I Sweat Too Much: What Can I Do?

Sweating cools the body, but sweating that happens without heat or exercise, soaks clothing, or interferes with work and social life may be excessive sweating. It can affect the underarms, palms, soles, face, or several areas. Some people sweat mainly in those areas without another illness; new or generalised sweating can also occur with heat exhaustion, an overactive thyroid, low blood sugar, or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Keep a brief diary of timing, foods, medicines, stress, sleep, and body areas involved. Use an antiperspirant as directed on dry skin, choose breathable clothing, change damp socks, and use absorbent underarm layers if helpful. A clinician can discuss iontophoresis for hands or feet, botulinum toxin injections for selected areas, or microwave sweat-gland treatment for underarms. The right option depends on the pattern, skin condition, medical history, and goals.

Arrange an assessment if sweating is new, worsening, widespread, occurs during sleep, or comes with weight change, tremor, fever, dizziness, or medication changes. Seek urgent help for heavy sweating with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, breathing trouble, or signs of overheating. These symptoms need attention because the concern is the accompanying red flag, not simply the amount of sweat.

Could a medicine or health condition be contributing? Which areas and triggers should I record? Is an antiperspirant enough, and how should I use it safely? Which treatment fits my affected areas, skin sensitivity, and daily routine?