Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating that goes beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. Unlike normal sweating caused by heat or exercise, hyperhidrosis occurs unexpectedly—even in cool environments or at rest. It can affect specific areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, or face, or it may be generalized across the whole body. While not life-threatening, it can be socially embarrassing, emotionally stressful, and physically uncomfortable, often interfering with daily life.

Common Reasons for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis can be divided into two main types, each with different causes:

• Primary (Focal) Hyperhidrosis:
  • Most common form.
  • Caused by overactive sweat glands, often in the hands, feet, underarms, or face.
  • Usually begins in childhood or adolescence, with no underlying disease.
• Secondary (Generalized) Hyperhidrosis:
  • Triggered by an underlying medical condition or medication.
  • Common causes include thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity, menopause, infections, or side effects of medications.
  • Sweating is often widespread and may occur during sleep.

Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis

The hallmark symptom is excessive, uncontrollable sweating that happens regardless of temperature or activity. Other key signs include:

• Frequent dampness of hands, feet, or underarms.
• Clothing becoming soaked or stained.
• Difficulty holding pens, shaking hands, or gripping objects.
• Increased risk of skin irritation or infections due to constant moisture.
• Emotional effects such as embarrassment, anxiety, or avoidance of social interaction.

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Areas Affected by Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis can affect nearly any part of the body, but the most common areas are:

• Hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis): Sweaty palms that interfere with daily tasks.
• Feet (Plantar Hyperhidrosis): Excessive foot sweating that can lead to odor, infections, or shoe damage.
• Underarms (Axillary Hyperhidrosis): Causes excessive underarm sweating that leads to visible sweat patches, stains on clothing, and social discomfort.
• Face and Scalp: Visible perspiration that can be particularly distressing in social settings.

Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis

The good news is that effective treatments are available for hyperhidrosis. Options include:

• Medical-grade antiperspirants: Strong topical solutions that reduce sweat production.
• Iontophoresis: Electrical therapy used to reduce hand and foot sweating.
• Botox injections: Temporarily block the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands.
• Medications: Oral drugs that calm overactive sweat glands.
• Microwave thermolysis (miraDry): Non-surgical procedure to permanently destroy sweat glands in the underarms.
• Surgery (ETS or sweat gland removal): Reserved for severe cases when other treatments are ineffective.

Hyperhidrosis Feet Treatment

Plantar hyperhidrosis can be particularly challenging, as it may cause foot odor, athlete’s foot, or fungal infections. 

Athlete’s foot (medical term: tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It’s caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks, shoes, locker rooms, and public showers.

Despite the name, you don’t have to be an athlete to get it — anyone can develop athlete’s foot, especially if their feet stay damp for long periods.

Treatment options for feet include:

• Iontophoresis: Highly effective for reducing excessive foot sweating.
• Topical antiperspirants: Applied directly to the soles to minimize sweating.
• Botox injections: Used in more severe cases for long-lasting relief.
• Custom footwear & moisture-wicking socks: Help manage daily symptoms.

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Cure for Sweaty Hands and Feet

Sweaty palms and soles are among the most bothersome forms of hyperhidrosis because they affect simple tasks like handshakes, typing, or sports. While there isn’t a permanent cure for all patients, effective solutions exist:

• Iontophoresis: Considered the gold standard for hands and feet. A non-invasive treatment that uses a mild electrical current passed through water to temporarily block sweat gland activity, making it especially effective for managing excessive sweating of the hands and feet.
• Botox injections: Provide months of relief by blocking sweat gland activation.
• Surgical intervention (ETS): Used in rare, severe cases when other methods fail.

With expert evaluation and treatment at Reem Hospital, patients can find the right approach for lasting relief, regaining both comfort and confidence.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Hyperhidrosis Treatment in Abu Dhabi?

At Reem Hospital, we believe every patient deserves comfort, confidence, and a better quality of life. Our hyperhidrosis care is guided by expertise, innovation, and compassion, ensuring treatments that truly make a difference.

• Comprehensive treatment options: From medical-grade topicals and Botox injections to advanced surgical techniques, we provide a full spectrum of solutions—both non-invasive and surgical—tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Expert-led, multidisciplinary care: Our specialists in dermatology, plastic surgery, and endocrinology collaborate to design personalized treatment plans that target the root causes, not just the symptoms.
• Patient-centered excellence: We go beyond symptom relief by focusing on restoring confidence, ensuring comfort, and delivering visible, lasting results with efficient recovery.

At Reem Hospital, patients are not just treated—they are truly cared for, every step of the way.

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