Hyperhidrosis in Australia and New Zealand: What You Need to Know

Based on international prevalence estimates, hyperhidrosis affects hundreds of thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand. Because the condition is often stigmatised or underreported, the true figure is likely higher. Many people assume excessive sweating is just how they are, rather than recognising it as a medical condition with effective treatment options.

Australia's warm climate and New Zealand's increasingly warm summers mean that people with hyperhidrosis often face an extended period of heightened challenge each year. Heat is one of the most consistent amplifiers of excessive sweating, and in cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth where summer temperatures are sustained and high, the burden of the condition is often felt most intensely from October through to April.

Many people with hyperhidrosis notice a natural reduction in symptoms during cooler winter months. This is not a sign that treatment has worked permanently. The condition remains, and symptoms typically return with the heat. A consistent treatment routine maintained year-round produces better long-term outcomes than treating only during warm months.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment for hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet, and underarms. It works by delivering a mild electrical current through ordinary tap water to the area being treated. Over a course of sessions, this process temporarily reduces sweat secretion in the treated areas. It has been used clinically since the 1940s, requires no medication, and can be done entirely at home with a medical-grade device. It is one of the most widely recommended treatments for palmar, plantar, and axillary hyperhidrosis globally, and is considered a first-line option by dermatologists.

Until recently, people in Australia and New Zealand who wanted home iontophoresis treatment had limited options. Devices were often sourced from overseas suppliers, came with no local support, and were not distributed in compliance with Australian and New Zealand regulatory requirements.

SudorCure was established to address this gap. As an Australian company and TGA sponsor for the Saalio® iontophoresis device, we provide locally supported access to one of the most effective hyperhidrosis treatments available, with real support from people who understand the ANZ context.

If you haven't already had a formal conversation about your sweating with a health professional, it is worth doing. A GP can help confirm whether what you're experiencing is primary hyperhidrosis, rule out any underlying causes, and in some cases refer you to a dermatologist who specialises in this area. Awareness of hyperhidrosis among Australian and New Zealand GPs is improving, and a formal diagnosis can open doors to a broader range of treatment options.

One of the most common barriers to starting iontophoresis is the upfront investment. The Saalio® Hire Program lets you trial a Saalio® device before deciding whether to purchase, removing the financial risk and giving you the opportunity to see how it works for your individual situation before committing to ownership.

SudorCure provides the Saalio® iontophoresis device range to Australian and New Zealand customers with full local support. All devices are distributed in compliance with TGA and ARTG requirements, backed by a four-year warranty, and supported by a team based in Australia who can help with setup, technique, and troubleshooting throughout your treatment.

The Saalio® Hire Program is available to Australian residents. It allows you to trial a device for three to four weeks before deciding whether to purchase, with the hire fee credited toward a purchase if you go ahead within 30 days. This is a particularly useful entry point for people new to iontophoresis who want to experience results firsthand before committing.

Before starting any treatment, it is worth understanding which type of hyperhidrosis you are dealing with. Primary hyperhidrosis is localised (affecting specific areas like the hands, feet, or underarms), usually starts in childhood or adolescence, tends to run in families, and does not have an identifiable underlying medical cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis typically causes generalised sweating across the body, begins in adulthood, and is driven by a medical condition or medication.

If your sweating started recently in adulthood, is generalised, or comes alongside other new symptoms, a GP visit is strongly recommended before starting treatment. In most cases of primary focal hyperhidrosis, you can begin exploring treatment options without a referral. Email us at hello@sudorcure.com and we are happy to help you work through which products and approach suit your situation.

→ SudorCure provides locally supported hyperhidrosis care across Australia and New Zealand. Explore our products and Hire Program, or reach us at hello@sudorcure.com.

Once results are established, most people find maintenance is straightforward, and many find they can go weeks between sessions as their response to iontophoresis builds over time.