Excessive Sweating
A medical condition known as hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a medical condition that causes overactive sweat glands. It most commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, or can present as generalised sweating across the body.
This condition can significantly affect quality of life and is often underdiagnosed. If excessive sweating is impacting your daily life, our team is here to help. Book a consultation to discuss your concerns and possible treatment options today.
Understanding excessive sweating.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a medical condition characterised by overactivity of the sweat glands. It causes sweating that is greater than what is needed to regulate body temperature and can occur even in cool conditions or without physical exertion.
It most commonly affects the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), or may present as more generalised sweating across the body.
While sweating is a normal and essential body function, hyperhidrosis becomes a concern when it is excessive, unpredictable, and disruptive to daily life. It is often under-recognised as a medical condition, meaning many individuals may not realise that effective treatment options are available.
The causes and types of hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis is generally classified into two main types: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common form and typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It usually affects specific areas such as the underarms, hands, or feet and occurs without an identifiable underlying medical cause. It is thought to be related to overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweat gland function.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is less common and is usually associated with an underlying medical condition, hormonal changes, or certain medications. This form is more likely to present as generalised sweating across larger areas of the body. Understanding the underlying type is an important part of guiding appropriate management and treatment.
Areas commonly affected.
Hyperhidrosis can affect a range of areas, with severity and distribution varying between individuals. The most commonly affected regions include the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), the palms of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), and the soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis). Less commonly, it may affect the face, scalp, or present as more widespread sweating across the body.
Each area can respond differently to treatment, which is why a personalised assessment is essential to determine the most suitable approach.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis (Armpit)
Axillary hyperhidrosis is a form of excessive sweating that affects the underarms and goes beyond normal sweat regulation. It may occur in response to heat, stress, or physical activity, but often happens without a clear trigger. A genetic predisposition may also play a role.
Hyperhidrosis: Hands & Feet
Palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating of the hands and feet. It commonly begins in childhood or adolescence and may have a hereditary component. Symptoms are often exacerbated by emotional stress.
Generalised Hyperhidrosis
Generalised hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs across the whole body, even when you are not physically active. It may be idiopathic or secondary to underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, infections, medications, or systemic medical conditions.
What treatments are available?
Treatment plans for hyperhidrosis are highly individualised and depend on the severity of symptoms, the areas affected, and your overall medical history.
Excessive sweating can present in different forms and may sometimes be associated with underlying factors, a thorough clinical assessment is required before recommending any treatment approach.
During your consultation, our practitioners will assess your symptoms and discuss suitable management options tailored to your needs. Treatment may focus on helping to reduce excessive sweating in targeted areas and improving day-to-day comfort and quality of life.
If you are experiencing excessive sweating, we recommend booking a consultation with our team so we can assess your condition and discuss the most appropriate options for you.
Not sure where to begin?
Book a consultation and let our experts tailor the right treatment plan for you.
WHERE TO FIND US
Hollywood Medical Centre, Suite 60/85 Monash Avenue Nedlands, Western Australia 6009
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday | 9am – 4pm
P: 08 6166 3704
E: admin@cosmeticderm.com.au
Enter through the front door and walk straight ahead to the elevators. Take the elevators up to Level 2. When you exit the elevators, turn left and follow the corridor around the corner (we are located along the corridor).