What is excessive sweating? Causes, types, and solutions
You spend all day checking for wet spots. There are some shirts you no longer dare to wear. Regular deodorant seems to do nothing, no matter how often you apply it. If this sounds familiar: you are not alone, and there is a medical name for what you are experiencing.
By Jean-Pierre de Wild
1 July 2026
6 min. reading time
You spend all day checking for wet spots. Some shirts you don't dare to wear anymore. Regular deodorant doesn't seem to help, no matter how often you apply it. If this sounds familiar: you are not alone.
In the Netherlands, approximately 1 in 20 people suffer from excessive sweating. This is not uncommon and certainly not a personal failure. This guide explains what excessive sweating is, its different forms, possible causes, and existing solutions: from lifestyle changes to antiperspirants to professional help.
What exactly is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating means that your sweat glands produce more sweat than necessary to regulate your body temperature. They are, as it were, overactive, even without heat, exertion, or stress. In the medical world, the term hyperhidrosis is used for this, but for most people, the daily experience is more important than the label.
The difference with "just sweating a lot" lies in the degree and impact. Everyone sweats when it's hot or during exercise. With excessive sweating, you sweat noticeably more than the situation demands, often in specific areas, and it affects your daily life: the clothes you choose, whether you dare to shake hands, or if you dare to give a presentation in a light-colored shirt.
The prevalence in the Netherlands is estimated to be around 3% of the population, a figure that the NHG treatment guideline adopts from international research because exact Dutch figures are lacking. International research (Doolittle et al., 2016) shows that excessive sweating is most common among people between 18 and 39 years old, and that the majority have never discussed it with a doctor. Most people look for a solution themselves, often for years.
Two types of excessive sweating
There are two main forms, with an important distinction.
Without an identifiable cause. This type usually affects specific body parts, symmetrically on both sides of the body: both armpits, both hands, or both feet simultaneously. It often starts in childhood or adolescence and has a genetic component: it frequently occurs in multiple family members.
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With an identifiable cause. Here, there is a clear underlying cause: an underlying condition, medication, hormonal change, or other factor. This form more often affects the entire body rather than specific areas, and usually arises later in life, quite suddenly.
This distinction is relevant, because the second form requires attention to the underlying cause, not just symptom relief.
Which body parts are most affected?
The armpits are by far the most common location, accounting for about two-thirds of cases. This is followed by hands, feet, and the face or head. Some people experience it in multiple places at once, others exclusively in one area.
More in-depth explanations per body part can be found in [Sweaty feet and smelly feet], [Sweaty hands (clammy hands)], and [Sweating in your face and on your head].
What causes excessive sweating?
In excessive sweating without an identifiable cause, the precise mechanism is not fully known, but overactive nerve signals to the sweat glands play a role, often with a hereditary component.
In excessive sweating with an identifiable cause, common triggers include:
Hormonal changes, such as during menopause. Stress and anxiety, which activate the nervous system and increase sweat production. Certain medications, including some antidepressants and blood pressure medication. Overweight, which can increase body temperature and sweat production. Certain foods, such as caffeine and spicy food. Underlying conditions, such as thyroid problems or diabetes.
A detailed explanation of each cause, with concrete tips for each situation, can be found in [Why do I sweat so much? 9 causes of (excessive) sweating].
When is it time to see a doctor?
Most forms of excessive sweating are harmless and manageable, but there are signs when it's wise to get it checked out:
It starts suddenly, without a clear reason, especially later in life. You wake up soaked at night. It is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or persistent fatigue. It suddenly affects your entire body instead of specific areas.
These signs can indicate something that deserves attention. A more extensive discussion of when to take action can be found in [Sweating a lot for no reason? When it's normal and when you should see a doctor].
For the majority of people with excessive sweating: it is a persistent, annoying problem, not an emergency. That doesn't mean you should just live with it.
What solutions are there?
The approach depends on the severity and what works for you. From mild to intensive:
Lifestyle adjustments. Breathable clothing (cotton, linen), avoiding known triggers such as caffeine or spicy food, and stress management can provide relief for mild symptoms. More about this in [The vicious cycle of sweating and stress].
Antiperspirant with aluminum salts. This is the most commonly used and accessible first-line solution. Aluminum salts temporarily narrow the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the surface. In the EU, the concentration of aluminum in non-spray products is legally limited to 6.25%, which offers a safe and effective level without the higher concentrations used in some American products. The difference between an antiperspirant and a regular deodorant can be found in [Antiperspirant or deodorant: what's the difference?].
Targeted, long-lasting formulas. Instead of a daily stick or spray, you can opt for a product applied in the evening that provides protection for several days, such as the Zero·One anti-sweat wipes. This suits people who don't want to think about their sweat problem every day.
Medical treatments. For more severe symptoms, a doctor can refer to treatments such as iontophoresis (a mild electrical current through water), botulinum toxin injections, or in rare cases, surgical intervention. These options are outside of cosmetic products and require medical supervision.
The emotional side: you are not alone
Besides the physical aspect, excessive sweating often has a significant emotional impact: shame, avoidance behavior, and the vicious cycle where the fear of sweating actually causes more sweat. We discuss this mechanism and how to break it extensively in [The vicious cycle of sweating and stress].
It is worth emphasizing: excessive sweating is not a sign of poor hygiene or lack of self-control. It is a physiological phenomenon, with a clear medical explanation, that occurs in a significant part of the population.
Frequently asked questions
What is the medical name for excessive sweating? The medical term is hyperhidrosis. It describes sweat glands that produce more sweat than necessary to regulate your body temperature.
Does excessive sweating go away on its own? That depends on the cause. Without an identifiable cause, it is usually permanent, although the severity can vary with age and circumstances. With an identifiable cause, it can improve if that cause is addressed.
Can I tackle excessive sweating myself? For many people with mild to moderate symptoms, lifestyle adjustments and an effective antiperspirant provide sufficient relief. For more severe symptoms, a conversation with the doctor is a good next step.
Is excessive sweating hereditary? The form without an identifiable cause often occurs in multiple family members, indicating a genetic component. The form with an identifiable cause is usually not hereditary, but the result of a specific trigger.
Does an antiperspirant really help against excessive sweating? Antiperspirants with aluminum salts inhibit sweat production at the application site and are an effective, accessible solution for many people with mild to moderate symptoms. For more severe symptoms, additional help from the doctor may be needed.
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