Excessive Sweating Treatment
Understand the difference between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis, when it needs medical assessment, and how our medical team may help with persistent underarm sweating.
RQIA Registered | Doctor- and Nurse-Led | Complimentary Consultation
WHO IT AFFECTS
Men and women alike
TWO TYPES
Primary or secondary
FIRST STEP
Antiperspirant and self-care
IN CLINIC
Complimentary consultation
What is excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?
Sweating is a normal and healthy way for the body to control its temperature. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweating much more than the body needs, often when you are not hot or exercising. It most commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles of the feet and face, and it is more common than many people realise.
There are two main types. Primary hyperhidrosis has no underlying medical cause; it usually begins earlier in life, affects specific areas on both sides of the body, often runs in families and tends not to happen during sleep. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by something else, such as a medical condition, hormonal change or a medicine, and more often affects the whole body or happens at night.
Excessive sweating becomes a concern when it disrupts daily life, work or confidence, or when it starts suddenly, happens at night or comes with other symptoms. At our clinics in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry, a consultation for excessive underarm sweating may be a helpful next step for adults with primary underarm sweating once other causes have been considered.
What causes excessive sweating?
Sweating is controlled by the nervous system. In hyperhidrosis this signalling is more active than it needs to be, sometimes for no clear reason and sometimes because of another condition or a medicine.
Overactive sweat signals
In primary hyperhidrosis the nerves that switch on the sweat glands are overactive, even though the glands themselves are normal. There is no underlying illness.
Family history
Primary hyperhidrosis often runs in families, so a parent or sibling may have noticed the same pattern of sweating.
Medical conditions
Some health conditions, and the menopause, can cause sweating as a symptom.
Medicines and triggers
Some medicines, including certain antidepressants, can increase sweating. Heat, stress, caffeine, alcohol and spicy food can also make episodes worse.
Treatments for excessive sweating at A Aesthetics
Where underarm sweating persists despite antiperspirants and self-care, these are the options our medical team may discuss with you.
Underarm sweating consultation
A face-to-face consultation with a doctor or nurse prescriber for adults with primary underarm hyperhidrosis. We review your symptoms and talk through the options that may suit you.
Hands, feet and face
Our consultation focuses on underarm sweating. For hands, feet or face, we can talk through your options at the same visit.
Your medical assessment
We review your symptoms, your medical history and what you have already tried. You leave with an honest plan, which may or may not include treatment with us.
Everyday tips for managing excessive sweating
Use antiperspirant at night
Apply a stronger antiperspirant, such as one containing aluminium chloride, to clean, completely dry skin before bed, when sweat glands are less active. Your pharmacist can advise which to try.
Choose breathable fabrics
Loose clothing in cotton, linen or moisture-wicking fabrics helps, and darker or patterned colours show sweat less. Sweat shields can protect clothing on busier days.
Know your triggers
Keeping a simple diary can show whether heat, stress, caffeine, alcohol or spicy food make your sweating worse, so you can plan around them.
Care for your feet and skin
Wear moisture-absorbing socks, change them often and alternate shoes so they can dry out. Showering daily and drying skin well also helps prevent irritation and odour.
Excessive sweating FAQs
What is the difference between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis?
Primary hyperhidrosis has no underlying medical cause and usually affects specific areas such as the underarms, hands or feet on both sides. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another condition or a medicine, and more often affects the whole body or happens at night.
Can excessive sweating be prevented?
Primary hyperhidrosis cannot be prevented, but it can often be managed well. Antiperspirant used at night, breathable clothing and avoiding your personal triggers can all reduce how much it affects your day.
What happens at the consultation?
It starts with a face-to-face consultation with a doctor or nurse prescriber, who reviews your symptoms and history and talks through the options that may suit you. See our underarm sweating consultation page for more detail.
Is treatment suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on your medical history, any medication you take and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Treatment with us is not the right approach where sweating has an underlying medical cause. We review your medical history carefully and will be honest if treatment is not right for you.
How do I book?
Start with a complimentary consultation at our Coleraine or Derry/Londonderry clinic, or call us on 028 7051 2101.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Begin with a complimentary consultation
Sit down with one of our medical team, talk through what you would like to change, and leave with an honest, personalised plan. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are only offered after a face-to-face consultation.
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
50 Victoria Gate
Derry, BT47 2TP
07702 529535
COLERAINE
6–8 Dunmore Street
Coleraine, BT52 1EL
028 7051 2101
RQIA Registered | contact@aaesthetics.net
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