Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Campbell
Also known as: Excessive Sweating, Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Diaphoresis, Excessive Perspiration, Focal Hyperhidrosis
4 min readLast updated: 2026-04-07Reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs for temperature regulation. It can be primary (idiopathic), where sweating occurs in specific areas such as the palms, soles, underarms, or face without an identifiable cause, or secondary, where excessive sweating results from an underlying medical condition or medication. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the most common form and typically begins during adolescence or early adulthood.
At a Glance
- Population-based surveys estimate that approximately 4.8% of the U.S. population is affected by hyperhidrosis, representing roughly 15.3 million individuals[5]
- Only about half of individuals with hyperhidrosis discuss their condition with a healthcare provider, suggesting the condition is significantly underreported[5]
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis accounts for the majority of cases and most commonly affects the axillae, palms, soles, and face[1]
- Botulinum toxin injections are FDA-approved for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis that has not responded to topical agents[6]
Affected Anatomy
- Eccrine sweat glands
- Palms of the hands (palmar)
- Soles of the feet (plantar)
- Axillae (underarms)
- Face and scalp (craniofacial)
- Sympathetic nervous system
What are the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?
- Visible, excessive sweating that soaks through clothing or drips from hands
- Sweating that occurs on both sides of the body symmetrically
- Sweating episodes that occur at least once per week without obvious trigger
- Sweating that interferes with daily activities such as gripping objects or writing
- Skin maceration, softening, or peeling in frequently moist areas
- Recurrent skin infections in areas of excessive moisture
- Social withdrawal or avoidance of handshakes and physical contact due to sweating
When should you seek care for Hyperhidrosis?
- Sweating that disrupts daily routines, work, or social interactions
- Night sweats or generalized sweating that may indicate an underlying condition
- Sudden onset of excessive sweating without prior history
- Sweating accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- Over-the-counter antiperspirants are not providing adequate relief
If any of these apply to you, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
What causes Hyperhidrosis?
Causes
- Overactive sympathetic nervous system signaling to eccrine sweat glands
- Genetic predisposition (family history is present in many cases of primary hyperhidrosis)
- Medications including certain antidepressants, opioids, and hormonal agents (secondary)
- Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus (secondary)
- Neurologic conditions affecting autonomic nervous system regulation (secondary)
- Infections, malignancies, or other systemic conditions (secondary)
Risk Factors
- Family history of hyperhidrosis
- Age of onset during adolescence or early adulthood (primary type)
- Anxiety or emotional stress (can exacerbate symptoms)
- Certain medical conditions including thyroid disease and diabetes
- Use of medications that increase sweating as a side effect
- Obesity
How It's Diagnosed
- 1Clinical history and physical examination assessing sweating patterns
- 2Starch-iodine test (Minor test) to identify affected areas and severity
- 3Gravimetric measurement to quantify sweat production
- 4Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) patient questionnaire
- 5Laboratory tests to rule out secondary causes (thyroid function, blood glucose, infection markers)
- 6Thermoregulatory sweat test for generalized or atypical presentations
How is Hyperhidrosis treated?
At Aesthetx, we offer several approaches for hyperhidrosis:
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Get Help with Hyperhidrosis
Reach out to discuss your options.
Prognosis and Recovery
- Primary hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition that typically persists throughout life
- Most patients achieve significant symptom reduction with appropriate treatment
- Combination therapy using multiple treatment modalities may be needed for optimal control
- Botulinum toxin injections typically provide relief lasting 4 to 12 months per session
- Newer device-based treatments such as microwave thermolysis can provide long-lasting improvement
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what the body needs for cooling. The most common form, primary focal hyperhidrosis, affects specific areas such as the underarms, palms, soles, or face and typically begins during adolescence. Secondary hyperhidrosis involves generalized sweating caused by an underlying condition or medication.
Common signs include visible sweating that soaks through clothing, sweating that occurs on both sides of the body without an obvious trigger, difficulty gripping objects due to wet hands, and skin softening or peeling in areas of persistent moisture. Episodes typically occur at least once per week.
Primary hyperhidrosis is believed to result from overactive nerve signals to the sweat glands, often with a genetic component. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or infections, as well as certain medications including antidepressants and hormonal therapies.
Seek professional evaluation when sweating disrupts daily activities, work, or social interactions, or when over-the-counter antiperspirants are not providing relief. Sudden onset of excessive sweating, night sweats, or sweating accompanied by chest pain or rapid heartbeat may warrant prompt medical attention.
Treatment typically begins with prescription-strength antiperspirants. If those are insufficient, options include botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis for hands and feet, oral medications, and device-based treatments such as microwave thermolysis. A dermatologist can develop a personalized treatment plan based on the affected areas and severity.
Primary hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition, but most patients achieve significant symptom reduction with appropriate treatment. Some treatments such as botulinum toxin require periodic sessions, while newer device-based approaches can offer longer-lasting results. Many patients benefit from combining multiple treatment approaches.
Helpful strategies include using clinical-strength antiperspirants applied to dry skin at bedtime, wearing breathable fabrics, keeping spare clothing available, and using absorbent insoles for foot sweating. Stress management techniques may also help reduce sweating triggered by anxiety or emotional stress.
Get Help with Hyperhidrosis
Reach out to discuss your options.
Your Physicians
Dr. K. Zeidler
MD, FACS
Dr. D. Elyassnia
MD, FACS
Dr. J. Weston
MD, FACS
Dr. B. Tran
MD
Dr. S. Liu
MD, MHS
Dr. M. Koo
MD, FACS
Dr. R. Lehman
MD, FACS
Dr. J. Gillon
MD, FACS
Dr. A. Hausauer
MD, FAAD
9 board-certified physicians across 4 locations
Sources & References
This article draws from 8 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & Research
Medical Institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, FACS · Last reviewed: 2026-04-10