Initial treatment options for primary focal hyperhidrosis

Average rating:

General tips and advice

The following may be all that you need if the condition is mild. They may help in addition to other treatments in more severe cases.

If you find that soaps irritate the affected skin, use a bland soap substitute such as an emollient (moisturiser) ointment or cream.
If possible, avoid triggers which can make things worse such as heat or spicy food.
If you have armpit sweating:

o Try using 'normal' antiperspirants regularly. (Note: there is a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants reduce the release of sweat, deodorants mask unpleasant smells. Sweat does not have a smell. It is only sweaty clothes that are not changed that may become smelly.)
o Avoid clothes that more easily show up sweat marks. As a rule, white and black coloured clothes are less noticeable when wet than other colours.
o Wear loose clothing under the armpits. Avoid clothes made with man-made fibres such as Lycra® and nylon.
o Consider using dress shields (also known as armpit or sweat shields) to absorb excess sweat and protect delicate or expensive clothing. These can be obtained via the internet or the Hyperhidrosis Support Group (contact details below).

If you have excessive feet sweating, it can help to:

o Change your socks at least twice a day.
o Use an absorbent foot powder twice daily.
o Wear a different pair of shoes on alternate days. This allows them to dry fully.
o Avoid sport shoes or boots. These are often less 'breathable' than normal shoes are so are more likely to keep the sweat in.