Although sweating a little is good and completely normal, if you find yourself doing it continuously and abundantly, you may be suffering from a condition called "hyperhidrosis". It is a condition that causes excessive sweating, usually in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under the armpits. It is not a serious problem, but it can cause considerable physical and emotional distress and create embarrassing situations. Fortunately, there are many ways to control and treat it. You just need to find the solution that best suits your needs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Making Simple Changes
Step 1. Use a stronger antiperspirant
The first thing to do when trying to inhibit excess sweat is to use a more effective antiperspirant. Generally, those that have a very strong action are recommended by the dermatologist, but there are many products on the market that are equally suitable, such as those of the Dove brand.
- Know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Antiperspirants block sweat glands preventing excess sweat, while deodorants simply cover odors. So, if you have hyperhidrosis, you should use an antiperspirant (although there are antiperspirant deodorants).
- Usually, antiperspirants prescribed by doctors and dermatologists contain 10-15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate. This substance effectively reduces sweating, but can sometimes irritate the skin. In these cases, it is necessary to find a formulation that best suits your needs.
- Some people do not accept the idea of using antiperspirant due to the alleged associations between aluminum compounds and the onset of some serious diseases, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. However, several clinical studies have found that there is no evidence to support this theory.
Step 2. Apply antiperspirant at night
This may surprise you, but doctors recommend putting it on before going to bed. The reason is that it takes 6-8 hours for it to penetrate the excretory ducts and properly close the pores.
- Since the body tends to be cooler and more relaxed during sleep, sweating is reduced and, therefore, the antiperspirant is not excreted before it penetrates the skin (it happens, however, when you apply it in the morning).
- However, you may want to apply it again in the morning after a shower for better results.
- Remember that antiperspirant should not be applied only under the armpits, but in all other areas prone to excessive sweating: palms, feet, back. Avoid putting it on your face because if it is strong, it could irritate the skin, especially if it is sensitive.
Step 3. Choose the right clothing to wear
A smart choice of clothes can make a big difference when you need to keep sweat at bay. First, the breathable fabrics prevent you from sweating excessively; Secondly, by choosing wisely what clothes to wear, you can hide any sweat stains and save yourself a lot of awkward situations.
- Go for lightweight fabrics. Thin and breathable ones, such as cotton, allow the skin to breathe and prevent the body from overheating.
- Choose lighter colors if you need to keep cool. They reflect sunlight and will protect you from heat throughout the day. However, sweat stains will be more noticeable on light colors than dark ones, so try to figure out whether staying cool or hiding sweat is more important.
- Go for dark colors and patterns to mask sweat stains. This way, they will be less visible or even unnoticeable and you won't feel uncomfortable during the day.
- Bring breathable shoes. If your feet get sweaty, you may want to buy a good quality pair of shoes that keep your foot from overheating. For additional benefits, you can also put sweat-absorbing insoles inside and bring 100% cotton socks.
- Dress in layers. It is a great strategy against sweat in any season, because it allows sweat to be trapped in the underneath clothing before it reaches the outer ones. Men can wear an undershirt, while women can opt for a tank top with thin straps.
- Consider using underarm pads. If it's too hot to layered, you can use underarm pads. These are small adhesive wings to be applied inside the clothes in order to absorb excess sweat. They can be bought at the pharmacy.
Step 4. Shower at least once a day
A daily shower can really help you get rid of bad odors caused by hyperhidrosis. Interestingly, sweat itself is odorless, as it is a simple mixture of water, salt and electrolytes.
- The bad smell is formed when the apocrine glands - found in the armpits and groin area - secrete a sticky substance containing fats, proteins and pheromones.
- This substance mixes with sweat and bacteria present on the surface of the skin, creating the typical bad smell associated with sweat.
- By washing yourself daily (especially with an antibacterial cleanser), you can prevent an excessive buildup of bacteria and, consequently, inhibit the formation of bad body odors. Also, it is important to wear clean clothes after a shower because bacteria also lurk in dirty clothes.
Step 5. Prepare a change of clothes
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, it would be a good idea to carry a spare (non-creasing) shirt or shirt in your bag. Simply knowing that you can change at any time will ease your anxiety and make you feel more confident.
- Fear of sweating has been shown to actually increase sweating, so you may want to keep it at bay knowing you have a lifeline (aka change of clothes).
