Hyperhidrosis (Heavy Sweating)

• Excessive or uncontrollable sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be very distressing and embarrassing, but it's quite common.
• People with hyperhidrosis sweat a lot for no apparent reason, even when they aren’t hot and not exercising.
• Usually, excessive sweating is not associated with illness or disease, but occasionally there is a medical reason that might cause you to sweat excessively.
• Your doctor can help you understand the cases of your hyperhidrosis, check for any underlying conditions and suggest treatment and management options.
• There are lifestyle strategies that can also help you manage your situation. If you are distressed by your condition, it can help to talk to a counsellor or psychologist.

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 may become overactive and trigger the sweat glands even without heat or physical activity.

This type of hyperhidrosis often runs in families. It can be worse if you are nervous or stressed. It most commonly affects your armpits, then your palms and feet and least commonly your face.

For some people, excessive sweating is caused by a medical condition. It’s important to see your doctor so you can be tested to rule out a medical cause.

Some medicines can also cause excessive sweating.

Excessive sweating in itself doesn’t affect your health, but it can affect your quality of life. Many people with this condition find it can make them unhappy, depressed, anxious or embarrassed. It can affect people's social lives, work, relationships and level of confidence. You might feel that your choice of clothing is restricted, for example, if you tend to wear black so sweat stains are less visible. It can also lead to complications such as skin conditions like eczema and physical discomfort.

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

Most people with excessive sweating don't realise they can get help, but there are several things you can do, and treatment may include:

• Medicines: including strong antiperspirants (containing aluminium), nerve-blocking medicines, antidepressants or botulinum toxin type A (this works by reducing the amount of sweat produced by sweat glands when injected around the glands). 
• Therapy: psychotherapy, behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques to help you reduce anxiety and improve your quality of life.
• Iontophoresis: a mild electrical current is delivered through water to areas of affected skin.
• Surgery: if your hyperhidrosis is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the sweat glands or sever the nerves. This can be a more permanent solution, but side effects can include damage to other organs and sweating in other areas after surgery to one area.