20% off £30

Code:QUICK
OffersSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 pricePayday Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory Offer2 for £18 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & Match£15 Creatine with selected powdersShort Dated May 2025Better than 1/2 priceVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Natures AidNature's WayNovominsSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorMeridianSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £5 Mix & MatchShort Dated May 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelPhDTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy one get one 1/2 priceIntroductory OfferOnline OnlyBuy 1 Get 1 Free£15 Creatine with selected powdersOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmOnline OnlySave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutlet3 for 2 Mix & MatchAlcohol FreeParfum FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyPayday EventBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints, Bones, & MusclesGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureOptimum NutritionWeledaNaturtintPrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionUSNSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline OnlyBuy one get one 1/2 pricePayday Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £18 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45OilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBenylinBuy one get one 1/2 priceNew inVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Hyperhidrosis: what counts as excessive sweating?

heeral-patel-bio

Reviewed byHeeral Patel

Email
Facebook
Email
Facebook
Male in red top with sweat coming through the top
Got sweaty armpits, clammy palms or a constant glistening shine that won’t quit? Let’s break down what counts as excessive sweating, what it's a sign of and how to keep it under control

Summary

1Why do we sweat?

With between two and four million sweat glands scattered all over your body, it's actually a vital part of how we keep cool...

2What counts as excessive sweating?

If you're wiping your palms every time you shake hands or changing your clothes multiple times a day even when the weather is mild...

3How can I stop excessive sweating?

There’s no magic cure but there are a number of products and strategies that can help with excessive sweating...

Explore related topics

It’s a cool day, yet here you are, battling damp palms and a bead of sweat running down your forehead. What’s going on? If you're wondering why your sweat glands are suddenly working overtime, you're not alone.

Excessive sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) is more common than you'd think.1 But don’t panic – it’s not all doom and gloom. Let’s give a little love to sweat and take a breather while we look at what excessive sweating is a sign of and what counts as excessive sweating.

Why do we need to sweat?

Sweating might be an inconvenient, sticky mess but it's actually a vital part of how we keep cool.2 It’s our body’s way of cooling down to maintain a safe internal temperature.2 Think of sweat as your body's air conditioner, kicking in when things heat up. But it's not just about exercise or hot weather. Emotional triggers like stress and anxiety can also send your sweat glands into overdrive.3

With between two and four million sweat glands scattered all over your body,4 it’s no surprise that the process of sweating is a big deal. These glands are activated by your nervous system to help regulate temperature and handle the stress of emotions.5 So, when things heat up, your body sweats as a natural response to balance out the increase in temperature.

What happens when your body gets too hot?

  1. Temperature receptors in your skin sense the rise in temperature and signal your brain’s hypothalamus (your body’s clever thermostat)6
  2. If you’re too warm, the hypothalamus sends a signal to your skin to start the cooling process6
  3. Sweat glands are triggered to release sweat. As sweat evaporates, it cools the skin down5
  4. Once your body returns to its normal temperature, sweating stops

What counts as excessive sweating?

So you’re looking around a gym class and thinking, “Am I sweating way more than everyone else?” or “Why do I keep getting body odour?”. While it’s common to sweat more during physical activity, some people sweat a lot more than others4 – and that's okay. It could just be how your body reacts to exercise.

However, if you feel like you’re sweating excessively even when you’re not exerting yourself, it may point to something else and it’s best to speak to your GP.

Hyperhidrosis is about sweating for no good reason.1 For instance, if you're wiping your palms every time you shake hands or changing your clothes multiple times a day even when the weather is mild, you might be dealing with hyperhidrosis.
Female in the gym wearing fitness top with sweat patches

Why do we sweat?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Hyperhidrosis can be broken down into two main types:

What’s primary focal hyperhidrosis?

