
Your first port of call should be to the pharmacist to discuss aluminium-based antiperspirants, which are available over the counter.
There are prescription medications, including an anticholinergic medication called glycopyrrolate, although this may have to be started by a specialist.
Sometimes we can use something called iontophoresis, where small electric currents are used to temporarily shut down the sweat glands in the affected area.
Botulinum toxin injections are also available on the NHS to switch off sweat production. These are very effective but need to be repeated every few months.
Occasionally, we need to perform surgery to remove the sweat glands or cut the nerves supplying the glands.
Author
Dr Dawn Harper - MBBS MRCP DCH DFFP
NHS GP and TV Personality
Breaking the Stress-Sweat Cycle
One of the hardest parts of Hyperhidrosis is the feedback loop between anxiety and sweating. Worrying about sweating triggers stress, and stress causes even more sweat.To break that cycle, it helps to combine emotional support with practical sweat management solutions. Here are some effective ways to take control:
1. Use a High-Strength Antiperspirant (this is an H3 title)
Standard deodorants aren’t designed for Hyperhidrosis. What you need is a clinical-strength antiperspirant that blocks sweat at the source.
Recommended:
- Sweat Guard Antiperspirant Spray – ideal for underarms, chest, or back
- Sweat Guard Antiperspirant Roll-On – gentle yet powerful protection for daily confidence
- Sweat Guard Hand & Foot Antiperspirant Roll-On – Formulated for palms and soles, where sweating is hardest to control
These products help you reduce physical symptoms, which in turn eases the anxiety that comes from worrying about sweat showing through clothes or affecting daily activities.
2. Practice Stress-Management Techniques
Even small mindfulness exercises can make a difference.Deep breathing, short meditations, or yoga can help calm your mind and your body’s sweat response.
Pairing relaxation with reliable sweat protection, like Sweat Guard’s Clinical Strength Range, can help you feel in control both mentally and physically.
3. Protect Your Clothing and Confidence
For those who struggle with underarm sweat marks, consider using Sweat Guard Triple Absorbent sweat pads or Sweat Absorbent Undershirts. Both are designed to absorb moisture before it reaches your clothes, helping you look and feel fresh all day.Wearing sweat pads or protective clothing can significantly reduce self-consciousness in social or work settings, boosting confidence and easing anxiety.
4. Talk About It and Seek Support
Opening up to friends, family, or a healthcare professional can make a world of difference.Hyperhidrosis isn’t your fault. It’s a medical condition, and you’re not alone.
Online support groups and communities can also offer reassurance and advice from others who understand what you’re going through.
5. Remember that Managing Sweat Helps Manage Stress
When you have the right tools to manage Hyperhidrosis, whether that’s an effective antiperspirant, sweat-proof clothing, or a tailored routine, you begin to feel more in control.
With that control comes confidence, comfort, and improved mental well-being.
