What is excessive sweating?

Excessive or uncontrollable sweating (hyperhidrosis) can be distressing and embarrassing. But it's also quite common. Around 3 in every 100 Australians have excessive sweating. This means they sweat a lot for no apparent reason, even when they aren't hot or doing physical activity.

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

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

• Focal hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating with no apparent cause in certain areas of the body, usually the armpits, hands, feet or face.
• 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
• your sweat makes your socks and shoes moist
• your sweat from your armpits drips down your body

What causes sweating?

Normally, when you get very hot or exercise, your nervous system causes your sweat glands to produce sweat 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 your nerves that usually make you sweat become overactive and turn on the sweat glands even without heat or physical activity.

This type of hyperhidrosis often runs in families. It often affects your armpits, your palms and feet and sometimes 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 find the 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 sweating 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 emergency care

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you or someone you know has excessive sweating and:

• has chest pain
• feels lightheaded
• has nausea (feels sick)

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. Apply talcum powder or cornstarch to these areas after showering.

You could use absorbent pads under your arms to stop the sweat from soaking through your clothes. You can 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. Try 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 can provide temporary relief but 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 permanent solution, which removes your sweat glands or cuts 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 available to help reduce sweating. Surgery can help some people however this has side effects.

What are the 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
• embarrassed

It can also affect your:

• social life
• work
• relationships
• confidence

If your condition is affecting your mental health, it is important that you speak to your doctor or a counsellor. There are also mental health organisations that can help. Here is a list of mental health helplines.

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.

The Skin Hospital has more information about excessive sweating and other types of skin conditions.

If excessive sweating is affecting your mental health, Beyond Blue has free online or on the phone counselling services.

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 you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.