Excessive Sweating Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a common condition in which sweating occurs beyond what is needed for normal temperature regulation.
It may occur without heat or physical activity and can affect daily comfort, clothing choices, work, exercise and social situations.
At Face and Body Adelaide, we offer consultations for adults concerned about excessive sweating.
A practitioner can assess your symptoms, medical history, current medicines, previous management and the areas affected, then discuss suitable management options or referral where appropriate.
What Is Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)?
Sweating is a normal and essential process that helps the body regulate temperature. Sweat is produced by glands in the skin and evaporates from the skin surface to help cool the body.
With hyperhidrosis, sweating can be excessive for the circumstances. It may occur at rest, in cooler environments or without an obvious trigger. The condition can affect specific areas or, in some cases, be more generalised.
Common areas affected by excessive sweating include:
- Underarms
- Hands and palms
- Feet and soles
- Face
- Scalp
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
Excessive sweating can occur for different reasons. Assessment is important because the pattern, timing and possible cause can influence the most appropriate next step.
Overactive Sweat Glands
The nerves involved in activating sweat glands can become more active than expected, leading to sweating that occurs more frequently or without a clear heat-related trigger.
Primary (Idiopathic) Hyperhidrosis
Primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating without another identified medical cause. It commonly affects localised areas such as the underarms, palms, soles, face or scalp and may run in families.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary excessive sweating may be associated with an underlying medical condition, hormonal change or medicine. Sudden onset, night-time sweating or more generalised sweating may warrant medical assessment.
How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?
Assessment usually begins with a detailed consultation and health-history review. Your practitioner may ask when the sweating began, which areas are affected, whether it occurs during sleep, possible triggers, current medicines and how symptoms affect daily activities.
The affected areas and skin may also be examined. In some situations, further medical investigation may be recommended to help identify an underlying cause. This may involve referral to a GP, dermatologist or another appropriately qualified health practitioner.
The purpose of assessment is to identify the likely pattern of excessive sweating and determine whether clinic-based management, further investigation or referral is appropriate.
How Does Excessive Sweating Treatment Work?
Management begins with assessment rather than a standard treatment protocol. Following consultation, suitable options can be discussed according to the cause, affected areas, severity, medical history, previous management and individual clinical factors.
Before Treatment
A practitioner reviews your symptoms, medical history, medicines and treatment goals. Potential options, expected benefits, limitations, risks, alternatives and aftercare are discussed before any treatment decision is made.
During Treatment
If a clinic-based procedure is considered appropriate, the process depends on the management option selected and the area being treated. Your practitioner will explain what the procedure involves and answer questions before proceeding.
After Treatment
Aftercare and follow-up depend on the management option selected. Temporary effects can vary according to the procedure and individual response. Your practitioner will explain expected recovery, potential adverse effects and when follow-up may be useful.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Treatment in Adelaide, Australia
Excessive sweating treatment options may be considered depending on the likely cause, affected areas and individual circumstances. At Face and Body Adelaide, personalised consultation is used to guide treatment planning rather than recommending the same approach for every person.
The likely response, onset, duration, follow-up requirements and potential adverse effects vary according to the management option selected and individual clinical factors. A particular outcome or duration cannot be guaranteed.
If the presentation suggests an underlying medical condition or requires care outside the clinic’s scope, further medical assessment or referral may be recommended.
When Should I Seek Medical Advice for Excessive Sweating?
What to Expect During Your Hyperhidrosis Consultation
Your practitioner may assess:
- The pattern and duration of excessive sweating
- Areas affected, including underarms, palms, soles, face or scalp
- Whether sweating occurs during sleep
- Triggers and impact on daily activities
- Relevant medical history and current medicines
- Previous management or treatments
- Whether further medical investigation or referral may be appropriate
Depending on the findings, your practitioner may discuss suitable management options, recommend further medical assessment or advise that clinic-based treatment is not appropriate. There is no obligation to proceed after consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hyperhidrosis?
What areas can excessive sweating affect?
Is hyperhidrosis the same as normal sweating?
No. Normal sweating helps regulate body temperature. Hyperhidrosis describes sweating that is excessive for the circumstances or occurs beyond what is needed for temperature control.
Can excessive sweating have an underlying medical cause?
Yes. Some excessive sweating is secondary to another medical condition, hormonal change or medicine. Assessment helps determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
Is every person suitable for treatment at the clinic?
Are results guaranteed?
No. Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on the management option selected. Risks, limitations, alternatives and follow-up requirements are discussed before treatment.
Book an Excessive Sweating Consultation in Adelaide
If excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is affecting your daily life, a consultation can help assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next step.
Face and Body Adelaide offers individual assessment for adults concerned about excessive sweating in Adelaide. Depending on the findings, your practitioner may discuss suitable management options or recommend further medical assessment or referral.
Book A Consultation
If you are concerned about a double chin, under-chin fullness or lower-face definition, book a consultation with Face and Body Adelaide.
Your consultation will include an individual assessment and discussion of suitable options, expected outcomes, limitations, potential risks, recovery and alternatives before you decide whether to proceed.