Heavy underarm sweating, known as axillary hyperhidrosis, is assessed at ZARA at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. One option they may discuss is a prescription-only medicine injected into the underarm skin, and it is only given if it is suitable for you. At ZARA on Edgware Road, London W2, Underarm excessive sweating treatment is priced after a prescriber consultation and medical assessment.
We treat adults aged 18 and over only, and we may ask for photo ID.
Hyperhidrosis: when sweating outpaces what your body needs
Hyperhidrosis means sweating more than the body needs to control its temperature. The most common form, primary focal hyperhidrosis, often begins in the teens or early adulthood and tends to affect the underarms, palms, soles or face, without any underlying illness behind it.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is different. It is caused by another condition or by a medicine, and it more often affects the whole body or happens at night. That distinction matters, which is why we ask about your history before suggesting any treatment.
The NHS suggests starting with a stronger antiperspirant, which a pharmacist can advise on. A consultation with us is for people who have already tried that.
Who should see their GP first
If your sweating started recently, happens mostly at night, affects your whole body, or comes with fever, weight loss or other new symptoms, please speak to your GP before booking. These patterns can point to an underlying cause that needs checking.
Treatment is also not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if there is an infection in the underarm skin, or for people with certain neuromuscular conditions. Some medicines can affect suitability too, so bring a list of everything you take to your consultation.
The prescription-only option and how it works
The medicine is the same type that is used for some facial lines, placed in a different way. Instead of relaxing a muscle, it blocks the nerve signals that switch on the sweat glands in the treated skin. The glands are not removed or damaged.
It is given as a series of small, shallow injections just beneath the skin of the underarm. Your body continues to sweat normally elsewhere, and the underarms account for only a small share of the sweat you produce for cooling.
Whether it is suitable for you is decided by the prescriber at your consultation, and the answer can be no.
What happens at your consultation
Appointments are booked as 40 minutes. When you book, we'll let you know how to prepare, which commonly means shaving a day or two beforehand and arriving without deodorant on the day.
- Consultation: we talk about how long you've had heavy sweating, what you've already tried and your medical history.
- Assessment: the prescriber decides whether treatment is suitable and outlines the area of heaviest sweating in each underarm.
- Consent: if treatment is suitable, the prescriber explains what it can and cannot do, the possible side effects and aftercare.
- Treatment, only if prescribed and you choose to go ahead: the skin is cleansed and a number of small, shallow injections are given across each underarm.
- Aftercare: we go through what to avoid for the next day and how to contact us with any questions.
What your prescriber will discuss
Your prescriber will explain the likely onset, how long any effect may last and the possible side effects, and how each of these applies to you. Responses vary from person to person, and sweating returns gradually as any effect wears off.
Aftercare, side effects and when to get help
For the first 24 hours it's generally advised to avoid deodorant or antiperspirant, hot baths, saunas and strenuous exercise, and not to massage the underarms. Normal daily activities are usually fine straight away.
Side effects are possible and will be discussed at your consultation. The most common are tenderness, small bumps or mild bruising at the injection points, which usually settle within a few days. A headache or a brief flu-like feeling can occasionally occur.
Rarely, the medicine can spread beyond the treated area. If you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new muscle weakness, seek urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) and then tell the clinic. For anything else that doesn't feel right, contact the clinic by phone or WhatsApp. If you feel unwell and cannot reach us, call NHS 111.
Price, and getting here
Underarm excessive sweating treatment uses a prescription-only medicine, so it is priced after a face-to-face prescriber consultation. As with every treatment we offer, the final plan and price are confirmed at your consultation.
The clinic is at 304 Edgware Road, about 50 metres from the Bakerloo line entrance of Edgware Road station. From Marble Arch it's a straight walk north up Edgware Road of roughly 20 minutes, and many buses run along the same road. From Mayfair it's about half an hour on foot, while from Notting Hill Gate the Circle or District line brings you to the Chapel Street station in three stops.
We're open until 8pm Monday to Saturday, and from 1pm to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. You can get in touch to book a consultation by WhatsApp, phone or email.
Excessive sweating treatment: your questions answered
How much does hyperhidrosis treatment cost at ZARA?
Underarm excessive sweating treatment is priced after a face-to-face prescriber consultation. Your plan and price are confirmed there, after a medical assessment.
Is this the same medicine that is used for facial lines?
It is the same type of medicine, but it is placed in the underarm skin to reduce sweat gland activity rather than in facial muscles. The dose and technique are different, and a prescriber decides whether it is suitable for you.
Is it a problem to sweat less under my arms?
The underarms produce only a small proportion of the sweat your body uses to cool down. You'll continue to sweat normally elsewhere.
Should I shave or wear deodorant before my appointment?
It's commonly advised to shave a day or two before and to come without deodorant on the day. We'll confirm how to prepare when you book.
Do you treat sweating in other areas?
Our listed treatment is for the underarms. If sweating elsewhere bothers you, mention it at consultation and we'll talk through your options honestly, which may mean seeing your GP.
When can I exercise again?
After the first 24 hours you can usually return to your usual exercise. We'll go through aftercare with you on the day.
What should I do if I feel unwell afterwards?
Rarely, the medicine can spread beyond the treated area. If you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new muscle weakness, seek urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) and then tell the clinic. For milder worries, such as tenderness or bruising, call or message the clinic. If you cannot reach us, call NHS 111.
