Terms of UseHow to Stop Anxiety Sweating Explore this Article methods 1 Reducing Your Sweat on Your Own 2 Getting Medical Treatment for Excessive Sweating 3 Reducing Your Anxiety Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD
Last Updated: June 24, 2025 References
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This article was co-authored by Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD. Dr. Niall Geoghegan is a Clinical Psychologist in Berkeley, CA. He specializes in Coherence Therapy and works with clients on anxiety, depression, anger management, and weight loss among other issues. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 22,326 times.
Sweating is a common reaction to anxiety because it causes the body temperature to rise in response to increased stress. Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but luckily there are many ways to control it. Reducing your underlying anxiety is the best way to reduce anxiety-related sweating, but there are also a variety of different options for treating the symptom.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Reducing Your Sweat on Your Own
1 Wear the right clothes. If you sweat a lot, it's very important to wear fabrics that breathe. This will help prevent heat from getting trapped by your clothing and causing you to sweat more.
Loose-fitting clothing is also a better choice than tight clothing, as it allows for better air circulation.
You can also try using sweat shields under your clothing to prevent sweat stains.[1]XResearch source
2 Try a new deodorant. There are lots of different deodorants on the market, so try a few different brands to see if one works better for you. If regular deodorant is not strong enough for you, you may need to ask your doctor about a prescription strength option. [2]XResearch source
There are also several over-the-counter options that bill themselves as "prescription strength" or "clinical strength."
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3 Stay cool. You can prevent yourself from sweating by keeping yourself nice and cool, especially at times when you are likely to become anxious. If possible, seek out air conditioned areas or bring a fan with you.[3]XResearch source
For example, if you're going on a first date and you're worried about sweating, scope out restaurants ahead of time and choose one that has strong air conditioning.
4 Avoid creating extra heat. Many people unwittingly assume postures that increase their body heat when they begin to feel nervous. If you have a problem with anxiety sweating, you should pay careful attention to your hands and your face when you feel anxious, making sure that you are giving your skin as much room to breathe as possible to avoid creating more heat.[4]XResearch source
Common reactions to anxiety that can create more body heat include making a tight fist, putting your hands in your pockets, and covering your face with your hands.
5 Lose weight. People who are overweight have a higher than average core temperature, which means they are more likely to begin sweating when they become nervous. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help lower your body temperature so that you will sweat less easily.[5]XResearch source
6 Cut stimulants out of your diet. Stimulants like caffeine can wreak havoc on your nervous system, so it's best to eliminate them if you suffer from anxiety. When you do, you may notice that your nervous system is less reactive to stress, which means you will sweat less.[6]XResearch source Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Getting Medical Treatment for Excessive Sweating
1 Rule out other medical causes. While anxiety does often cause sweating, there may be other medical causes as well. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your excessive sweating to find out if there may be other underlying causes.[7]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Medical conditions that may increase sweating include thyroid disorders and low blood sugar.
Certain medications, including morphine, fever-reducing medications, and thyroid medications, may also increase the body's sweat production.
2 Ask your doctor about medications. There are a variety of medications that can help reduce excessive sweating, but this is not right for everyone. All of these medications may cause unwanted side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Medication options include:[8]XResearch source
Beta blockers
Amitriptyline
Anticholinergic drugs
3 Get Botox. While Botox injections are traditionally used for wrinkles, they can also be extremely helpful for people who sweat a lot. The injections work by blocking nerves that cause sweating.[9]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Botox is temporary, so you will need to get injections every few months.
Some people do not see results after their first Botox treatment, so you may need multiple treatments to reduce your sweating.
4 Have iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses an electrical current to stun the sweat glands and reduce sweating. It is highly effective, although multiple treatments are required.[10]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Although this procedure is not invasive, it can be very painful.
5 Consider surgery. If nothing else works to reduce your sweating, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a surgical procedure called thoracic sympathectomy, which reduces sweating by removing cells that are responsible for creating sweat in specific areas of the body. [11]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
This procedure is minimally invasive, but does require general anesthesia.
Surgery comes with serious risks, including injury to the blood vessels, blood clots, and nerve damage. Some people also begin sweating more in other areas of the body after surgery.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Reducing Your Anxiety
1 Avoid worrying about sweating. Many people who deal with anxiety sweating get caught in a vicious cycle: they worry about sweating, which in turn causes anxiety and makes them sweat, which makes them worry even more about their sweating.[12]X Expert Source Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyDClinical PsychologistExpert Interview If this happens to you, it's time to break the cycle! Remind yourself that sweating is perfectly normal and not a big deal at all so you won't get so anxious about it.[13]XResearch source
2 Exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins in your body, which can help reduce anxiety. Incorporating regular exercise, such as jogging, into your schedule can help you stay calm and manage your anxiety.[14]XResearch source
Keep in mind that most forms of exercise will cause you to sweat, so only exercise when you know you will have time to shower afterwards.
