Excessive Sweating: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Excessive sweating means perspiration feels out of proportion to the surroundings or activity, or happens when cooling is not needed. It may soak clothing, make handshakes difficult, soften skin between the toes or cause frequent clothing changes. Some people notice it mainly in the underarms, palms or soles; others experience sweating across several body areas.

Excessive sweating may result from heat, medicines, a medical condition or overactive sweat glands, and the right treatment depends on its pattern and cause.

Arrange prompt medical help if heavy sweating comes with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, chest discomfort, breathlessness, a very high body temperature or inability to cool down. Sweating with shakiness, hunger or dizziness may need urgent attention, particularly for someone using glucose-lowering treatment. New drenching night sweats or a sudden unexplained change also merit clinical review.

The possible causes are listed alphabetically, not as a likelihood ranking. Underarm Sweating, Hyperhidrosis, Sweaty Feet and Sweaty Palms describe patterns in which particular areas are affected. Heat Exhaustion can cause heavy sweating with weakness, headache or nausea. Hyperthyroidism may present with sweating alongside heat intolerance, tremor or a fast heartbeat. Hypoglycaemia can bring sweating with shakiness or confusion. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea may be associated with night sweating and disturbed breathing during sleep.

A clinician asks when sweating began, where it occurs, whether it stops during sleep, what triggers it and how it affects daily activities. They may review medicines and health conditions, examine the skin and check for signs of heat illness or another cause. Further checks depend on the history and may include blood testing when symptoms suggest a thyroid or glucose problem.

Care is matched to the pattern and underlying reason. A prescription antiperspirant may be used on selected areas with careful application instructions. Iontophoresis uses a controlled electrical current through water for hands or feet. Botulinum toxin treatment can reduce nerve signals to sweat glands in selected areas. Microwave Sweat Gland Treatment targets underarm sweat glands. If sweating reflects heat illness, glucose change, thyroid disease or sleep-related breathing problems, treating that condition is central.

Record triggers such as heat, exercise, stress, spicy food or alcohol so patterns are easier to discuss. Choose breathable clothing, change damp socks and dry skin folds carefully. Drink fluids during heat exposure and take cooling breaks. Do not apply strong antiperspirants to irritated or freshly shaved skin unless a clinician has advised it. If night sweating is new, keep a brief symptom and medication record.

Pay attention to palpitations, tremor, weight change, fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, shakiness, snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing. The combination and timing matter more than sweating alone, so note what happens before, during and after an episode.

Book an assessment when sweating interferes with work, sleep, social contact or skin health, or when it begins without a clear trigger. A clinician can distinguish a local sweating pattern from a wider medical cause and discuss options such as Prescription Antiperspirant, Iontophoresis or other targeted treatments.