Excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, is common and treatable, yet many people live with it for years because it feels embarrassing to raise. It usually affects the armpits, hands, feet or face, and can make work, handshakes, presentations and clothing choices a daily worry. A GP can check for a cause, start treatment that often helps within weeks, and refer you on if you need more. A GP telephone consultation with The Online GP is £59.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 14 November 2026.
Key points
Most excessive sweating has no underlying cause and often starts young.
Sweating that starts later in life, or at night, should be checked.
Stronger antiperspirants are the first step and work for many people.
Prescription treatments and specialist options help when that is not enough.
A GP telephone consultation is £59, and a video consultation is £150.
What causes excessive sweating?
Most people have primary hyperhidrosis, where the sweat glands are simply more active than they need to be. It often starts in childhood or the teenage years, runs in families, affects both sides of the body equally and is usually worse when you are anxious, warm or busy. It tends not to happen during sleep.
Sometimes sweating has another cause. This is called secondary hyperhidrosis, and it can be linked to an overactive thyroid, menopause, low blood sugar, infections, some medicines, including certain antidepressants, and rarely other conditions.
When should sweating be checked?
It started in adulthood rather than childhood
It affects the whole body rather than particular areas
It happens at night and soaks your bedding
You have lost weight without trying, or have a fever
You have palpitations, tremor or feel unwell
Your doctor may suggest blood tests, such as thyroid function and blood sugar, depending on your symptoms.
What helps?
Antiperspirants. Strong antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride are the usual first step. They work best applied to dry skin at night and washed off in the morning, a few nights a week at first.
Everyday measures. Breathable fabrics, darker or white clothing, changing socks often, and absorbent insoles can help.
Prescription treatments. If antiperspirants are not enough, your doctor may suggest a medicine that reduces sweating, where it is suitable for you. These can cause side effects such as a dry mouth, and your doctor will explain them.
Specialist options. For hands and feet, iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current through water, can help. Botulinum toxin injections can reduce armpit sweating for several months. Your doctor can refer you for these.
How can a private GP help?
Our doctors can assess your symptoms by telephone or video, suggest any tests, prescribe treatment where it is appropriate, and arrange a specialist referral if you need one. A telephone consultation is £59, a video consultation is £150, and a same day urgent appointment is £220.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Send us a message on WhatsApp with a few words about what you would like help with, and we will offer you the earliest time with one of our doctors. Appointments run from 7am to 9pm every day by video, and in person at our clinics in Marylebone and Belgravia. You do not need a referral, and you do not need to be registered with an NHS GP.
After your appointment you receive a written summary of what was discussed. Our team then arranges any tests, prescriptions or referrals your doctor recommends, and keeps you updated at each step, so nothing is left for you to chase.
Frequently asked questions
Is excessive sweating a medical condition?
Yes. Hyperhidrosis is a recognised condition, and treatment can make a real difference.
Do clinical strength antiperspirants work?
They help many people, especially applied at night to dry skin.
Should I worry about night sweats?
Night sweats that soak your bedding should be checked by a doctor, particularly with weight loss or fever.
Can I get a prescription online?
Yes, where the doctor judges it appropriate after assessing you.
How much is a GP appointment?
A telephone consultation is £59, a video consultation is £150 and a same day urgent appointment is £220.
The Online GP is part of The Wellness, a doctor-led private healthcare group with clinics at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, and 9 Eccleston Street, Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only after a consultation and clinical assessment, when the doctor judges them appropriate. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Message us on WhatsApp on +44 7961 280835 (ref OGP-excessive-sweating-hyperhidrosis-private-gp) and we will arrange your appointment.
Sources
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