What is excessive sweating?

Excessive or uncontrollable sweating (hyperhidrosis) can be distressing and embarrassing. But it's also quite common. Around 4 in every 100 Australians have excessive sweating. This means they sweat a lot for no apparent reason, even when they are not hot or doing physical activity.

If you have excessive sweating, you might sweat so much it soaks through your clothes. Treatments can help lessen the impact of excessive sweating on your life.

There are 2 main types of excessive sweating that can affect different areas of your body:

1. Focal hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating with no apparent cause in certain areas of the body, usually the armpits, hands, feet or face.
2. Generalised hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating that affects the entire body, usually due to an underlying medical problem.

What symptoms are related to excessive sweating?

You may have excessive sweating if you:

• have visible droplets of sweat that drip off your fingertips or palms
• have sweat that makes your socks and shoes moist
• sweat from your armpits that drips down your body

What causes sweating?

Normally, when you get very hot or exercise, your nervous system causes your sweat glands to produce fluid that evaporates and cools your body. You may also sweat if you're feeling nervous or stressed.

What causes excessive sweating?

Most people with excessive sweating have a condition called 'idiopathic hyperhidrosis'. This means that the cause is unknown. It's possible that the nerves that usually make you sweat become overactive and start the sweat glands even without heat or physical activity.

This type of hyperhidrosis often runs in families. It often affects your armpits, then your palms and feet and least commonly your face.

For some people, excessive sweating is caused by a medical condition.

Some medicines can also cause excessive sweating.

How is the cause of excessive sweating diagnosed?

To diagnose hyperhidrosis, your doctor will examine you and may do some tests to rule out a medical cause of your excessive sweating.

Your doctor may arrange tests to rule out a medical cause of your excessive sweating such as:

• diabetes
• menopause
• thyroid problems
• low blood sugar
• some types of cancer
• heart attack
• nervous system disorders
• infections

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

• you suddenly start to sweat more than usual
• sweating impacts your daily life
• you have night sweats without a known reason
• excessive sweating makes you feel anxious and unhappy

When to seek urgent care

Go to an emergency department or call an ambulance on triple zero (000) if you have excessive sweating together with:

• chest pain
• feeling lightheaded
• nausea

These could be a sign of something more serious.

How is excessive sweating treated?

Treatment depends on the type of hyperhidrosis you have and where the excessive sweating occurs on your body.

Self-care

If you suffer from excessive sweating, it's important to keep the affected areas as clean and dry as possible.

You could use absorbent pads, under your arms to stop the sweat from soaking through your clothes. You may also want to try a strong antiperspirant (containing aluminium).

Choose clothes made from natural fibres such as silk or cotton that allow your skin to breathe. Make sure you carry a spare set of clothes with you.

If the sweating affects your palms, wearing gloves may help you with day-to-day tasks. If it affects your feet, take your shoes and socks off to air your feet when you can. Consider changing your socks at least 2 times each day.

It's important to drink plenty of water to replace fluid lost when you sweat.

If you are upset or embarrassed, it can help to talk to a counsellor or psychologist.

Medicines for excessive sweating

If you have excessive sweating your doctor may prescribe:

• nerve-blocking medicines
• antidepressant medicines
• botulinum toxin type A (Botox) — works by reducing the amount of sweat produced by your sweat glands

These treatments tend to provide temporary relief and they don't work for everyone.

Other treatment options

You can also speak to your doctor about other treatment options, such as:

• therapy
• iontophoresis
• surgery

Iontophoresis involves a mild electrical current being delivered through water to areas of affected skin. This causes a temporary blockage of your sweat ducts.

If your hyperhidrosis is severe, or doesn't respond to other treatments your doctor may recommend surgery. This can be a more permanent solution, which removes your sweat glands or severs the nerves. Side effects can include damage to other organs and sweating in other areas after surgery.

Psychotherapy, behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve your quality of life.

Can excessive sweating be prevented?

Excessive sweating may get better with age.

Treatments are also available to help reduce sweating. Surgery can help some people however this has side effects.

Complications of excessive sweating

Excessive sweating doesn't affect your health, but it can affect your quality of life. Many people with this condition can find it makes them unhappy, depressed, anxious or embarrassed. It can affect your social life, work, relationships and confidence.

It can also lead to complications such as dermatitis, and physical discomfort.

Resources and support

The Australasian College of Dermatologists has information on the main types of excessive sweating.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.