Sweating isn’t just a summer problem — for people with hyperhidrosis, it can happen in any season. Whether it’s winter, summer or spring, excessive sweating can strike without warning, leaving clothes damp and sweaty. While most of us sweat to cool down, those with hyperhidrosis experience overactive sweat glands that keep working even when the weather doesn’t call for it.
Managing Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Understanding Your Options
If you find yourself sweating for no clear reason — even in cool weather — you may have this condition called hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis can affect the underarms, hands, feet, and sometimes the face or scalp, leading to damp clothing, discomfort, and social anxiety.
At ENRICH Clinic Melbourne, our experienced dermatologists and practitioners offer medically guided options to help manage excessive sweating safely and effectively.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating beyond what is required for temperature control. People with this condition may experience noticeable sweating even when resting, in cool environments, or without emotional stress.
The condition typically affects:
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Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
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Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
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Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
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Face or scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
For many, the condition begins during adolescence but can persist throughout life if not addressed.
Why Does It Happen?
Sweating is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which sends signals from the brain to sweat glands. In hyperhidrosis, these signals are overactive, causing glands to release sweat even when the body doesn’t need cooling.
In most people, hyperhidrosis is primary (without an underlying medical cause). In fewer cases, it can be secondary, triggered by another condition such as hormonal changes, certain medications, infections, or metabolic disorders.
Living With Excessive Sweating
Constant dampness can be frustrating and embarrassing. You may notice:
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Clothing stains or the need to change clothes often
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Difficulty gripping objects or shaking hands confidently
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Discomfort when writing, typing, or using tools
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Cold, clammy skin
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Emotional distress or avoidance of social situations
Fortunately, there are both at-home management strategies and medical treatment options that can help reduce excessive sweating and improve comfort.
Managing Hyperhidrosis at Home
Mild cases of hyperhidrosis can sometimes be improved with practical steps:
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Antiperspirants:
Use aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants designed for hyperhidrosis. These work by temporarily blocking the sweat ducts. Stronger medical-grade products are available via prescription if supermarket versions aren’t effective. -
Breathable clothing:
Wear loose, natural fabrics that allow airflow and absorb moisture. -
Absorbent pads or dress shields:
These can help protect clothing and maintain dryness under the arms. -
Lifestyle factors:
Manage triggers such as caffeine, spicy food, and stress, which can sometimes increase sweating.
However, for moderate to severe hyperhidrosis, these approaches may not be enough. In such cases, medical treatments may be considered.
Medical Treatments for Hyperhidrosis
At ENRICH Clinic, we use clinically tested, evidence-based options that target the sweat glands or their nerve signals directly. The two main treatment pathways are nerve-blocking treatments and energy-based (thermal) devices such as MiraDry.
Nerve-Blocking Treatments
Nerve-blocking treatments involve precise placement of small amounts of a nerve-blocking agent just beneath the skin. This temporarily interferes with the nerve signals that instruct sweat glands to produce sweat, effectively reducing their activity.
These treatments can be used for:
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Underarms
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Palms
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Soles of the feet
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Sometimes the scalp or forehead (depending on suitability)
Each treatment session takes around 30–45 minutes, and results can last for several months before a repeat session may be required. Over time, many patients schedule maintenance sessions based on their individual response.
As with any medical procedure, there can be discomfort, bruising, or local tenderness during or after treatment. These effects are usually temporary and vary between individuals.
Nerve-blocking needling offers a temporary but effective solution for many people who prefer a reversible option before considering longer-lasting procedures.
MiraDry® Thermal Treatment
For a longer-term solution specifically targeting underarm sweating, the MiraDry® system uses controlled thermal energy to reduce the number of sweat glands.
The device works by gently heating the tissue beneath the skin’s surface, disrupting sweat and odour glands while cooling and protecting the upper layers of skin. Because sweat glands do not regenerate, this process has a lasting effect in the treated area.
Key points about MiraDry®:
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Suitable for underarm hyperhidrosis only
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Each session takes around 60 minutes
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Most people notice a reduction after one session, though some may benefit from a second treatment
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Temporary swelling, numbness, or tenderness may occur for several days to weeks afterward
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The degree of reduction varies between individuals
MiraDry® cannot be used for the hands or feet. The suction mechanism and microwave energy it uses are not compatible with those areas due to the proximity of important structures like tendons, arteries and nerves close to the surface of the skin.
Hyperhidrosis of the Hands and Feet
Excessive sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis) and feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) can significantly affect daily life. People with these conditions often describe avoiding handshakes or feeling embarrassed in professional or social settings.
For these areas, treatment options include:
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Topical antiperspirants or prescription creams
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Nerve-blocking needling performed by an experienced medical practitioner
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Oral medications (in some cases, to reduce overall sweating)
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Surgical interventions (only for select, severe cases)
Each approach has its own benefits and considerations, and a consultation with a dermatologist can help determine the most suitable option.
Choosing the Right Option
The best treatment depends on:
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The areas affected (armpits, hands, feet, etc.)
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The severity of sweating
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Your comfort with temporary vs. longer-lasting outcomes
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Medical suitability and personal preference
At ENRICH Clinic, your treatment plan is always tailored to your needs and delivered by qualified medical professionals.
What to Expect at ENRICH Clinic
During your consultation, a practitioner will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors contributing to sweating. They’ll discuss suitable options, explain the process, and ensure you understand possible risks and expected outcomes before proceeding.
All procedures are performed in a clinical setting using medical-grade devices. You’ll receive aftercare guidance to support recovery and comfort following treatment.
While individual results vary, our goal is to help you manage your symptoms safely and effectively so you can regain confidence and comfort in your daily life.
When to Seek Advice
you experience:
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Constant sweating that interferes with work, relationships, or daily life
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Damp clothing even in cool conditions
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Skin irritation or infections caused by moisture
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Emotional distress related to excessive sweating
…it may be time to seek professional support.
Our team at ENRICH Clinic Melbourne can assess your situation and develop a management plan that fits your needs.
The Takeaway
Hyperhidrosis can be more than a physical concern — it can affect confidence, comfort, and quality of life. Fortunately, safe, evidence-based treatments exist to help reduce excessive sweating and restore balance.
Whether you choose nerve-blocking treatments or MiraDry®, our goal is to help you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Book a consultation with ENRICH Clinic to discuss your options and see how we can help you manage hyperhidrosis effectively.
Contact us or call 03 9500 9500 for your stop the sweat consultation!
