Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Understanding Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by sweating excessively and unpredictably, often occurring without the usual triggers of heat or physical exertion. While sweating is a normal bodily function for temperature regulation, individuals with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amounts far greater than needed.
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PRP London Clinic Medical Team
GMC-Registered Medical Professionals
Our team of GMC-registered medical professionals collaboratively review all medical content to ensure clinical accuracy and provide evidence-based information for patient education.
Dr Mohammad Akbar
Founder & Medical Director
Dr Mohamed Nafei
GMC-Registered Aesthetic Doctor
Dr Severine Leonet
GMC-Registered Aesthetic Doctor
Dr Reem Nouri
GMC-Registered Aesthetic Doctor
Last reviewed: January 4, 2026
About Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Understanding Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterised by sweating excessively and unpredictably, often occurring without the usual triggers of heat or physical exertion. While sweating is a normal bodily function for temperature regulation, individuals with hyperhidrosis produce sweat in amounts far greater than needed. This can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort, embarrassment, social anxiety, and difficulties with work or personal activities. The most commonly affected areas are the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), soles of the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), and face/scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis).Effective Management Strategies Discussed in Consultation
At PRP London Clinic, we offer consultations with our medical team to discuss highly effective and well-established management strategies for primary focal hyperhidrosis. Certain medical treatments work by temporarily modifying the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands in the treated area. When the sweat glands don't receive these signals as intensely, they can significantly reduce sweat production. It is important to understand that such medical treatments may involve prescription-only medicines. Their suitability can only be determined following a comprehensive medical assessment by a qualified practitioner like our medical team, and UK regulations require such medicines to be prescribed by an appropriately qualified medical professional after a face-to-face consultation.Providing Relief and Restoring Confidence Through Professional Advice
Our approach begins with a thorough consultation to understand your condition. If a medical treatment involving a series of small, precise injections into the skin of the affected area(s) is deemed appropriate, our medical team will explain this option. Such minimally invasive procedures, when suitable, can provide significant relief from excessive sweating for several months. By discussing and potentially implementing effective management for hyperhidrosis, we aim to help patients regain comfort, confidence, and control over their daily lives, reducing the anxiety and inconvenience associated with the condition.Is This Treatment Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
- •Adults experiencing excessive sweating in specific areas (underarms, palms, soles, face)
- •Individuals whose sweating interferes with daily life, work, or social interactions
- •Those who have not found sufficient relief from topical antiperspirants and are seeking medical advice
- •People seeking information on minimally invasive, temporary solutions for manageing hyperhidrosis
- •Individuals in good general health suitable for medical assessment
Clinical Contraindications
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding women (for certain medical treatments)
- •Individuals with certain neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome) - requires careful medical assessment
- •People with a known allergy to components of potential medical treatments discussed
- •Those with active skin infections in the planned treatment area
- •Individuals taking certain medications (e.g., aminoglycoside antibiotics) - this requires thorough discussion with our medical team
Areas Commonly Discussed for Hyperhidrosis Management
Our medical team offers consultations to discuss manageing excessive sweating in the following areas:
- Underarms (Axillae): The most frequently discussed area.
- Palms: To explore options for significantly reducing sweaty hands.
- Soles of Feet: To discuss strategies for manageing excessive foot sweating.
- Face/Scalp: To assess and advise on approaches for reducing excessive facial or head sweating (this requires careful technique and discussion).
Potential Benefits of Medically Managed Hyperhidrosis
Effective medical management of excessive sweating, as discussed with our qualified medical professionals, can lead to:
- Significant reduction in sweat production in treated areas
- Increased comfort and reduced skin irritation
- Improved confidence in social and professional settings
- Ability to wear a wider range of clothing
- Potentially long-lasting results (months)
- Access to minimally invasive medical procedures with little to no downtime, if deemed appropriate
Why Consult PRP London Clinic for Excessive Sweating Concerns?
Choose our clinic for a consultation on hyperhidrosis because:
- Experienced Medical Professional: Our medical professionals are skilled in assessing hyperhidrosis and discussing appropriate management strategies, including advanced injectable techniques if suitable.
- Access to Recognised Solutions: Offering consultations on well-established and effective medical approaches for manageing hyperhidrosis.
- Personalised Assessment: Management strategies are discussed based on the specific area and severity of your condition.
- Focus on Comfort: Our medical team will discuss techniques to minimise any discomfort associated with potential procedures.
- Discreet & Professional Service: We understand the sensitive nature of hyperhidrosis and provide a confidential environment.
Treatment Process
Following a comprehensive consultation, if a medical treatment involving injections is deemed appropriate for manageing focal hyperhidrosis, the general approach Our medical team will discuss is as follows:
1. Procedure Context: After cleaning the skin, multiple small, superficial injections of a carefully selected medical product are administered in a grid pattern across the affected area (e.g., underarms, palms).
2. Mechanism Discussed: The product discussed would aim to modify the chemical signals from nerves that activate sweat glands. This helps prevent the glands from producing excessive sweat.
3. Onset & Duration Expectations: Our medical team will explain that results from such medical treatments typically begin to appear within a few days and become fully effective within about two weeks. The effects on sweat reduction usually last for several months (e.g., 4-9 months), after which a follow-up consultation can be scheduled to discuss ongoing management.
4. Comfort Measures: The injections use very fine needles. For sensitive areas like palms, our medical team will discuss comfort measures, which may include nerve blocks or strong topical anaesthetics.
Diagnosis & Assessment
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms with our medical team, including the location, frequency, and severity of sweating, and its impact on your life. A physical examination of the affected areas is performed. While often diagnosed clinically based on history and examination, tests like the Minor's starch-iodine test can sometimes be used to visualise the areas of excessive sweating. It's also important to rule out secondary causes through medical history and, if necessary and advised by our medical team, further medical investigations.
Prevention & Management
Lifestyle Tips
- •Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen)
- •Avoid known triggers like spicy foods or caffeine, if applicable
- •Use absorbent shoe insoles and change socks frequently (for foot sweating)
- •Practice stress management techniques (stress can exacerbate sweating)
Home Care
- •Use clinical-strength antiperspirants as a first-line approach (if not already tried)
- •Keep affected areas clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or infection
- •Carry absorbent pads or cloths for discreet wiping
What Our Patients Say
The medical treatment discussed with our qualified medical professionals for my underarm sweating has been life-changing. I can finally wear colours other than black without worrying!
I suffered from sweaty palms for years, making handshakes so awkward. The consultation was informative, and the results from the chosen management plan have made a massive difference to my confidence.