Do you avoid shaking hands because your palm is always sticky? Are your socks and shoes always damp and smelly? Are you embarrassed by sweat stains on your clothes? If you have these problems, know that you are not the only one. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent excessive sweating from spoiling your days and undermining your self-esteem.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Using an Antiperspirant Deodorant
Step 1. Opt for an antiperspirant instead of a regular deodorant
When choosing personal care products, always check the packaging and buy an antiperspirant instead of a simple deodorant. The latter masks the odors emanating from the body, but does not eliminate the problem of excessive sweating.
For underarms, find a roll-on product with a thick consistency. For hands, feet and other parts of the body, choose an antiperspirant spray
Step 2. Find a "clinically proven" product
Clinically proven antiperspirants are more expensive, but more effective in preventing hyperhidrosis. Most of the companies that work in the personal hygiene sector produce this kind of items. You can buy them in pharmacies and in any perfumery.
Antiperspirants that contain aluminum chloride are more effective
Step 3. Apply it in the morning
You will get better results if you use it once a day. Wipe it evenly covering your armpits with a thin layer. After application, gently massage the skin to increase its effectiveness.
Do not overdo it. Sometimes, the body needs to sweat. Avoid using it before going to bed
Step 4. Make sure your skin is dry before using antiperspirant
If you just got out of the shower or if you have sweaty armpits, clean them with a towel. You can also use a hair dryer, setting it to fresh air.
If you apply antiperspirant to wet skin, it may irritate you
Step 5. Use it on other areas of the body
If you have sweaty feet, spray it on the sole and between your toes to prevent your socks from getting sweaty. If you tend to sweat on your face and head, you can spray it along the hairline.
- There are also antiperspirant wipes on the market, which are more comfortable than the spray.
- Before spraying the product, try it on the hairline or any other sensitive area. Apply it to a small patch of skin to make sure it doesn't cause redness or burning. In these cases, avoid using it on the most delicate points.
Part 2 of 4: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Bathe every day and adopt healthy personal hygiene habits
By washing yourself daily, you will keep the skin bacterial population at bay that causes bad odor (or bromhidrosis) when you sweat excessively. Therefore, by limiting the number of bacteria, you will prevent the smell of the skin from being unpleasant.
- It is important to wash especially after training or other very intense physical activities. Also, by eliminating sweat and bacteria after sport, you will be able to keep acne under control.
- It is good to wash every day, however it would be advisable to limit yourself to a quick shower. If it lasts too long and is hot, it can dry out the skin, promote acne, or cause skin irritation.
Step 2. Apply products containing tannic acid to the affected areas
In pharmacies and in any perfumery you can find astringent skin care products based on tannic acid. Apply a thin layer to areas of your body where you sweat excessively, such as your armpits or feet. Always read the instructions for use.
- Black tea is also rich in tannic acid. Prepare a very strong cup and soak a towel or apply the sachets directly to the skin.
- Since clinically proven antiperspirants can cause irritation or worsen eczema and atopic dermatitis, tannic acid allows you to minimize these effects.
Step 3. Avoid spicy foods
Chillies, hot sauce, and other similar dishes can promote sweating, so try to avoid them. If you start sweating while eating something spicy, especially stop when you are away from home.
Ingesting onion and garlic can also cause bromhidrosis
Step 4. Cut down on alcohol and caffeinated beverages
Notice if you sweat more when drinking coffee, tea, or alcohol. If necessary, avoid these substances, especially when in contact with people.
Remember that caffeine is also present in chocolate, so you may want to reduce your consumption of sweets
Step 5. Try some relaxation techniques if stress causes you to sweat
When you feel tense or stressed, inhale deeply for a count of 4, hold your breath for another 4 seconds, and slowly exhale to 8. As you check your breath, imagine that you are in a comfortable environment, such as a reassuring place from your childhood.
Try using relaxation techniques before and during a stressful situation, such as if you have to speak in public or go to the dentist
Step 6. Pay attention to the factors that trigger sweat fits
Try writing a diary in which to keep track of all the elements that promote episodes of excessive sweating. You can keep a small notepad handy or record them on your phone.
- For example, take note if you've found yourself in a sweat bath after adding hot sauce to your lunch, but also if you start sweating after a glass of wine or when talking about the person you're interested in.
- By keeping track of the triggers, you will learn what behaviors to avoid so as not to sweat too much.
Part 3 of 4: Addressing the Most Delicate Social Contexts
Step 1. Wear light clothing that allows for breathability
Choose clothing made of natural fibers and soft fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Light colors can also keep you cooler, since they reflect light and don't absorb heat as much as dark ones.
Sweat stains are more visible on gray garments, so avoid this dye
Step 2. Prepare a change of clothing and socks
Bring a spare shirt and pants or skirt with you in case you get sweat stains on the clothes you left the house in. However, first use a washcloth or handkerchief to wipe away the sweat. Also, bring another pair of socks if you sweat a lot on your feet.
- If necessary, change your socks 2 or 3 times a day.
- Put the change in a backpack or compact travel bag. You can also keep it in your car or office locker.
Step 3. Buy breathable clothing
They are made of fabrics specially designed to absorb and disperse sweat. Choose tank tops and breathable underwear to prevent sweat from staining your clothes.
They are probably more expensive. However, although cotton undergarments are cheaper and can absorb sweat, they are not as effective as those that provide greater skin breathability
Step 4. Use antiperspirant or absorbent talc on sticky hands
If you sweat a lot on your hands, try spraying an antiperspirant spray in the morning and before bed. Baby powder, baking soda, or cornstarch can also help keep them dry.
