What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is required to regulate body temperature. It may occur without an identifiable cause (primary hyperhidrosis), in which case it is a condition in its own right, or it may develop as a result of an underlying medical condition or medication (secondary hyperhidrosis). Distinguishing between the two is an essential part of the clinical assessment, as treatment differs considerably depending on the underlying cause.
Primary hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating without an underlying medical condition.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating due to an underlying medical condition or medication.
Types of hyperhidrosis Dr Phillips treats:
Axillary hyperhidrosis Excessive underarm sweating, the most common pattern seen in clinic
Axillary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the underarms beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. It can lead to persistent sweat marks, frequent clothing changes and irritation of the skin, and can significantly affect confidence in professional and social situations.
Treatment depends on the severity of the sweating and previous treatments tried. Options may include prescription-strength antiperspirants, topical treatments and botulinum toxin injections, which temporarily reduce the nerve signals responsible for activating the sweat glands.
Concerned about excessive underarm sweating?
Book a consultation with Dr Phillips to discuss your symptoms and suitable treatment options.
Palmar hyperhidrosis Excessive sweating of the hands, which can significantly affect daily function and social interaction
Palmar hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating of the hands and can interfere with everyday activities such as using a keyboard, handling paperwork, gripping objects or shaking hands.
Treatment may include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin injections depending on the severity of the sweating. Dr Phillips assesses how significantly the condition is affecting daily life before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach.
Is excessive hand sweating affecting daily life?
Book a consultation to explore treatment options for excessive sweating of the hands.
Plantar hyperhidrosis Excessive sweating of the feet, often occurring alongside palmar involvement
Plantar hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating of the feet and frequently occurs alongside excessive sweating of the hands. Persistently damp feet can cause discomfort, affect footwear and increase the likelihood of skin irritation and athlete’s foot.
Treatment options may include prescription antiperspirants and iontophoresis, with other treatments considered depending on the severity of symptoms and response to previous management.
Struggling with excessive foot sweating?
Book a consultation with Dr Phillips to discuss ways to manage plantar hyperhidrosis.
Craniofacial hyperhidrosis Excessive sweating of the face and scalp
Craniofacial hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating of the face, scalp or both, sometimes occurring without heat or physical activity. Because facial sweating is highly visible, it can have a disproportionate impact on confidence and everyday social or professional interactions.
Treatment is selected carefully because of the area involved and may include topical or oral medication and, for appropriate patients, botulinum toxin injections.
Concerned about excessive facial or scalp sweating?
Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the treatment options that may be suitable for you.
Generalised hyperhidrosis Widespread sweating affecting multiple areas, which requires assessment for an underlying medical cause
Generalised hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating across large areas of the body rather than one specific location. Unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, widespread sweating can sometimes be secondary to an underlying medical condition or medication.
Dr Phillips assesses the pattern and onset of sweating alongside medical history and current medications to determine whether further investigation may be appropriate. Where an underlying cause is identified, addressing that cause is an important part of management, alongside treatment to help control excessive sweating.
Experiencing excessive sweating across your body?
Book a consultation with Dr Phillips for an assessment of your symptoms and appropriate next steps.
Could my sweating have an underlying cause?
Primary hyperhidrosis typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, affects specific body areas symmetrically, and occurs without an obvious precipitating medical cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis can develop at any age, may be more generalised, and is associated with underlying medical conditions including thyroid disorders, diabetes, infections and certain malignancies, as well as with medications including some antidepressants, opioids and antipyretics.
Establishing which type is present is the most important step at consultation. Dr Phillips assesses the pattern, timing, distribution and associated features of the sweating and arranges investigations where an underlying cause is suspected, before recommending any treatment.
How is hyperhidrosis treated?
Treatment is tailored to the pattern, severity and underlying cause and may include one or more of the following:
Prescription-strength antiperspirants
First-line treatment for mild localised hyperhidrosis, applied to dry skin at night and washed off in the morning.
