While sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature, it can go beyond a normal response to heat or stress for some people. When sweating becomes excessive, unpredictable, and difficult to manage, it may be due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, or sweating more than normal.
Apart from being uncomfortable or disruptive, hyperhidrosis can also cause embarrassment and hinder confidence. Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore breaks down what hyperhidrosis is, what causes it, and what you can do to stop it from taking over your life.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what your body needs to stay cool. It often affects specific areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, face, or scalp. In many cases, only one or two areas are affected, while the rest of the body remains dry.
You may be dealing with hyperhidrosis, if you’ve ever:
- Soaked through a shirt while sitting in a cool room
- Felt your hands slip during a handshake
- Avoided certain shoes or clothes because of excessive sweat
Having hyperhidrosis doesn’t mean you have more sweat glands than others. Instead, it’s caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of your body that controls sweating. This nerve pathway becomes overly sensitive, sending excessive signals to the sweat glands even when there’s no need to cool the body.
For further reading: 10 Surprising Facts About Underarm Sweating
How is hyperhidrosis different from regular sweating?
One of the main differences between hyperhidrosis and regular sweating is that the former is a medical condition, while the latter is a normal bodily function.
| FEATURE | REGULAR SWEATING | HYPERHIDROSIS |
| Function | To cool the body off when it overheats (when exercising or stressed) | Producing sweat beyond what’s required for thermal regulation; not related to physical activity |
Triggers |
Physical activity, stress, emotions, high temperatures | Occurs even in cool temperatures or during rest; can have no apparent trigger |
Affected areas |
Usually occurs all over the body, but may be more pronounced in areas like the underarms | Most often occurs on the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet but can also affect other areas |
How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?
Sweating during hot days or when you’re in a nerve-wracking situation is normal; it happens to almost everyone. If you, however, feel like you’re sweating too much for no reason, it could be due to hyperhidrosis.
Ask yourself:
- Are you sweating even when you’re not hot or active?
- Does sweating interfere with your daily life (work, social situations, etc.)?
- Do you experience frequent skin irritation, infections, or discomfort from moisture?
If you said yes to any of these, hyperhidrosis could be to blame. Speak to a healthcare provider to assess the cause of your symptoms.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be primary (no underlying cause, often genetic) or secondary (caused by something else).
Primary focal hyperhidrosis – is excessive sweating that is NOT caused by any medical condition or a side effect of medication. It is often inherited and begins in childhood or adolescence. It causes sweat in specific or focal areas such as the:
- Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
- Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
- Face or head (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis – refers to excessive sweating that is caused by a medical condition or a side effect of a medication. It usually starts in adulthood and occurs in generalized areas or larger/other areas of the body. Those with secondary hyperhidrosis may also experience symptoms while sleeping.
Common causes/triggers include:
- Diabetes or thyroid issues
- Infections or fever
- Certain antidepressants or diabetes medications
- Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause)
- Obesity or metabolic conditions
- Certain cancers
- Chronic alcoholism
What are the treatment options for hyperhidrosis?
The good news is hyperhidrosis is treatable. One of the most common and effective treatments is botulinum toxin, which is US FDA-approved for hyperhidrosis. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that trigger sweat production, with results lasting 4 to 12 months.
Botulinum toxin for underarm sweating at Cutis can help you take control of your sweating. Benefits include:
- Quick procedure and minimal discomfort
- Reduces body odor by minimizing sweat production
- Prevents visible sweat stains on clothing
- Reduces dependence on prescription antiperspirants or other more expensive treatments
- Improves confidence or quality of life.
