About
It's normal to sweat if you get hot or do exercise, but you may be sweating excessively even when your body doesn't need to cool down. Excessive sweating can happen for no obvious reason, because of another condition you may have, or as a side effect of medication you're taking.
Need to know
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Symptoms of excessively sweaty palms icon plus
See a consultant if you're sweating excessively and things you can do yourself aren't helping. Also if: - it's lasted for at least 6 months - it stops you from getting on with your daily activities - it happens at least once a week - you're having night sweats - you have a family history of excessive sweating - you're taking medication for another condition. Your consultant may refer you for tests if they think another condition may be causing your sweating. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and make recommendations on which treatments may be appropriate. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
If there's no obvious cause for your sweating, and nothing seems to be helping, then you may be referred to a specialist (dermatologist).They may recommend other treatments that you can try, such as:
- taking tablets that reduce sweating
- treating the areas with a weak electric current passed through water or on a wet pad (iontophoresis)
- having muscle relaxant injections for sweating under the armpits
- surgery to remove the sweat glands
If you're sweating is caused by another condition, any treatment you may need will depend on what's causing it.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.