Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Expert Treatments for Excessive Underarm Sweating

Excessive underarm sweating — known medically as axillary hyperhidrosis — affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life, confidence, clothing choices, and even professional or social interactions.

While many suffer in silence, effective treatments are available. Whether you’ve struggled for years or are just beginning to seek help, this guide explains what causes axillary hyperhidrosis, how it’s diagnosed, and the expert treatments Dr. Ali Soueid offers — including advanced surgical and non-surgical options.

What Is Axillary Hyperhidrosis?

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the sweat glands in the underarms are overactive, producing more sweat than the body needs for temperature regulation. It can occur without a clear cause (primary hyperhidrosis) or be part of another medical condition (secondary hyperhidrosis).

Common Symptoms of Axillary Hyperhidrosis

• • Noticeable sweating that soaks through clothing, even in cool environments

• • Need to change clothes multiple times per day

• • Avoidance of certain fabrics or colours

• • Impact on personal, professional, or social life

• • Embarrassment, low self-confidence, or anxiety about body odour

In most cases, the sweating begins in adolescence or early adulthood, and often affects both sides equally.

What Causes It?

Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis

• • No underlying medical condition

• • Caused by overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

• • Often runs in families

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

• • Caused by medical issues such as:
    
    • • Thyroid problems
    • • Diabetes
    • • Infections or medications
    • • Menopause
    • • Neurological disorders

If your sweating began suddenly or occurs during sleep, further investigation is needed to rule out systemic causes.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

Dr. Ali Soueid provides a comprehensive consultation to:

• • Review your symptoms and triggers

• • Examine the affected area

• • Identify possible underlying conditions

• • Determine your hyperhidrosis severity score

• • Recommend the most effective personalised treatment plan

In some cases, tests such as starch-iodine tests or blood tests may be used to support the diagnosis or rule out secondary causes.

Treatment Options for Axillary Hyperhidrosis

At his clinics in London, Doha, Dubai, and Beirut, Dr. Soueid offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments, tailored to your needs and severity.

1. Prescription-Strength Antiperspirants

• • Contain aluminium chloride

• • Often the first-line treatment

• • May cause skin irritation with prolonged use

2. Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox®)

• • Highly effective for axillary sweating

• • Temporarily blocks the nerve signals to sweat glands

• • Results last 6–9 months

• • Injections take 15–20 minutes, with minimal downtime

• One of the most popular and safe treatments worldwide

Did you know? Dr. Soueid offers ultra-precise Botox® for hyperhidrosis using advanced mapping of the sweat gland zones for longer-lasting results.

3. MiraDry® (Microwave Thermolysis)

• • A non-invasive permanent solution

• • Uses electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands

• • Performed under local anaesthesia

• • No sweat glands = no sweat or odour

• • May require one or two sessions

Available in select locations — ask during your consultation.

4. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)

• • A surgical option for severe cases

• • Involves cutting the sympathetic nerve chain

• • Rarely used for axillary hyperhidrosis due to side effects (e.g. compensatory sweating elsewhere)

• • Typically reserved for palmar hyperhidrosis

Dr. Soueid usually recommends non-invasive methods first, as they offer excellent outcomes with minimal risk or recovery time.

What About Surgery for Sweat Gland Removal?

In select cases, surgical excision or liposuction of the underarm sweat glands may be considered for patients who want a more permanent solution and have not responded to other treatments.

• • Performed under local anaesthesia

• • Sweat glands are physically removed or destroyed

• • Low recurrence rates

• • Downtime of 3–5 days

Dr. Soueid offers this option for carefully selected patients, using minimal-scar techniques and aesthetic consideration to maintain a natural underarm contour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is excessive underarm sweating normal?

No — while sweating is normal, hyperhidrosis is when sweating becomes excessive, unpredictable, and disruptive.

Can hyperhidrosis go away on its own?

Unlikely. Most people with primary hyperhidrosis continue to experience symptoms unless treated.

Is Botox safe for underarm sweating?

Yes. It’s FDA-approved and widely used with high safety and satisfaction rates.

Is there a permanent cure for axillary hyperhidrosis?

Procedures like MiraDry® or surgical gland removal offer long-term results, but each case is unique. A consultation helps determine what’s right for you.

Why Choose Dr. Ali Soueid for Hyperhidrosis Treatment?

Dr. Soueid combines medical expertise, aesthetic awareness, and advanced techniques to deliver long-lasting solutions in a discreet, patient-centred setting.

• • Expert in non-surgical and surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis

• • Trusted by patients across London, Dubai, Doha, and Beirut

• • Offers tailored, private consultations

• • Advanced mapping of sweat glands for targeted treatment

• • Same-day options with minimal downtime

Book a Consultation

If excessive underarm sweating is affecting your life, confidence, or wardrobe, expert help is available. Don’t suffer in silence.

Book your confidential consultation with Dr. Ali Soueid in London, Doha, Dubai, or Beirut, and explore the best treatment for your needs.