Health

How To Reduce The Effects of Hyperhidrosis

Although sweating is normal after a hard workout or in the heat of summer, some of us sweat far above the average amount. We find ourselves covered in sweat after a walk, or just sitting on the couch at home instead of going outside and risking the heavy sweat stains. This can stem from several factors including hormonal imbalances, the time of year (especially hot summers if you live in an area with high humidity levels), medications, and underlying health conditions. While cooling off and frequent showers can help, these options aren’t always around, especially in moments in which uncontrollable sweating is unexpected. You may also try to mask the odors and other side effects with deodorant and other tools, but most of the time this does not work the way that we want.

There are several ways to stop excessive sweating without having to limit your outdoor time, even in hot humid summers. Some of these include simple changes in your routine, including eating habits and other minor adjustments, as well as a few minor medical treatments that can really help reduce sweating without any topical applications or changes in your everyday routine. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your excessive sweating!

Choose antiperspirant over deodorant

Deodorant is the most common choice for people who sweat profusely. However, deodorant won’t stop sweating. Antiperspirants cause a change in pH, which allows the aluminum salts within the antiperspirant to block sweat ducts. It causes sweat to decrease, along with its unwanted side effects. Some of these side effects include sweat stains and the odor that comes along with sweat.

Layer up with breathable clothing

Synthetic polyester fabric and other artificial fabrics are known for their terrible odour when they sweat. These types of clothes don’t allow for enough ventilation, so it is important to choose breathable clothing. Fabrics such as cotton absorb sweat and help dry the area. The best fabrics for breathable fabrics are cotton, linen and bamboo. All three of these fabrics allow air to flow naturally without restriction. In addition, they also absorb sweat in the process.

Botox

Botox can do more than just remove wrinkles and fine lines. Botox and other neurotoxins paralyze the muscles in the area where it is injected. Aside from paralyzing the muscles, Botox also paralyzes sweat glands that produce the sweat that leaves us with unwanted sweat stains and body odors. This is most commonly treated in the underarms, armpits, hands and feet. Botox for Hyperhidrosis has been approved by the FDA and can often be covered by your health insurance. It is both approved for cosmetic use as well medical use. Botox can be administered at your regular doctor’s office, or at a medical spa. For best results, professionals recommend that the treatment be done every three to four weeks.

Avoid spicy food

You may need to slow down if you like spicy foods. The chemical capsaicin in spicy foods signals your nerves that you are feeling hotter. People who are already suffering from excessive sweating may not like spicy foods. You might prefer to stick to foods that are more refreshing and hydrating, such as fruits and salads. You can add some spice to your cooking, but make sure you don’t let your sweat get in the way. When you do add spicy seasonings or ingredients to the foods that you eat, try not to add too much. Even if you are a lover of spicy foods, your taste buds will adjust over time and they will seem just as spicy within a few months!

There are many options available that will help you reduce your sweat level and mask the smell. Talking to your doctor is the best way to determine which option is right and you can head here to get more information. This could be due to hormones or other imbalances. When you speak to your doctor, they will run a number of tests to make sure that your excessive sweating is not the result of an underlying disease. Keep in mind that excessive sweating is actually pretty common, meaning that it usually is nothing to be concerned about and something that can usually be treated.

If you have any questions, please ask below!