Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis and can affect men and women of any age. In some cases, it is a symptom of an underlying condition such as an overactive thyroid or low blood sugar. Regardless of the cause, the problem can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable, and some people find that it prevents them from living their life as they want to. Left untreated, it can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health.
Doctors can carry out tests to discover the cause of the problem, which can make treatment much easier. However, many people who suffer from hyperhidrosis find that they need to combine different types of treatment and/or medication to manage the condition. Here are eight ways to manage and/or prevent excessive sweating.
1. Use antiperspirants and astringents
Antiperspirant that can be bought over the counter can help to reduce sweating by blocking the pores with aluminum-based compounds. This is a short-term solution that is only suitable for low-level hyperhidrosis. Astringents that contain tannic acid can also be applied to the skin to reduce sweating.
2. Wash every day
Bacteria on the skin can worsen body odor problems, so it is best to wash your skin on a daily basis. It is also important to dry the skin completely, including under the arms and between the toes, to prevent bacteria from building up.
3. Dress your feet carefully
There are lots of sweat glands in the feet, and wearing the wrong shoes and/or socks can worsen the problem. Choose footwear that is made with moisture-wicking and natural materials which will allow the feet to breathe. If you have problems with sweaty feet, change your socks at least once a day and consider using a foot powder to absorb moisture.
4. Dress for the activity
Natural fabrics (e.g., wool, cotton, and silk) are more breathable and so can reduce sweating. If you know that you will be taking part in physical activity, choose fabrics that are designed to wick away sweat.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe nerve-blocking medication, which stops the nerve communications that trigger sweating. Antidepressants can also help reduce sweating and help some people by reducing anxiety, which might worsen the problem. There are also antiperspirants and topical creams which can be applied to problematic areas of skin regularly.
6. Botox injections
Injecting the affected areas of skin with botulinum toxin will block the nerves that trigger sweating. Each treatment lasts from 6 to 12 months before it needs to be administered again.
7. Removal of sweat glands
In some cases, it may be possible to destroy underarm sweat glands with thermal energy. Controlled electromagnetic energy is delivered beneath the skin glands without damaging the top layer of skin. This is a permanent solution that can significantly reduce both odor and sweating problems. New York Metrovein offers this treatment for hyperhidrosis which can shut these sweat glands down in 1 or 2 treatments.
In extreme cases, specific spinal nerves which cause hands to sweat excessively can be surgically removed by cutting, burning, or clamping them. However, there is a risk that this could lead to compensatory sweating elsewhere in the body.