What should you know about mild hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can affect the underarms, hands, feet, face or other areas. Sweating may occur during rest, cool weather or calm activities rather than only during exercise or heat. Damp skin can soften and irritate the surface, making rubbing, odour and rash more troublesome.

A clinician will ask when sweating began, where it occurs, whether sleep is affected, and what medicines or health conditions might contribute. Heat rash, intertrigo and tinea versicolor can also cause skin changes in sweaty areas, so a rash should not automatically be labelled hyperhidrosis.

Keep a brief record of timing, body sites, heat, stress, food and medicines. Wear breathable fabrics, change damp clothing or socks, and dry skin folds carefully. An over-the-counter antiperspirant may be tried as directed; a clinician can discuss prescription antiperspirant if symptoms continue.

If topical care is insufficient, options may include iontophoresis for hands or feet, botulinum toxin injections for selected areas, or microwave sweat-gland treatment for underarms. Each has practical limits and possible side effects, so suitability depends on your history and goals.

Book an assessment if sweating is new, worsening, disrupting sleep or daily tasks, or accompanied by a persistent rash. Seek urgent care for sudden heavy sweating with chest pain, faintness, breathing difficulty, confusion or severe weakness.

Ask whether another condition or medicine could be contributing, which areas can be treated, how to apply antiperspirant safely, and what alternatives fit your work, skin sensitivity and preferences.