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Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Also called: Hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, sweaty hands, sweaty feet

Sweating much more than the body needs, often in the armpits, hands, feet, or face, even when cool. It's common and treatable.

TypesPrimary (no cause) or from another condition
StartsOften in childhood or teens
TreatmentAntiperspirant, iontophoresis, Botox

Overview

Primary hyperhidrosis runs in families and stops during sleep.

Sweating all over or at night can come from medicines, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, or infection.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Sweaty hands, feet, or underarms
  • Smelly feet

Less common

  • Sweaty hands or feet

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todaySweating with chest pain, shaking, or confusion.
See a doctor soonNight sweats, weight loss, or sweating affecting life.

Causes

Overactive sweat glands, or another condition.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Family history

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by history.

Questions you may be asked

  • Where, when, night sweats

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood tests: If another cause is possible.

Treatment

Step-by-step treatment works.

Self-care

  • Use clinical-strength antiperspirant at bedtime
  • Wear breathable fabrics
  • Change socks often

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Antiperspirants
Underarms, hands, feet
Glycopyrronium wipes
UnderarmsPrescription.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Tap-water iontophoresis, Botox shots, or other procedures for stubborn cases.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.