Aesthetic medicine / Hyperhidrosis · Deutsch
Hyperhidrosis consultationExcessive sweating – dry through the day again
Heavy underarm sweating is a burden at work, during sport and in everyday life. We investigate the cause and discuss the appropriate hyperhidrosis treatment – from special antiperspirants to injections into the underarm skin.
Dr. med. Abdurrahman Altuntas · Specialist FMH
Hyperhidrosis in brief
Hyperhidrosis means sweat production well beyond what is needed for temperature regulation. Most common is primary focal hyperhidrosis of the armpits (axillary), hands (palmar) or feet (plantar). Secondary hyperhidrosis results from another disease or medication.
- 1Investigation with consultation and, if needed, laboratory (thyroid, blood sugar).
- 2Underarm treatment in about 20–30 minutes, with cooling or numbing cream on request.
- 3Health insurance coverage possible under certain conditions – clarified beforehand.
Medical responsibility: Dr. med. Abdurrahman Altuntas, Specialist FMH in Internal Medicine and NephrologyUpdated: November 2026How severe is your sweating?
Physicians use the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), which asks how much sweating affects daily life:
Never noticeable
Sweating is not noticeable and never interferes with daily activities.
Tolerable
Sweating is tolerable but sometimes interferes.
Barely tolerable
Sweating frequently interferes with daily life – treatment is advisable.
Intolerable
Sweating always interferes. Levels 3 and 4 are considered severe hyperhidrosis.
The stepwise treatment
- Aluminium chloride antiperspirant – applied to dry skin in the evening – often the first and simplest step
- Tap water iontophoresis – weak direct current via a water bath, mainly for hands and feet
- Injections into the underarm skin – inhibit signal transmission to the sweat glands; the effect often lasts several months
- Surgical procedures – only in exceptional cases at specialised thoracic surgery centres
Health check first
Thyroid, blood sugar and medication can increase sweating – they are part of the investigation.
When we advise against
Sudden, nocturnal or whole-body sweating is investigated medically before any treatment.
Risks and side effects
Small bruises and a feeling of pressure at the injection sites are possible. Rarely increased sweating in other areas.
Questions about hyperhidrosis
What helps against excessive sweating?
Depending on severity: special antiperspirants, tap water iontophoresis or injections into the underarm skin. We discuss what suits you.
How long does the treatment last?
The effect of injections into the underarm skin often lasts several months, depending on the individual.
Does health insurance cover the treatment?
With severe hyperhidrosis, and if other measures have not helped, cost coverage may be possible. We clarify this with you beforehand.
What is the difference between primary and secondary hyperhidrosis?
Primary hyperhidrosis has no identifiable cause, usually starts early and affects the armpits, hands or feet. Secondary hyperhidrosis results from a disease or medication and often affects the whole body.
When should I see a doctor?
If sweating restricts your daily life, or if it occurs suddenly, at night or all over the body – especially together with fever, palpitations or weight loss.
Freedom in everyday life
Many people with hyperhidrosis avoid light clothing or handshakes. Effective treatment gives back a piece of freedom.