3 Try relaxation techniques. When you begin to experience anxiety, you can work to fight it off by practicing relaxation techniques. These techniques will help divert attention from your anxiety, helping your anxiety-related symptoms (including sweating) subside faster.
Many people find deep breathing very helpful for reducing anxiety. This technique forces you to focus your attention on your breathing so that you no longer focus on the thoughts that are triggering your anxiety.[15]X Expert Source Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyDClinical PsychologistExpert Interview
Visualizing calmness may also help. Simply imagine a situation in which you would be very calm, and try to replace all of the anxious thoughts you are having with thoughts about the calm situation.
4 Pursue cognitive behavioral therapy. If you are unable to control your anxiety on your own, make an appointment with a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy will help you recognize the source of your anxiety and learn effective techniques for combating it.[16]XResearch source
Your therapist may also recommend that you take medications to help control your anxiety.
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Co-authored by: Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD Clinical Psychologist This article was co-authored by Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD. Dr. Niall Geoghegan is a Clinical Psychologist in Berkeley, CA. He specializes in Coherence Therapy and works with clients on anxiety, depression, anger management, and weight loss among other issues. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. This article has been viewed 22,326 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 22,326
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,326 times.
Reader Success Stories
Davidson Seyi
Mar 19, 2019
"I tried to not think about sweating, and it really helped."
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD Clinical Psychologist Co-authors: 6Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 22,326100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Davidson Seyi
Mar 19, 2019
"I tried to not think about sweating, and it really helped."
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Co-authored by: Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD Clinical Psychologist This article was co-authored by Dr. Niall Geoghegan, PsyD. Dr. Niall Geoghegan is a Clinical Psychologist in Berkeley, CA. He specializes in Coherence Therapy and works with clients on anxiety, depression, anger management, and weight loss among other issues. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. This article has been viewed 22,326 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6 Updated: June 24, 2025 Views: 22,326 
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
558 
1 Wear the right clothes. If you sweat a lot, it's very important to wear fabrics that breathe. This will help prevent heat from getting trapped by your clothing and causing you to sweat more. 
2 Try a new deodorant. There are lots of different deodorants on the market, so try a few different brands to see if one works better for you. If regular deodorant is not strong enough for you, you may need to ask your doctor about a prescription strength option. [2] 
3 Stay cool. You can prevent yourself from sweating by keeping yourself nice and cool, especially at times when you are likely to become anxious. If possible, seek out air conditioned areas or bring a fan with you.[3] 
4 Avoid creating extra heat. Many people unwittingly assume postures that increase their body heat when they begin to feel nervous. If you have a problem with anxiety sweating, you should pay careful attention to your hands and your face when you feel anxious, making sure that you are giving your skin as much room to breathe as possible to avoid creating more heat.[4] 
5 Lose weight. People who are overweight have a higher than average core temperature, which means they are more likely to begin sweating when they become nervous. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help lower your body temperature so that you will sweat less easily.[5] 
6 Cut stimulants out of your diet. Stimulants like caffeine can wreak havoc on your nervous system, so it's best to eliminate them if you suffer from anxiety. When you do, you may notice that your nervous system is less reactive to stress, which means you will sweat less.[6] Advertisement 
1 Rule out other medical causes. While anxiety does often cause sweating, there may be other medical causes as well. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your excessive sweating to find out if there may be other underlying causes.[7] 
2 Ask your doctor about medications. There are a variety of medications that can help reduce excessive sweating, but this is not right for everyone. All of these medications may cause unwanted side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Medication options include:[8] 
3 Get Botox. While Botox injections are traditionally used for wrinkles, they can also be extremely helpful for people who sweat a lot. The injections work by blocking nerves that cause sweating.[9] 
4 Have iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses an electrical current to stun the sweat glands and reduce sweating. It is highly effective, although multiple treatments are required.[10] 
5 Consider surgery. If nothing else works to reduce your sweating, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of a surgical procedure called thoracic sympathectomy, which reduces sweating by removing cells that are responsible for creating sweat in specific areas of the body. [11] 
1 Avoid worrying about sweating. Many people who deal with anxiety sweating get caught in a vicious cycle: they worry about sweating, which in turn causes anxiety and makes them sweat, which makes them worry even more about their sweating.[12] If this happens to you, it's time to break the cycle! Remind yourself that sweating is perfectly normal and not a big deal at all so you won't get so anxious about it.[13] 
2 Exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins in your body, which can help reduce anxiety. Incorporating regular exercise, such as jogging, into your schedule can help you stay calm and manage your anxiety.[14] 
3 Try relaxation techniques. When you begin to experience anxiety, you can work to fight it off by practicing relaxation techniques. These techniques will help divert attention from your anxiety, helping your anxiety-related symptoms (including sweating) subside faster. 
4 Pursue cognitive behavioral therapy. If you are unable to control your anxiety on your own, make an appointment with a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy will help you recognize the source of your anxiety and learn effective techniques for combating it.[16] 
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