Popular Links
Request an appointment
Reserve your spot with our medical team in just minutes.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that significantly exceeds what the body needs for normal temperature regulation. While sweating is a natural cooling mechanism, individuals with hyperhidrosis experience unpredictable and often profuse sweating, regardless of the temperature or their physical activity level. This condition frequently affects specific focal areas such as the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face, often causing considerable social anxiety and functional impairment.
Key Points
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is caused by the overstimulation of the eccrine sweat glands.
In people with this condition, the nerves that signal these glands to cool the body are hyperactive. This results in sweating that occurs even when the body does not need to cool down.
Who gets hyperhidrosis?
Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually starts in childhood or adolescence. It affects men and women equally and often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. Secondary hyperhidrosis (generalized sweating) is more likely to start in adulthood and may be linked to underlying health issues.
Contact Smooth Skin Clinic to discuss effective solutions for sweat control.
Clinical features
The primary symptom is visible, excessive wetness.
Axillary: Soaking through shirts, visible sweat rings, and ruining clothing.
Palmar: Damp or dripping hands, difficulty gripping objects (pens, steering wheels), and fear of shaking hands.
Plantar: Sweaty feet leading to ruined footwear and higher risk of fungal infections.
Craniofacial: Profuse sweating of the forehead and scalp, often mistaken for anxiety.
Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily based on patient history and the pattern of sweating. Secondary Hyperhidrosis: If sweating is generalized (all over the body) or occurs exclusively at night ("night sweats"), a dermatologist or GP may perform blood tests to rule out underlying causes such as thyroid issues, menopause, diabetes, or infections.
Impact and complications
The impact of hyperhidrosis is largely psychosocial. Patients often report feeling self-conscious, changing clothes multiple times a day, and avoiding social or professional situations (like public speaking or shaking hands). Physically, the constant moisture can lead to skin maceration (whitening/softening of skin) and secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Causes and triggers of eczema/atopic dermatitis
Genetics: A significant percentage of patients with primary hyperhidrosis have a family member with the condition.
Nervous System: Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system triggers the sweat glands.
Emotional Stress: Anxiety and nervousness can exacerbate sweating, creating a vicious cycle.
Secondary Causes: Medication side effects, hyperthyroidism, menopause, or obesity.
Treatment Options
-
Clinical Strength Antiperspirants Prescription-grade aluminium chloride solutions (e.g., Driclor) that physically block sweat ducts.
-
Iontophoresis A device that uses water currents to temporarily shut down sweat glands, primarily used for hands and feet.
-
Oral Medications Anticholinergic tablets (such as oxybutynin) can reduce overall body sweating, though side effects like dry mouth are common.
-
Phototherapy For chronic or severe eczema.
-
Injectable medications The most popular treatment for axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis. Muscle-relaxant injections block the nerve signals to the sweat glands, stopping sweating for 4–9 months.
Note: Medicare rebates are available for severe axillary hyperhidrosis when treated by an approved specialist. -
miraDry / Energy Devices (If applicable to your clinic) Permanent reduction of sweat glands using thermal energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about scheduling or what to expect? Here are answers to common inquiries to help you feel fully prepared.
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. We use a very fine needle, and for sensitive areas, we can apply a high-strength numbing cream beforehand. The treatment for underarms is very quick, often taking less than 15 minutes.
Injectable treatments are not permanent; they typically last between 4 to 9 months, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the product. Most patients schedule "maintenance" appointments twice a year to stay dry year-round.
This is a common concern called "compensatory sweating." It is rare with injectable treatments. It is more commonly associated with an older surgical procedure called ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy), which we generally advise against due to this risk.