Iontophoresis
A technique using a mild electrical current to temporarily reduce sweating, particularly effective for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis.
Oral medications
To reduce sweating in selected patients where topical approaches are insufficient.
Botulinum toxin injections
An effective treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis and selected other areas, producing significant reduction in sweating for several months following treatment; available only following a thorough clinical assessment.
Investigation and treatment of underlying medical conditions
Where secondary hyperhidrosis is identified, managing the underlying cause is an essential part of the plan.
What to expect at consultation
Your consultation begins with a comprehensive assessment of the pattern, distribution and severity of your sweating, together with its impact on your daily life and any associated medical history. Dr Phillips assesses for features that may suggest an underlying medical cause, arranges further investigations where appropriate, and once the cause has been established, discusses the available treatment options and develops an individualised plan tailored to your symptoms and goals.
Assess your sweating
Review the pattern, severity and impact of excessive sweating on your daily life.
Explore possible causes
Discuss your medical history and assess whether an underlying condition may be contributing.
Investigate if needed
Arrange further tests where appropriate to help establish the cause of your symptoms.
Create your treatment plan
Discuss suitable treatment options and develop an individualised plan based on your symptoms and goals.ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Why choose Dr Derrick Phillips for hyperhidrosis treatment in London
Successful treatment of hyperhidrosis begins with an accurate diagnosis and an honest conversation about the options available. As a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Phillips distinguishes between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis before recommending treatment, and matches the management approach to the affected area, severity and individual circumstances. His aim is effective, long-term control of sweating that minimises its impact on daily life.
What to know about hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a recognised and treatable medical condition, it is not a cosmetic concern or a personal failing
Sweating may be primary (a condition in its own right) or secondary to an underlying medical cause, which is why assessment comes first
Several effective treatment options are available, from prescription antiperspirants to botulinum toxin injections
Management is tailored to the pattern, severity and cause of the sweating
FAQs
Is hyperhidrosis a medical condition?
Yes, hyperhidrosis is a recognised medical condition in which sweating exceeds what is needed to regulate body temperature. It can significantly affect confidence, daily activities and quality of life, and a range of effective treatments are available.
What areas can be affected?
Hyperhidrosis most commonly affects the underarms, hands, feet and face, although some patients experience more generalised sweating. The pattern and distribution are important in determining the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment approach.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the sweating. Options may include prescription-strength antiperspirants, iontophoresis, oral medications and botulinum toxin injections. Dr Phillips will discuss the treatments most appropriate for your specific presentation at consultation.
Could my sweating have an underlying cause?
Yes. Many people have primary hyperhidrosis, where excessive sweating occurs without an underlying medical cause. In others, sweating may be secondary to a medical condition or medication.
Dr Phillips will assess the pattern of sweating, your medical history and any relevant medications before recommending treatment, and may arrange further investigation if an underlying cause is suspected.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a consultation directly with Dr Derrick Phillips to discuss your symptoms, undergo assessment and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
How long does Botulinum toxin injections for hyperhidrosis last?
Botulinum toxin injections temporarily block the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands, reducing excessive sweating in the treated area. Results typically last for several months, although this varies between patients and treatment areas. Repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effect.
Can anxiety cause hyperhidrosis?
Stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen excessive sweating because they activate the nervous system pathways that stimulate the sweat glands. However, anxiety is not necessarily the underlying cause of hyperhidrosis.
Some people find that worrying about sweating creates a cycle in which anxiety increases sweating, which in turn causes further anxiety. Where appropriate, treatment therefore focuses on controlling the sweating itself while also considering any contributing triggers.
Does hyperhidrosis ever go away on its own?
Primary hyperhidrosis is often a long-term condition, although its severity can change over time. When excessive sweating is caused by a medication or underlying medical condition, it may improve when that trigger is addressed. Persistent, new or unexplained excessive sweating should be assessed to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
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