Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Do you soak through a shirt despite being in a cool room, or find your hands slipping during a handshake? Do you carry a spare top most days, or avoid certain colors altogether?
In Singapore’s heat and humidity, sweating is a normal and necessary response to the climate. But if it happens without heat, exercise, or stress, and starts affecting what you wear and what you avoid, it’s worth a closer look.
Not all excessive sweating is the same. For some, it's limited to one or two areas, like the underarms or palms, and has been there since their teens. For others, it's more extensive, begins in adulthood, and is linked to something else going on in the body. The first step is working out which pattern you're dealing with.
What is excessive sweating?
Known medically as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is sweating beyond what the body needs to stay cool. It isn't a hygiene issue and isn’t about having more sweat glands than other people.
The sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweating, becomes overly sensitive and sends signals to the sweat glands even when there's no need to cool down.
There are two main types of excessive sweating:
- Primary focal hyperhidrosis: sweating in specific areas, such as the underarms, palms, soles of the feet, face, and scalp. It has no underlying medical cause and tends to run in families. Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually starts in childhood or adolescence.
- Underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Hands (palmar hyperhidrosis)
- Feet (plantar hyperhidrosis)
- Face or head (craniofacial hyperhidrosis)
- Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis: sweating across larger areas of the body. It is often caused by a medical condition or a side effect of medication. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis usually starts in adulthood and may also happen during sleep.
What causes or contributes to excessive sweating?
- Genetics: primary hyperhidrosis often runs in families.
- Hormonal changes: such as those that come with menopause.
- Infections or fever: which can temporarily increase sweating.
- Medical conditions: including diabetes, thyroid problems, and other metabolic conditions.
- Medications: some antidepressants and diabetes medications can cause sweating as a side effect.
- Stress and emotions: the same "fight or flight" response that raises the heart rate can trigger sweating, particularly in the underarms.
How to tell if it's more than normal sweating
Ask yourself:
- Do you sweat even when you’re not exercising, hot, or active?
- Does sweating interfere with work, relationships, or what you wear?
- Does constant moisture due to sweating lead to skin irritation or discomfort?
A yes to any of these is worth raising with a doctor.
What can help?
At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we take a doctor-led approach to excessive sweating. We start with an assessment of where and how much you sweat, and what may be behind it.
Medical (doctor-led)
Sweating Reduction Injectable: injected into the underarm skin to temporarily block the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands. It helps reduce the amount of sweat produced in the treated area.
Sweating reduction treatment at Cutis is HSA-approved and US FDA-approved for hyperhidrosis. We offer it for underarm sweating, using a fine needle to carefully inject the solution into the targeted sweat glands, specifically in the underarms. It typically takes under 30 minutes, and a topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand for comfort.
Skincare and lifestyle
- Apply antiperspirant at night to dry skin, when sweat production is lower. Deodorant masks odor but doesn't reduce sweating.
- Choose breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics (cotton, linen, and merino wool).
- Shower before bed and dry sweat-prone areas thoroughly.
- Keep cool where you can, with airflow, shade, and smaller, more frequent meals.
- Carry sweat-absorbing wipes or a small cloth for quick touch-ups.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes if your feet sweat.
What to Expect
Most people notice a reduction in sweating within two to four days of treatment. The full effect builds over one to two weeks. Results typically last 4 to 12 months, depending on the individual. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain them.
Mild redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection sites is possible and settles on its own. Sweating reduction injectable reduces sweat but doesn't change the bacteria that cause body odor, so some people still use deodorant. Your doctor will go through what to expect for your specific plan during your consultation.
When Treatment Isn't the Answer
Sudden, unexplained increases in sweating, frequent night sweats, or sweating that comes with other symptoms such as fever or unexpected weight loss should be checked by a doctor first. They can point to an underlying medical condition that may need attention before any aesthetic treatment.
This injectable for sweating also isn't suitable for everyone, including people who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have certain neuromuscular conditions
- Have an allergy to its ingredients
- Have a skin infection at the injection site
If sweating bothers you and is widespread, your doctor can talk you through your options during a consultation.
FAQs
Is excessive sweating a hygiene problem?
No. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition linked to an overactive nervous system response, not to how often you shower. Many people with it already overcompensate with extra washing and clothing changes, which doesn't resolve the underlying cause.
Is this injectable for excessive sweating safe?
It's HSA- and US FDA-approved for hyperhidrosis, and when administered by a trained doctor, it's generally well tolerated. As with any injectable, there are risks and considerations, which your doctor will go through with you during a consultation.
Does the treatment hurt?
Most people describe a mild pinch or stinging sensation. The injections use a fine needle, and a numbing cream can be applied beforehand to help with comfort.
How long do results last?
Typically, 4 to 12 months, depending on the individual. Your doctor can advise on a maintenance schedule based on how you respond.
Will it stop body odor?
Not entirely. Odor comes mainly from bacteria breaking down sweat, so while the underarms may feel noticeably drier, a mild odor can persist, and some people continue to use deodorant.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a proper diagnosis. Every case is different, so the right next step is a consultation with our medical team.
Related Body Concerns
Ready to find out what's behind your body concern?
Book a personalized consultation with us to talk through what you're noticing and explore the treatment options that suit your body and your goals. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to book a consultation at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore.
