Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hyperhidrosis?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually treats hyperhidrosis, which means sweating much more than the body needs. A primary care doctor can also check for health problems or medicines that cause the sweating. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably. People with it may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. With hyperhidrosis, you sweat even when your body does not need cooling. It is not contagious.
Symptoms
The main symptom is sweating. Many people sweat heavily in one area, such as the palms. Other common areas are both underarms, the soles of the feet, or the head.
Sweaty, wet palms can make it hard for a child to hold a pencil or crayon. Adults may avoid shaking hands and may need to change their clothes or shoes a few times a day.
Causes and who gets it
Sweating that is not caused by another disease is called primary hyperhidrosis. People with hyperhidrosis appear to have overactive sweat glands, the tiny parts of the skin that make sweat. When it affects the hands, feet, and armpits, no cause can be found in most cases. It seems to run in families. It often begins during childhood or adolescence, and most people who develop it are otherwise healthy.
If the sweating results from another medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. Examples include diabetes, an overactive thyroid, menopause, Parkinson disease, and stroke. Some medicines can also cause it.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider may notice visible signs of sweating during a visit. A dermatologist will ask questions such as which medicines you take, how long you have had the sweating, and which body parts sweat. They may also ask if a blood relative has had excessive sweating. You may need a physical exam, medical testing, or both.
Tests that may be used include:
- A starch-iodine test, where iodine and then starch are put on the sweaty area. It turns dark blue to black where there is extra sweat.
- Blood tests, if thyroid problems or other medical conditions are suspected.
Treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology says there is no cure for hyperhidrosis at this time. A dermatologist can build a treatment plan that usually includes a medicine, a procedure, or both. There is no single best treatment, so the plan is based on your type of hyperhidrosis, your symptoms, and where you sweat.
Options include:
- Antiperspirants, which plug the sweat ducts. Store-bought ones work only for mild sweating, and many people need a prescription antiperspirant. They can irritate the skin.
- Prescription cloths or gels for the underarms, which are FDA approved for people 9 and older. Dry mouth and irritated skin are common side effects.
- Iontophoresis, which uses a weak electric current in water to temporarily turn off sweat glands. It works best for the hands and feet. Rare side effects include skin cracking and blisters.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which temporarily lower the amount of sweat where they are injected. They are FDA approved for this use. Side effects include pain, bruising, and muscle weakness where injected.
- Medicines taken by mouth, which may be used when sweating is in several areas or over most of the body. Dry mouth is the most common side effect. These medicines can make it hard for the body to cool itself, so a fever or heat stroke can occur, and you should avoid hot temperatures.
Surgery may be considered if other treatments fail. Sweat glands can be removed from the underarms, which can cause scarring, pain, bleeding, and infection. Sympathectomy cuts a nerve to turn off the signal that tells the body to sweat. It is usually done on people whose palms sweat much more heavily than normal. Most patients have some degree of compensatory sweating, which ranges from mild to heavy. It means more sweating in other areas of the body.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have sweating that is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained. Also contact your provider if the sweating comes with weight loss, happens mostly during sleep, or comes with fever or a rapid, pounding heartbeat. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look for medicines or health conditions that may cause the sweating, and can order blood tests if thyroid problems are suspected. They can also refer you to a dermatologist for treatment.
Common questions
Is hyperhidrosis contagious?
No, hyperhidrosis is not contagious.
Can hyperhidrosis be cured?
Not at this time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. A dermatologist can customize a treatment plan for you to help you get relief.
How is hyperhidrosis different from normal sweating?
With hyperhidrosis you sweat even when your body does not need cooling, such as on a chilly day. Normal sweating keeps the body temperature stable.
Can medicines cause hyperhidrosis?
Yes, some medicines can cause it. A dermatologist may ask you to work with the doctor who prescribed the medicine to see if it can be changed. Do not stop a medicine on your own. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hyperhidrosis
- American Academy of Dermatology - Hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and treatment
- American Academy of Dermatology - Hyperhidrosis: FAQs
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
