Hyperhidrosis Treatments (Excessive Sweating)
Specialist care for Hyperhidrosis and generalised sweating disorders
The Pit of The Problem
Sweat glands are triggered by chemical signals from the nervous system. In people with hyperhidrosis, these glands remain overactive even without heat, stress or physical exertion. Medical treatments work by intercepting these signals or calming sweat production at the source.
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan is tailored to the location and severity of your condition, using a single therapy or a combination of methods. Our specialists use four main types of treatments outlined below.
Anti-Sweat Injections
Very fine injections placed just under the skin to block the chemical signal that triggers underarm sweat glands.
High-Strength Antiperspirants
First-line clinical sprays containing aluminium chloride to plug sweat ducts locally.
Prescription Lotions
Specialised clinical wipes and creams prepared by a pharmacy to block sweat production on faces and bodies.
Oral Tablets
Systemic medications prescribed by a doctor to reduce sweat gland activity across the entire body.
Sweating Disorders We Treat
At Heidelberg Dermatology in North East Melbourne, our specialists use these distinct medical protocols to manage both localised and widespread sweating concerns.
Excessive Underarm Sweating (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)
This is the most frequent form of localised severe sweating, causing visible marks on clothes and significant social discomfort. Our primary medical care involves specialised sweat-reduction injections that rest the overactive localised glands, with effects frequently lasting more than six months.
Generalised Sweating Disorders
Unlike localised sweating, generalised hyperhidrosis causes profuse perspiration across the entire body or larger areas like the trunk, back and limbs. This form can be triggered by external medications or medical issues, and our specialists manage it using targeted prescription tablets or tailored lotions.
Sweaty Hands & Feet (Palmar & Plantar Hyperhidrosis)
Severe sweating on the palms and soles can impair daily tasks, writing and professional work. Management plans include high-strength aluminium antiperspirants, prescription wipes or tap-water iontophoresis (a device that passes a mild electrical current through water to block sweat glands).
Facial & Scalp Sweating
Profuse sweating on the forehead, neck or scalp can be highly visible and distressing. Specialists can manage this area using specific topical prescription lotions or targeted clinical injections to carefully manage sweat production.
Benefits of Hyperhidrosis Treatment
Targeted Sweat Reduction
Medical treatments act directly on the sweat glands in the chosen area, leaving the rest of the body’s natural cooling cycle to function normally.
Medicare Subsidy
As severe hyperhidrosis is classified as a medical condition and not a cosmetic concern, specific injection treatments for underarm sweating qualify for Medicare rebates when clinical criteria are met.
Short Recovery
Non-surgical options like anti-sweat injections take only a few minutes to perform and have short recovery timeframes, for an almost immediate return to work or daily activities.
Longer-Lasting Relief
Clinical interventions can provide stable, more predictable dryness that lasts between 3-6 months, reducing daily stress of managing sweat.
Specialist Dermatology in North East Melbourne
Ready for more predictable relief from excessive sweating?
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENTFrequently Asked Questions on Hyperhidrosis
Medicare rebates apply to anti-sweat injections for the underarms if your sweating severely impacts your daily life and you have already tried a high-strength 20% aluminium chloride antiperspirant without relief. Your Heidelberg dermatologist will verify your eligibility during your clinical assessment.
Primary hyperhidrosis is the most common form of excessive sweating. It usually begins during childhood or adolescence, often runs in families, and typically affects specific areas such as the underarms, hands, feet or face.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of certain medications. It may affect larger areas of the body and often develops later in life. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is an important part of management.
Yes. Anti-sweat injections are generally well tolerated. An ultra-fine needle is used to place the medication just beneath the skin, where it temporarily blocks the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during treatment, and side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Yes, for areas like the face, neck or localised body zones, our specialist dermatologists can prescribe compounded lotions (such as glycopyrrolate formulations prepared custom-made by a pharmacy). These are applied in the evening to help regulate sweat production.