Excessive Sweating and Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis may be focal, such as sweaty palms, feet, underarms, or face, or more widespread. Primary patterns often affect matching areas on both sides and can begin earlier in life. Secondary sweating starts because of another factor, such as a medicine or health condition, and may begin suddenly or occur during sleep. The pattern helps guide assessment; the label alone does not explain the cause.

Keep a brief record of triggers, timing, affected areas, skin irritation, and practical effects. Consider related symptoms such as tremor, palpitations, fever, thirst, snoring, or waking breathless. [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) is a companion overview.

Start with gentle skin care, breathable clothing, absorbent layers, and an appointment to review medicines and possible causes. A clinician may recommend a topical antiperspirant or prescription treatment for a specific area. [Iontophoresis](/treatments/laser-and-energy/iontophoresis/) can be considered for hands or feet, while [Botox For Sweating](/treatments/injectables/botulinum-toxin-for-hyperhidrosis/) may suit selected focal areas.

Discuss benefits, limitations, maintenance, discomfort, and possible side effects before any procedure. [Microwave Sweat Gland Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/microwave-sweat-gland-treatment/) is an area-specific option and is not automatically suitable for every pattern.

Seek urgent care for sweating with chest pain, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, or signs of dangerous overheating. Arrange a prompt review when sweating begins suddenly, is widespread, repeatedly soaks sleepwear, or comes with unexplained weight change or fever. A clinician may also consider [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/), [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/), or [Obstructive Sleep Apnoea](/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnoea/) when other clues are present.

Ask whether your pattern fits focal or widespread hyperhidrosis, whether a cause needs investigation, and which first treatment suits the affected areas. Ask how to care for irritated skin, what side effects to watch for, and when a follow-up would change the plan.