General Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about hyperhidrosis and its treatment. These will be added to if more questions are asked.

Please read through these first before contacting us with any more specific questions.

How common is hyperhidrosis?
Primary hyperhidrosis affects at least 1% of the population
Can hyperhidrosis be cured?
There is no cure for hyperhidrosis, although some people do find it improves as they get older. However, there are many treatments available to help reduce the sweating and easy adaptations you can make to your daily life. Please see the treatment pages.
Can it be inherited?
Yes, many patients report that they have parents and siblings with the condition, if not then an extended family member in as many as half of cases. On the other hand, many patients are unaware of any family history of hyperhidrosis.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating which interferes with everyday life.

Primary hyperhidrosis is localised, and concentrated in certain areas such as the hands, feet, armpits, groin, back, head and face and almost always occurs on both sides of the body.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is generalised, presenting itself all over the body and not always in a specific area.

What causes hyperhidrosis?
We do not know what causes primary hyperhidrosis.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to another illness or medications affecting the body.

Why are the hands, feet or armpits often affected?
There are more sweat glands in these area of the body than anywhere else but hyperhidrosis can also affect the body, groin, face and scalp.
Will my hyperhidrosis go away or wil I grow out of it?
A very difficult question to answer and it varies considerably between individuals. Some patients do find it gets less as they get older while others find it worsens as they get older.
What changes can I make to improve my symptoms?
Some simple steps including lifestyle changes may improve your symptoms.
I was told to avoid soap-based products for washing with, what should I use instead?
Soap substitutes and emollient washes and creams are better for your skin than standard soaps which can be more harsh and remove the natural oils of the skin. More information on emollients can be found on the NHS Choices website.  
Are there any alternative of complementary therapies to treat hyperhidrosis?
Many alternative therapies have been suggested to treat hyperhidrosis and some have claimed to work for some patients but there is no scientific evidence to support any of these treatments.
Can children be treated for hyperhidrosis?
Yes, usually children are treated with antiperspirants and iontophoresis. Botox and surgery are not done for children.
Are there any websites aimed at children with hyperhidrosis?
Yes, there is a site called sweat-o-meter run by the International Hyperhidrosis Society aimed at younger people.

If you still cannot find the answer to your question try one of the other FAQ pages or contact us.