Extreme Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Symptoms, & Effective Treatments

Extreme hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating even when it’s not needed, affecting daily life and confidence. Understanding its causes and treatments can help you take control.

What is Extreme Hyperhidrosis?

Extreme hyperhidrosis means sweating too much, even when your body doesn’t need to cool down. You might find yourself sweating when you’re sitting still, in cold weather, or at random times for no reason.

Sweating is normal—it helps your body stay cool. Your sweat glands release sweat, which then evaporates from your skin to lower your body temperature. But with extreme hyperhidrosis, these glands work too much, making you sweat a lot more than necessary.

This can be frustrating and even embarrassing. It can soak your clothes, make your hands feel wet all the time, and get in the way of daily life.

What are the types of hyperhidrosis?

There are different types of extreme hyperhidrosis:

Primary focal hyperhidrosis affects specific areas like the hands, feet, or underarms and happens when you’re awake.

Generalized idiopathic hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating over large parts of the body without a clear reason.

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis also affects large areas but can occur at night and may be linked to other health conditions.

Where Will I Have Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis?

We’ve talked about Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis before, but let’s dive into where the symptoms usually appear.

Hyperhidrosis can affect different parts of the body, depending on the type. The most common areas include:

• Hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis): Sweaty palms can make everyday tasks like writing, typing, or shaking hands difficult.

• Feet (Plantar Hyperhidrosis): Excessive sweating on the soles can lead to slippery shoes and bad odor.

• Underarms (Axillary Hyperhidrosis): Constant sweat stains on clothes can be frustrating and embarrassing.

• Face and Head (Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis): Sweating on the forehead, scalp, or upper lip, even in cool environments.

• Whole Body: In some cases, sweating isn’t limited to one area but spreads all over.

Wherever it happens, hyperhidrosis can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage it and feel more confident.

Triggers That Cause Extreme Hyperhidrosis

Extreme hyperhidrosis can happen anytime, but certain triggers can make sweating worse, including:

• Heat and Humidity – Hot weather or warm indoor environments can increase sweating.

• Stress and Anxiety – Nervousness or emotional stress can activate sweat glands, especially in the hands and face.

• Spicy Foods and Caffeine – Eating spicy food or drinking coffee can stimulate sweat production.

• Exercise and Physical Activity – Movement naturally raises body temperature, causing excessive sweating.

• Tight or Synthetic Clothing – Fabrics that don’t breathe well can trap heat and increase sweating.

• Medications and Medical Conditions – Some medications and underlying health issues can trigger excessive sweating.

Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help manage extreme hyperhidrosis and keep sweating under control.

Medications That Cause Sweating

Some medications can trigger excessive sweating as a side effect. These include:

• Painkillers – Opioids and aspirin can raise body temperature, leading to sweating.

• Antidepressants – Medications like SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline) and tricyclic antidepressants can cause night sweats.

• Hormonal Medications – Birth control pills and hormone therapy can affect body temperature regulation.

• Diabetes Medications – Insulin and some oral diabetes drugs may lead to sweating due to blood sugar changes.

• Blood Pressure Medications – Certain beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can cause sweating.

• Steroids – Prednisone and other corticosteroids may trigger excessive sweating.

If you notice increased sweating after starting a medication, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives or ways to manage the side effects.

Medical Conditions That Cause Extreme Hyperhidrosis

Sometimes, extreme hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition. This is known as secondary hyperhidrosis and may be linked to:

• Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism, leading to excessive sweating.

• Diabetes – Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can trigger sweating, especially at night.

• Infections – Conditions like tuberculosis or HIV can cause night sweats.

• Menopause – Hormonal changes can lead to hot flashes and excessive sweating.

• Nervous System Disorders – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease can affect the body’s ability to regulate sweating.

• Obesity – Extra body weight can increase sweating due to higher heat retention.

• Heart Disease – Sweating without exertion can sometimes signal heart problems.

If excessive sweating starts suddenly or is linked to other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious health issues.

When Should I Worry About Sweating?

Extreme hyperhidrosis is usually harmless, but in some cases, it can signal a serious health issue. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience heavy sweating along with:

• Dizziness or fainting

• Chest pain or discomfort in the throat, jaw, arms, or shoulders

• Cold, clammy skin with a rapid heartbeat

You should also see a doctor if sweating:

• Disrupts your daily life, affecting work, social activities, or confidence

• Happens suddenly without a clear cause

• Occurs mostly at night and soaks your clothes or bedding

• Is accompanied by weight loss, fever, or shortness of breath

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What Does Excessive Sweating Indicate?

Excessive sweating can sometimes be a warning sign of an underlying health condition. Some possible causes include:

• Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) – Speeds up metabolism, causing excessive sweating.

• Diabetic Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar levels can trigger sudden sweating.

• Acromegaly – A hormonal disorder that leads to excessive growth and sweating.

• Unexplained Fever – Infections or other medical issues can cause sweating without a clear reason.

Excessive sweating treatment

If sweating is persistent, happens suddenly, or is linked to other symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

We’ve discussed excessive sweating treatments in a previous blog, but here’s a quick recap of the key options:

• Antiperspirants – Prescription-strength or clinical-grade antiperspirants help reduce sweat production.

• Medications – Some oral medications can block the nerves that trigger excessive sweating.

• Botox Injections – Temporarily blocks sweat glands, especially for underarm and hand sweating.

• Iontophoresis – A water-based treatment that reduces sweating in hands and feet.

• Laser or Surgery – In severe cases, procedures can remove or disable overactive sweat glands.

If excessive sweating affects your daily life, consult a specialist in Glowderma to find the best treatment for you.

Sudden Excessive Sweating in Females & Causes in Males

Sudden excessive sweating in females and males can be triggered by different factors, including hormonal changes, medical conditions, or lifestyle habits. 

In females, it’s often linked to:

menopause, pregnancy, or stress

males, common causes include hyperthyroidism, obesity, or high stress levels.

If you’re experiencing unexplained excessive sweating, Glow Derma offers expert solutions to help you manage it effectively. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the causes and treatments in upcoming discussions!

Don’t let extreme hyperhidrosis hold you back—effective treatments are available. 

Consult a specialist today to find the best solution for you!