Ways to Stop Excessive Sweating

Sweating helps regulate body temperature, but excessive sweating can happen when the sweat glands are overactive or when another health issue, medicine or hormonal change is involved. It may affect the underarms, palms, soles, face or more than one area. Primary hyperhidrosis often starts without another illness and can interfere with clothing, work, sleep or social contact. New or widespread sweating deserves a medical review because conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypoglycaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or heat exhaustion can also present with sweating.

A symptom page on [Excessive Sweating](/symptoms/excessive-sweating/) can help you describe when the sweating began, which areas are affected and whether it occurs during sleep.

Start with an antiperspirant rather than a deodorant: antiperspirants reduce sweat reaching the skin, while deodorants mainly reduce odour. A clinician or pharmacist may suggest a stronger aluminium-based product and explain how to apply it to completely dry skin, often in the evening. Wear breathable clothing, change damp socks, use absorbent underarm pads and keep a note of triggers such as heat, spicy food, caffeine, stress or alcohol. Do not apply a strong product to irritated or freshly shaved skin.

If these measures are not enough, a clinician may discuss prescription medicines or treatments aimed at specific sites. Iontophoresis uses a mild electrical current for selected hands or feet. Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily reduce nerve signals to sweat glands in treated areas. Microwave sweat gland treatment uses energy to target underarm sweat glands. Suitability depends on your health, skin condition, treatment area and expectations.

Arrange a medical appointment if sweating is new, suddenly worse, widespread, mainly at night, or interfering with daily activities. Also seek advice if it began after a medicine change or comes with weight change, tremor, thirst, fever or repeated episodes of weakness. Get urgent help for heavy sweating with chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe breathlessness, marked weakness, hot dry skin or signs of overheating. These features need assessment for an urgent cause rather than cosmetic treatment alone.

The linked information on [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) explains symptoms that can follow excess heat. [Hyperthyroidism](/conditions/hyperthyroidism/) and [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) are other possible causes to discuss with a clinician when the pattern fits.

Ask which type of sweating fits your pattern and whether you need an examination or tests for an underlying cause. You can also ask which areas are suitable for treatment, how long each option may help, what skin care is needed afterwards, and what happens if symptoms return. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, a record of triggers, and details about night sweating or symptoms affecting other parts of your body.