Sweat may be a natural and healthy bodily function, but if you’re among the hundreds of thousands of Britons living with an extreme version of it, it can feel anything but normal.
Known as hyperhidrosis, this level of excessive sweating is about more than regulating body temperature. Patients have described the condition as ‘ongoing torture’, having to wear thick gloves - even in the summer - to avoid leaving sweaty marks on papers. At the extreme end, there are reports of losing consciousness from being unable to hydrate quickly enough to counter the sweating, while others have developed depression as a result of being afraid to shake hands with confidence, let alone date.
What triggers such excessive sweating? What are the solutions? For answers, we spoke to Ian Budd, Pharmacist for Chemist4U.
What is hyperhidrosis?
He explains that the chronic condition can “affect the entire body or occur in specific areas such as the underarms, hands, feet, or face. While sweating is a natural mechanism to cool the body, excessive sweating can lead to physical discomfort, social embarrassment, and even heightened anxiety, creating a cycle that exacerbates the condition.”
It’s a personal hellscape that those who have never experienced it can never fully grasp. And its causes are similarly mysterious, Budd says. “In cases where it stems from an overactive sympathetic nervous system – the part of the nervous system responsible for regulating sweating – it is classified as primary hyperhidrosis. This type usually starts during childhood or adolescence and often affects localised areas, such as the palms or underarms.
In contrast, secondary hyperhidrosis is attributed to an underlying cause, such as medical conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or infections), certain medications, pregnancy, or hormonal changes associated with menopause.”
Knowing which of the two you have is key, the expert says, as “secondary hyperhidrosis may improve once the underlying cause is addressed.”
What can be done to stop excessive sweating?
So there is hope for some - but not all - hyperhidrosis sufferers. While a cure may not be available for all, there are ways to manage constant sweating, reassures Budd. He recommends wearing breathable, sweat-wicking clothing and shoes to improve comfort and minimise visible sweat stains. Avoiding triggering food and drink can help - things like booze, spicy food and caffeine.
Botox has emerged as a modern way to reduce sweating in areas like armpits, groin, back, breasts, hands and face - Sk:n Clinics, which have branches across London, offers such treatments for people with hyperhidrosis.
And then there are antiperspirants and deodorants specifically designed to tackle the issue. If you’ve never tried anything before, this is the first avenue to venture down. For those with mild hyperhidrosis, it can help hugely.
While deodorants mask body odour, antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminium-based compounds, which, Budd explains, “temporarily block sweat glands, reducing perspiration”. He continues “Over-the-counter options may suffice for mild cases, but individuals with more severe symptoms might benefit from clinical-strength formulations containing 20 per cent aluminium chloride, such as Driclor or Anhydrol Forte.”
They work best when applied at night (a time of reduced sweating) to clean, dry skin so that the active ingredient can penetrate the sweat glands and get to business. If there’s anything left by morning, it’s best to clean off the residue to avoid irritating the skin.
Hyperhidrosis support in the UK
If excessive sweating is getting you down or you need help or support, there are places and people that can help.
If you’re tired of feeling imprisoned and insecure because of excessive sweat, we’ve rounded up medically-backed formulas to bring it under control.
From the pharmacist-approved antiperspirants to the products hyperhidrosis sufferers swear by, find help in spray, stick and roll-on form below.
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Driclor Antiperspirant Roll On Applicator 20ml
Designed to soothe heavy hyperhidrosis, this antiperspirant works across the body, including areas most prone to sweating: think hands, feet and armpits. The roll-on dispatches a gel formula, which includes aluminium chloride, to reduce and stop sweat so that it’s reabsorbed and flushed out the usual way when you visit the loo.
Glowing reviews on Amazon attest that it starts to work in just a few days, but it’s best not to use on freshly shaved or broken skin to avoid a burning sensation.
Buy now £6.49, Amazon
Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant
A prescription-free formula, this clinical strength antiperspirant boasts 72 hours sweat-free. Apply to clean, dry skin - not straight after a shower, as you usually might. It does contain aluminium chloride, so those with sensitive skin may experience some irritation.
It’s a formula worth persevering with: some users report dryness three to five days after use.
Buy now £12.00, Amazon
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Women's Antiperspirant
Trading sweaty odours for a clean and fresh scent, this solid antiperspirant is ideal for keeping in your bag and applying on the go. It works effectively and quickly, keeping pits dry all day without leaving white streaks on clothing.
Buy now £13.08, Amazon
Perspirex Strong Antiperspirant Roll-On 20ml
Overwhelming sweat getting you down? Try this clinically proven antiperspirant from Perspirex. The high-strength formula includes aluminium chloride and should be applied at night, when sweat glands are at their least active. Just a thin film will do; after that you can expect up to five days of protection, even after showering.
Buy now £9.99, Boots
Perspi-Guard Maximum Strength Antiperspirant Spray
For a long-lasting solution to excessive sweat, look to Perspi-Guard. The unscented spray application promises five days of protection, so you can spritz in on Monday, feeling confident and secure until the end of the working week.
It’s designed to be used at night before bed on clean, dry skin, curbing wetness, stopping odours, and eliminating discomfort and embarrassment.
While it’s on the pricey side, this 50ml bottle has enough formula to see you through five months.
Buy now £12.50, Amazon
VICHY Deodorant 48Hour Intensive Anti-Perspirant Roll On 50ml
This intensive antiperspirant comes from French beauty giant Vichy. The roll-on is designed for armpits and offers 48 hours of protection against sweat. This is managed by the inclusion of aluminium salts and 15 other minerals to care for the skin while keeping it dry.
Buy now £9.95, Lookfantastic
SweatBlock Deodorant Antiperspirant
Keep unwanted wetness at bay with SweatBlock, an answer for those with mild-to-moderate sweat issues. The stick is best used under arms, offering motion-activated protection, leaving behind dry skin and a clean, coastal scent. What’s more, it’s gentle enough to be used on kids as well as menopausal women too.
Buy now £21.48, Amazon
Sure Maximum Protection Sport Strength Anti-Perspirant Cream Stick 96-hour
A market leader in the world of personal hygiene, Sure has a high-strength solution in addition to its line of regular deodorants. This cream stick offers three times the protection against odours than garden variety sprays, adding skin moisturising ingredients to keep your pits looking, feeling and smelling healthy.
Use it first thing in the morning or last at night - the choice is yours.
Buy now £3.80, Amazon
Mitchum Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 200ml
A tried and tested classic – most of us have been using this bad boy since school PE changing-room days. Mitchum’s Triple Odour Defence Technology shields against odours caused by heat, motion and stress. It’s so good that friends living on the Continent have imported the stuff or begged for us to bring it in our suitcase.
If you’re looking for something that’s guaranteed to keep you fresh and dry all day, and aren’t fussed about using aluminium, this is the deodorant for you.
Prefer the precise application of a stick? Mitchum makes blocks too.
Buy now £2.25, Amazon
