Heavy sweating, a condition medically known as hyperhidrosis, although not life-threatening can be a chronic and embarrassing issue, affecting self image at work, in personal relationships, and socially. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 7.8 million Americans experience hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating. While excess sweating may be linked to anxiety or mental stress, many cases are linked to inherited genes, meaning a parent or sibling also has the condition. Other causes of hyperhidrosis may be an underlying health condition, such as anxiety disorder, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, diabetes, gout, pregnancy, certain medications (i.e., antidepressants or hypertension medication), or an infection (i.e., HIV).
Luckily, there are several effective ways to excessive sweating at home:
1. Antiperspirants and deodorants
The quickest way to keep hyperhidrosis at bay is by using a super strength antiperspirant or deodorant on a daily basis. Most drugstore bought antiperspirants and deodorants contain aluminum-based compounds that block sweat ducts to temporarily impede moisture flow to the surface of the skin (i.e., arm pits). If you suffer from excess sweating, seek out an over-the-counter clinical strength deodorant that contains more aluminum. If this is ineffective, you may need to talk to your doctor about prescription-strength deodorants.
2. Avoid certain foods and beverages
Do you find you sweat a lot more after scarfing down an order of suicide hot wings? There is a connection between sweat and the foods and beverages we consume. For instance, spicy foods caffeine, hot drinks, and alcohol can all trigger higher body temperatures and sweat.
3. Pads and inserts for perspiration
If you find that excess sweat is wreaking havoc on your clothing and shoes. Turn to store-bought underarm cotton pads and shoe inserts, which can form a protective layer between your shoes and clothing and skin. These disposable products work to absorb sweat so it doesn’t ruin your clothes or smell up your shoes.
4. Antibacterial soaps
Many folks who suffer from excess sweating shower or bathe daily using an antibacterial soap, which may help reduce bacteria on the skin surface that triggers excess sweat and odors.
5. Dress in breathable fabrics
The last thing you want to do if you sweat excessively is wear heavy, unbreathable sweaters and jackets that trap sweat. Try dressing instead in light layers made up of breathable fabrics (i.e., cotton, linen, wicking materials) and bring a change of shirt if you know you’ll be in hot temperatures or when doing any physical activity.