- Before applying antiperspirant, remember to dry them well using a towel or hairdryer.
- If they are often sweaty, avoid using greasy and oily creams that contain petroleum jelly.
Step 5. Buy breathable shoes if you sweat your feet
Leather and other natural materials are a great choice if you want a pair of elegant footwear. When shopping for trainers, opt for a model with small holes to promote air circulation.
- Also, when you can, wear sandals or go barefoot so that your extremities breathe.
- You could also buy breathable socks for sports and physical activity.
Step 6. Use a spray or powder to prevent makeup from melting
If your make-up gets damaged because you tend to sweat on your face, apply a matte primer before applying foundation, blush and eyeshadow. When you're done, finish with a setting spray or powder to keep it from melting.
- You may also want to bring some absorbent wipes so you can wipe away the sweat without ruining your makeup. Coffee filters are also suitable in an emergency.
- Also, try to spray the antiperspirant spray on your hairline before putting on your makeup. Test it on a small patch of skin first to make sure it doesn't irritate you.
Part 4 of 4: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Contact your doctor if excessive sweating interferes with your daily activities
Don't hesitate to go to the doctor if this problem prevents you from having a social life or impairs your emotional well-being. You should also consult it if the episodes have started suddenly or inexplicably, are accompanied by weight loss, or occur predominantly at night.
- You may be suffering from hyperhidrosis, which is an overactivity of the sweat glands. However, consider that this phenomenon could also be related to another pathology.
- Your doctor will likely recommend a dermatological examination.
- If sweating is accompanied by difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest, arms, neck or jaws it could indicate a clinical picture that requires urgent treatment. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Step 2. Tell your doctor what medications you are taking
Numerous medicines involve sweating among the side effects. Ask your doctor if your problem may be related to the medications you take regularly. If necessary, get advice on alternative therapy with fewer side effects.
Step 3. Ask if they can prescribe other medical devices
He may suggest an antiperspirant deodorant, desiccant cream, or anticholinergic. Whatever he prescribes you, follow his instructions and, if it is a drug, do not stop taking it without his advice.
- Generally, antiperspirants and desiccant creams are the first treatment option. If they don't work, they may prescribe an oral medication.
- Oral anticholinergics are systemic drugs, meaning they cause a dehydrating effect throughout the body. They can inhibit the activity of the sweat glands, but also cause dry mouth and eyes.
Step 4. Try iontophoresis if you tend to sweat in your hands and feet
It may be that your doctor will prescribe you an iontophoresis treatment at home (using a special device that you can buy in health care) or at a dermatological office. It works with simple water which guarantees a mild flow of electric current with which the activity of the sweat glands is blocked.
- Normally, the treatment consists of several 30-minute sessions per week.
- You will feel a slight tingling during the procedure, which may continue for a few hours after the session. Side effects are rare but can include irritation, dryness, and blistering.
Step 5. Ask your doctor if you can have Botox injections
They manage to temporarily paralyze the sweat glands for 7-19 months. Botox is used in the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis and can be injected into the armpits, face, hands and feet.
Side effects include pain in the injection area and flu symptoms. If injected into the palms, it can temporarily cause weakness and pain
Step 6. Consider microwave thermolysis
It is effective on the armpits or other areas prone to excessive sweating and consisting of a protective fat layer. The procedure consists in the controlled delivery of electromagnetic energy by a device that allows to destroy the sweat glands present in the area to be treated. Usually, two treatments three months apart are recommended.
- The destruction of the sweat glands in the axillary area does not compromise the body's ability to regulate body temperature. In this area their presence is equivalent to only 2% of the total sweat glands.
- You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure, but you may experience redness, swelling and sensitivity for several days, as well as numbness or tingling in the treated areas for up to 5 weeks after the session.
Step 7. See a psychologist if anxiety is causing sweating
If you tend to sweat because you are anxious, cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy are better alternatives. A mental health professional can advise you on some relaxation techniques, but also teach you to recognize and abandon the thought patterns that are at the origin of this problem.
If necessary, they may also recommend medication to control an anxiety disorder or panic attacks
Step 8. As a last resort, undergo surgery
Surgery is rarely used to combat excessive sweating. It is only recommended in extreme cases, when all other therapeutic options have not had the desired effects. There are two surgical procedures used to treat hyperhidrosis:
- Surgical intervention in the axillary area can be performed by practicing local anesthesia at the dermatologist's office. The doctor will perform liposuction, excision (cut with a scalpel or scraper), or use the laser to remove the sweat glands. The recovery period usually lasts 2 days, although it is necessary to limit arm movements for approximately one week.
- Sympathectomy involves ablation of the nerves that transmit signals to the sweat glands. A similar procedure, called sympathofraxis, involves the application of clips on the sympathetic chain with consequent interruption of nerve conduction. These procedures can relieve hyperhidrosis in the arms or armpits, but they can also cause heat intolerance, irregular heart rate, or increased sweat in other parts of the body.
- If you need to undergo surgery, your dermatologist will help you decide which procedure is best based on your needs.
Advice
- If you want to play sports without sweating too much, try swimming. The water wicks away sweat as you move.
- If you are obese or overweight, lose weight to help regulate your body temperature and not sweat excessively.
- Since you risk becoming dehydrated when you sweat too much, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Some people worry that antiperspirant deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. There is no scientific evidence linking antiperspirants to these or other conditions.
