Conditions › Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) – Consultant Treatment in London
Hyperhidrosis means sweating more than your body needs to cool itself. It can affect the underarms, palms, soles, face or the whole body, and may impact daily tasks and confidence. We offer personalised, consultant‑led assessment and treatment to help you stay comfortable and in control.
Call Us Book Consultation| What is excessive sweating? | Hyperhidrosis is persistent, excessive sweating beyond normal temperature control. It may be localised (underarms, hands, feet, face) or generalised. |
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| What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis? | Noticeable, often symmetrical sweating; damp clothing or shoes; slippery grips; skin maceration and odour; social or work embarrassment. |
| Who gets hyperhidrosis? | Any age. Primary hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood/teens; secondary forms may be due to medicines or medical conditions. |
| Why is it important to treat? | Improves comfort, prevents skin problems (infections, eczema), protects footwear and devices, and supports confidence and daily function. |
| How is it treated? | Medical antiperspirants (aluminium salts), prescription options, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, and selected device therapies. Treatment is tailored to the area and severity. |
| When should I see a doctor? | If sweating started suddenly, occurs at night, is generalised, or is associated with weight loss, fevers, palpitations or new medicines. |
| What complications can occur? | Skin irritation, fissuring, infections, impact on mental wellbeing; rare pigment changes after procedures, especially in darker skin tones. |
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a common condition where the sweat glands are overactive, producing more sweat than is necessary for temperature regulation. It may be primary (idiopathic), usually affecting both sides equally, or secondary to medications or medical conditions.
Causes of hyperhidrosis and how it develops
In primary hyperhidrosis, the exact cause is unknown, but the nerves that activate sweat glands are more easily triggered. Sweating often worsens with heat, emotion or stress. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be related to pregnancy, thyroid disease, diabetes, menopause, infections, anxiety, certain medicines (for example antidepressants) and alcohol. Your clinician will check for red flags that suggest a secondary cause.
Symptoms of hyperhidrosis and flare-ups
Typical symptoms include visible sweating through clothes, clammy hands/feet, slipping when holding objects, problems using touchscreens, and skin softening or rashes in damp areas. Underarm (axillary), palm and sole sweating are most common; face and scalp may also be involved.
Patient experiences vary — some report daily, life‑disrupting episodes, while others only have occasional flare‑ups during stress, heat or exercise.
Who is most affected by hyperhidrosis?
Primary hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or the teenage years and may run in families. It affects all skin types and ages. Generalised or night‑time sweating is more likely to have an underlying cause and warrants medical assessment.
How hyperhidrosis is diagnosed
Diagnosis is clinical: a careful history and skin examination to confirm pattern and triggers. We consider severity (for example, the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale), distribution, and any features suggesting secondary causes. Tests are only done when history or examination points to an underlying condition.
Regain Confidence with Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Central London
Book a consultation in Maida Vale for excessive sweating. We offer discreet, consultant-led treatments including prescription plans and Botox for underarms or palms.
Call Us Book ConsultationHyperhidrosis treatment options and management
Self‑care and medical antiperspirants
Start with high‑strength antiperspirants (usually aluminium chloride) applied at night to clean, dry skin, then reduce to maintenance as control improves. Wear breathable fabrics and rotate footwear; use absorbent insoles if soles are affected.
Iontophoresis
A safe, non‑invasive treatment particularly effective for hands and feet. Low‑voltage electrical current is passed through tap water (or with additives) to reduce sweating. Initial sessions are frequent, followed by maintenance.
Botulinum toxin injections
Very effective for underarm sweating. Tiny injections block the nerve signals to sweat glands. Results typically last several months before repeat treatment is needed. Palms/soles can be treated in selected cases but may be uncomfortable and can cause temporary weakness.
Prescription medicines
Short courses of anticholinergic tablets or topical wipes/gels may be considered for selected patients after risk–benefit discussion (they can cause dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation). We individualise dosing and monitoring.
Device and procedural options
Selected device‑based treatments (for example, microwave thermolysis for underarms) may be suitable for persistent axillary hyperhidrosis. Surgical sympathectomy is rarely used and reserved for severe, resistant cases after specialist review.
When urgent assessment is needed
Seek medical advice promptly if sweating is new and unexplained, occurs mainly at night, is associated with weight loss, fever or palpitations, or starts after a new medicine.
Living with and managing hyperhidrosis day‑to‑day
Plan clothing layers and carry spare tops or socks; choose moisture‑wicking fabrics; use absorbent dress shields or underarm pads; protect shoes with odour‑control insoles; keep emollients handy if skin becomes irritated; and consider a small portable fan for travel.
Special considerations for skin of colour
Underarm and groin areas may develop post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation after friction or procedures. We tailor treatment strength and aftercare to reduce irritation and pigment changes, and we discuss expectations before device‑based therapies.
Why choose Skinhorizon for hyperhidrosis treatment in London?
- Consultant dermatologist–led diagnosis to rule out secondary causes.
- Evidence‑based treatments: medical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, prescription options, and precise botulinum toxin protocols.
- Clear plans, safety counselling and follow‑up under CQC standards.
Your first visit — what to expect
- History: Review of symptoms, triggers, and personal/family history.
- Examination: Assessment of affected areas, severity, distribution and skin changes.
- Discussion: Education about hyperhidrosis, lifestyle advice, and trigger management.
- Treatment plan: Antiperspirants, iontophoresis, prescription options and/or botulinum toxin as appropriate.
- Follow‑up: Monitoring to adjust treatment and maintain control.
Reviewed by: Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ
Last reviewed: 20 August 2025
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) FAQs
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the body produces more sweat than is needed to regulate temperature. It commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet, or face.
This excessive sweating can occur even when the body is at rest or not overheated, often causing discomfort and social or emotional stress.
What causes excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating may be caused by overactive sweat glands (primary hyperhidrosis) or linked to another medical condition or medication (secondary hyperhidrosis).
Triggers include heat, stress, hormones, and certain health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or menopause.
Is hyperhidrosis dangerous?
Hyperhidrosis is usually not dangerous, but it can significantly affect quality of life. It may cause skin irritation, infections, and emotional distress.
In rare cases, underlying conditions such as thyroid or nerve problems can be responsible, so medical assessment is important.
How is hyperhidrosis diagnosed?
A dermatologist usually diagnoses hyperhidrosis based on your symptoms and medical history. Sometimes tests such as a starch-iodine test are used to locate areas of heavy sweating.
Blood or urine tests may be done if an underlying condition is suspected.
What are the treatment options for excessive sweating?
Treatment for hyperhidrosis includes prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medication, Botox® injections, iontophoresis, or laser treatments.
In severe cases, surgical procedures to reduce sweat gland activity may be considered. Your dermatologist will tailor treatment to your needs and lifestyle.
Can hyperhidrosis be cured permanently?
There is no universal permanent cure for hyperhidrosis, but long-term control is possible with the right treatment.
Many patients achieve excellent results with repeated Botox® injections or minimally invasive procedures that reduce sweat gland activity.