Excessive sweating, often during panic attacks.
At a glance
What it is
Excessive sweating, often during panic attacks.
Commonly experienced as
Evidence context
Traditional useContext
Sweating is a physiological thermoregulatory response — the autonomic nervous system activating eccrine sweat glands to cool the body through evaporative heat loss. It is normal and essential during exercise, in hot environments, and during fever. Clinically significant sweating encompasses excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) — either focal (palms, armpits, soles, face) or generalised — that occurs without adequate thermal trigger and significantly impairs daily life, social functioning, and confidence. Primary hyperhidrosis has a neurological basis (overactive sympathetic stimulation) without systemic disease. Secondary hyperhidrosis reflects systemic causes including hyperthyroidism, menopause, infection, malignancy, medication effects, and anxiety. Night sweats are a specific variant requiring separate assessment. Holistic and medical management depends on distinguishing focal primary hyperhidrosis from systemic secondary causes.
The Evidence
What the evidence says about excessive sweating, when to seek help, and how complementary approaches may support management.
Sweating is normal — but persistent excess warrants assessment
Excessive sweating can stem from primary nervous system overactivity or secondary systemic causes. Evidence for complementary approaches is limited; identifying the underlying cause through professional assessment is the essential first step.
Seek prompt care if sweating is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, chest pain, or night sweats that disrupt sleep regularly. These may indicate systemic conditions — including thyroid disorders, infection, or other underlying illness — that require professional assessment rather than self-management.
A general practitioner is the appropriate starting point to rule out systemic causes such as hormonal changes, medication effects, or infection. Dermatologists specialise in primary hyperhidrosis management. If anxiety is a significant trigger, a mental health professional may also be relevant to your care pathway.
Stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation training have modest supporting evidence for anxiety-related sweating. Herbal remedies are used traditionally but lack robust clinical trial data for hyperhidrosis specifically. Evidence is insufficient to recommend any complementary approach as a standalone intervention for significant or unexplained sweating.
Eccrine sweat glands are activated by the sympathetic nervous system to regulate body temperature. In primary hyperhidrosis, this system is overactive without a thermal trigger. Secondary hyperhidrosis has identifiable systemic causes. Understanding which type is present is essential before any management approach — complementary or conventional — is considered.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction, acupuncture, and certain herbal preparations are used in complementary practice for anxiety-related or generalised sweating. Evidence is preliminary and largely traditional. These approaches are best considered as supportive additions to — not substitutes for — professional assessment and any indicated conventional management.
Lifestyle measures such as breathable clothing, temperature regulation, and stress management can reduce impact. Conventional options range from antiperspirants to medical procedures for primary hyperhidrosis. Complementary practitioners may offer supportive strategies. The most appropriate path depends on the type and severity of sweating identified through professional assessment.
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