When hyperhidrosis affects the whole body

Local hyperhidrosis commonly centres on areas such as the hands, feet, underarms, or face. Sweating over the trunk and limbs, or sweating during sleep, can point to a secondary cause that deserves review. Possibilities include a medicine effect, hormonal or metabolic change, infection, or another medical problem. This pattern does not identify one diagnosis by itself, so the timing and accompanying symptoms are essential.

A clinician may ask about fever, weight change, palpitations, tremor, thirst, sleep symptoms, alcohol or substance use, and every prescription or supplement. Moisture across skin folds can contribute to heat rash or intertrigo, while colour and scale may suggest a separate skin condition. See [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) for related symptom guidance.

Note when the sweating began, whether it is continuous or episodic, which areas become wet, and whether it wakes you. Bring a complete medicine list and mention recent illnesses or dose changes. Drink to thirst, replace damp clothing, and keep folds dry without scrubbing irritated skin. Treatment depends on the cause: a clinician may adjust a medicine, treat an underlying condition, or discuss targeted approaches such as prescription antiperspirant when appropriate.

Arrange medical care for new widespread sweating, repeated night sweating, unexplained weight change, fever, persistent cough, diarrhoea, tremor, or racing heart. Seek emergency help if sweating accompanies chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or hot dry skin after heat exposure. Do not stop a prescribed medicine suddenly unless a clinician tells you to.

Could any of my medicines or supplements explain this pattern? What symptoms should I monitor? Do I need a skin-focused plan, a general medical review, or both?