If your palms are clammy or underarm sweat bothers you even when the weather isn't hot, it might not just be your constitution, but hyperhidrosis.
Medically, hyperhidrosis refers to cases where excessive sweating occurs repeatedly in everyday situations without a specific external cause, interfering with daily life. Avoiding light-colored clothes due to underarm sweat or feeling uncomfortable shaking hands are common signs.
Hyperhidrosis is different from simply sweating a lot
The most common areas affected are the armpits, palms, soles of the feet, and face. Sweating at all times can lead to not only hygienic discomfort but also decreased self-confidence and social withdrawal.
Hyperhidrosis is not just 'sweating a bit much' to be endured; it's a condition where treatment can significantly reduce daily discomfort.
This is why it's worth considering active hyperhidrosis treatment rather than dismissing it as a simple constitutional trait.
Where and why does it occur?
The causes of hyperhidrosis are intertwined with various factors:
- Changes in sweat glands
- Activation of sweat-secreting substances
- Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system
- Emotional influences such as tension, anxiety, and stress
Specifically, palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis are closely related to emotional factors like tension, anxiety, and stress, while axillary hyperhidrosis is primarily caused by the excessive action of the sympathetic nerves that activate the eccrine sweat glands.
Why dermatologists use Botulinum Toxin
One of the widely used methods in dermatology to improve hyperhidrosis is Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injection. While Botulinum Toxin is well-known for inhibiting muscle contraction, it can also act on eccrine sweat glands, making it useful for localized hyperhidrosis treatment.
In the clinic, we often see that people who have suffered from hyperhidrosis for a long time surprisingly seek medical attention late.
How Botulinum Toxin reduces sweat
The principle is as follows: when the Botulinum Toxin component inhibits the secretion of acetylcholine at nerve endings, the signals that stimulate the sweat glands are blocked. As a result, excessive sweat secretion is reduced, and perspiration in the treated areas such as the armpits, palms, and soles of the feet is alleviated. It's a non-incisional injection procedure with a short treatment time of about 15-30 minutes, and daily life can be resumed on the same day. If you're wondering if your symptoms are treatable, you can leave your area and symptoms in a chat for consultation.
Different approaches by area
Even with the same Botulinum Toxin procedure, the effects and precautions vary depending on the area.
| Area | Primarily related cause |
|---|---|
| Armpits | Overactivity of sympathetic nerves activating eccrine sweat glands |
| Palms · Soles of feet | Emotional factors such as tension, anxiety, and stress |
| Face | One of the common areas where hyperhidrosis appears |
How to approach hyperhidrosis treatment
It is entirely possible to reduce daily discomfort through treatment rather than enduring hyperhidrosis. Botulinum Toxin for hyperhidrosis is a widely used method as it can control perspiration with a short, non-incisional procedure. However, since the approach varies depending on the specific area and individual condition, we recommend booking a consultation with a dermatologist via chat first to establish a treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Author · Dr. Sang-Joo Lee, Chief Director View Profile Chief Director and dermatologist at Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon. He serves as the President of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine. (First published 2026-07-14 · Last reviewed 2026-07-23)
This article provides general medical information about hyperhidrosis. The appropriate treatment methods and results may vary depending on the area of hyperhidrosis and individual condition, so please consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.