Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating, known clinically as hyperhidrosis, is sweating beyond what the body needs to stay cool. It is more common than most people realise.
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is not explained by heat or exercise. It most often affects the underarms, palms, soles or face, and commonly begins in childhood or the teenage years. A nurse-led treatment consultation with Petta Day RN or Candice McCue RN looks at the pattern of your sweating and which options may be suitable. Sweating that starts suddenly or affects the whole body should be checked by your GP first.
Reviewed by Candice McCue, Registered Nurse. Last reviewed October 2026.
Understanding hyperhidrosis
Sweating is the body's main way of cooling down. In hyperhidrosis the sweat glands are more active than they need to be, often while you are sitting still in a cool room.
Studies suggest around 3 in every 100 people are affected. Many never raise it with a health professional, often because they assume nothing can be done.
Signs to be aware of
Primary and secondary hyperhidrosis
Determining which type you are experiencing is the first step, as both are managed very differently.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis
The most common type. It affects specific areas on both sides of the body, usually starts before the age of 25, often runs in families and tends to settle during sleep. No underlying illness causes it.
Secondary hyperhidrosis
Sweating caused by something else, such as a medical condition or a medication. It is more likely to affect the whole body or to start later in life. This type needs a GP review to find the cause.
See your GP before booking if your sweating started suddenly as an adult or affects your whole body. The same applies to sweating that happens mostly at night or comes with other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or fever.
Hot flushes and night sweats during perimenopause follow a different pattern. These are assessed through our Women's Hormonal Health Clinic at Largs Bay.
How we can support you
Most people start with everyday measures. When those are not enough, a nurse-led treatment consultation is the next step.
At your consultation, Petta or Candice asks about the pattern of your sweating and what you have already tried. If anything suggests secondary hyperhidrosis, they will recommend a GP review before any treatment is considered.
First step
Everyday MeasuresStronger antiperspirants from a pharmacy, applied to dry skin at night, can be a useful first step for milder sweating. Breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking socks may also help.
Nurse-led
Nurse-Led Treatment ConsultationFor sweating that everyday measures do not manage, Petta or Candice can discuss in-clinic treatment options in a private consultation. Suitability is assessed individually.
Medical review
Your GPFor secondary hyperhidrosis, or sweating with other symptoms, your GP can look for the underlying cause and refer you on if needed.
As prescription medicines are involved in these treatments, specific products, areas, and outcomes cannot be discussed on this page. All information will be provided privately during your consultation with our nurse.
Frequently asked questions
What causes excessive sweating?
Primary hyperhidrosis comes from overactive sweat glands and often runs in families, with no underlying illness causing it. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by something else, such as a medical condition or a medication. That is why sudden or whole-body sweating should be checked by a GP.
Is hyperhidrosis a medical condition?
Yes. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a recognised medical condition. It is not caused by anxiety or poor hygiene, although stress and heat can make sweating worse in the moment.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to book a nurse-led treatment consultation. If your sweating started suddenly or affects your whole body, see your GP first.
Is excessive sweating linked to menopause?
Hot flushes and night sweats are common during perimenopause and menopause. This is a different pattern from primary hyperhidrosis, and it is assessed through our Women's Hormonal Health Clinic at Largs Bay.
Talk to us about excessive sweating
Book online, or call us on 0403 292 292 if you would like to talk it through first.
Book a ConsultationWith Petta Day RN, SA's Best Cosmetic Nurse 2023 & 2024 (The Advertiser), or Candice McCue RN. Available at both our Largs Bay and Norwood clinics, in a private consultation room.