This type affects about three in 100 people7 and involves overactive sweat glands in specific areas of the body, like the palms, feet or underarms. The kicker? There’s no underlying medical condition causing the sweating and it’s not triggered by medication. It’s just your body’s unique reaction. You’ll sweat normally everywhere else and it usually starts in childhood or adolescence.7

Symptoms of primary focal hyperhidrosis:7
  • sweating only in certain areas (like palms, armpits and feet)
  • no underlying medical condition or medication involved1 
  • happens at least once a week1 
  • family history of sweating issues1

What’s secondary generalised hyperhidrosis?

This type is less common but involves sweating all over the body, and it’s often caused by an underlying medical condition or medication.8 If you sweat excessively at night or your sweating begins in adulthood, this might be the case.

Symptoms of secondary generalised hyperhidrosis:8
  • sweating affects larger areas of your body
  • can be caused by medical conditions or medications
  • sweating often occurs at night

How can I stop excessive sweating?

Here’s the good news: while there’s no magic solution for excessive sweating, there are plenty of products and strategies to help you minimise the embarrassment. Here’s some tips to follow:
  • for underarm sweating: try switching to antiperspirants that contain aluminium salts, which help block sweat.Sometimes regular deodorants only mask body odour but won’t stop sweating
  • choose breathable fabrics: steer clear of tight, man-made materials like Lycra and nylon. Instead, opt for clothes that let your skin breathe and help absorb moisture
  • choose the colour of your clothes wisely: dark and white clothes can hide sweat patches better than lighter colours
  • if you have sweaty feet: change your socks frequently – maybe even twice a day to keep things fresh. Also try foot deo spray or powder to help absorb sweat
  • avoid trigger foods: spicy foods can heat up your body and prompt sweating so try to keep them to a minimum
  • stay hydrated: drinking water helps keep your body cool and prevents it from sweating unnecessarily

How to stop sweating on your face

This one’s tricky, as it’s a natural process your body goes through to cool you down. A couple of things that might be able to help are:
  • facial antiperspirants: look for ingredients like salicylic acid and aluminium chloride. Even better if you use it overnight as this is when your sweat reduces and can remain on your face before being washed off9
  • topical anticholinergics: a medication you can get in the form of gel, cream or pads. These may cause irritation, so it’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional first to check they’re right for you10
You can also follow the tips for excessive sweating above, too.

The final say

Excessive sweating might be more about genetics than a health issue, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. From picking an antiperspirant to rotating your shoes, there’s plenty of ways to beat the sweat and avoid awkward moments.

If it’s seriously getting in the way of your everyday life, don't hesitate to talk to a pro. You'll sweat less and feel more confident in no time.

Disclaimer

This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
 

Sources

1. NHS. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2017. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/excessive-sweating-hyperhidrosis/
2. Gagnon D, Crandall CG. Sweating as a Heat Loss Thermoeffector. Handbook of Clinical Neurology [Internet]. 2018;156(1):211–32. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30454591
3. Harker M. Psychological Sweating: A Systematic Review Focused on Aetiology and Cutaneous Response. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2013;26(2):92–100.
4. Baker LB. Physiology of Sweat Gland function: the Roles of Sweating and Sweat Composition in Human Health. Temperature [Internet]. 2019 Jul 3;6(3):211–59. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773238/
5. Hodge BD, Brodell RT. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/
6. Osilla EV, Marsidi JL, Shumway KR, Sharma S. Physiology, temperature regulation [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507838/
7. Hyperhidrosis [Internet]. www.nhsinform.scot. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/hyperhidrosis/
8. Brackenrich J, Fagg C. Hyperhidrosis [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459227/
9. Welzel J, Grüdl S, Welss T, Claas M, Sättler A, Förster T, et al. Quantitative ion determination in eccrine sweat gland cells correlates to sweat reduction of antiperspirant actives. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2021 Jan;43(2):181–90.
10. Dunford L, Clifton AV, Stephenson J, Radley K, McDonald L, Fretwell L, et al. Interventions for hyperhidrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2022 Feb 14;2022(2).
 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.