- Keep a handkerchief handy. Another quick trick is to keep a handkerchief in your pocket. That way, if you have to shake someone's hand, you can dry it discreetly before holding it out.
Step 6. Avoid spicy foods
If they are based on chilli or curry, they can increase sweating, so avoid eating these kinds of dishes, at least for lunch during the week or before a date.
- Avoid garlic and onion because the strong smell of these ingredients could contaminate the sweat.
- In general, the best solution is to consume grains, fruits and vegetables. They don't completely inhibit sweat production, but they improve body odor.
Step 7. Try to stay cool when you go to bed
If you suffer from night sweats, there are several ways to sleep without feeling hot.
- Make sure you use lightweight, breathable sheets regardless of the season. Also, choose absorbent fabrics, such as cotton. Silk linen and flannel is not ideal.
- Choose a duvet or light quilt. You can always add a blanket if necessary, but if you use a heavy duvet - even in the summer - it's no wonder you suffer from night sweats.
Step 8. Reduce Stress
In some people, stress, nervousness, and anxiety are the main causes of hyperhidrosis, so if you keep these factors in check, you will also keep sweat at bay.
- Stress and nervousness cause neurotransmitters in the brain to tell the body to sweat, promoting a feeling of heat and agitation.
- To relieve stress, don't take on heavier tasks than you can handle. If you sweat because you are agitated during a conference or before a meeting with your boss, practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.
- Gradually, physical activity and time spent with friends and family will help you reduce stress. You can find other helpful tips in this article.
Step 9. Use dry shampoo
If you sweat on your head at the slightest physical activity, consider using a dry shampoo every morning. Typically, it is composed of a powder that absorbs excess moisture in the hair and on the scalp.
- Keep a bottle of travel dry shampoo in your purse or desk drawer so you can go to the bathroom when needed and give yourself a quick refresh.
- Scented dry shampoo is also a great product, as it helps mask the smell of sweat. However, if you're looking for a simpler option, baby powder or baking soda are just as effective.
Step 10. Eliminate bad habits
Smoking, alcohol and excess caffeine promote sweating, therefore, if possible, it would be advisable to limit the intake of these substances.
- Being overweight also leads to increased sweating, so you may want to lose a few pounds to start with.
- For more tips, see the following articles: How To Quit Smoking, How To Stop Drinking Alcohol, How To Give Up Caffeine, and How To Lose Weight.
Method 2 of 3: Seek Medical Assistance
Step 1. See your doctor to assess the cause of excessive sweating
In some cases, hyperhidrosis could be caused by a physiological phenomenon, such as menopause, or a pathology, such as heart disease, hyperthyroidism or a tumor.
- It is important to identify the cause for immediate treatment. This is especially true in the case of potentially lethal diseases if neglected. Once the underlying problem is treated, excessive sweating also subsides.
- It is important to consider whether the cause is attributable to drug therapy. Some medications can promote excess sweating, such as those used to treat psychiatric disorders or hypertension. Antibiotics and some types of supplements can also trigger heavy sweating.
- Pay attention if the phenomenon appears at the beginning of a drug treatment, if it is generalized or localized.
Step 2. Try removing underarm hair with laser
Doctors often recommend laser hair removal to limit excess sweat and eliminate bad odors.
- The reason it works is pretty simple: hair grows to keep the body warm, but sometimes it increases sweating. In addition, they are a welcoming place for the bacteria responsible for the formation of unpleasant odors. By shaving, you will sweat less and inhibit bacterial proliferation with a consequent reduction of bad odor.
- Laser hair removal works by attacking the follicles with pulses of light. It is not painful, but it can take several sessions before the hair is completely removed from an area. Their regrowth is significantly reduced. Treatment can be expensive, but the results are permanent.
Step 3. Take the medications prescribed by your doctor
There are several that can keep sweat under control. They work by blocking the communication of the nervous system with the sweat glands.
- They have been shown to be very effective on some patients, so consult your doctor if you are interested.
- In some cases, side effects may occur, including blurred vision, bladder problems, and dry mouth.
Step 4. Consider iontophoresis
This is a therapy generally performed by the dermatologist who uses electrical impulses to temporarily "deactivate" the sweat glands. It is particularly effective on the hands and feet.
- Several sessions are required to achieve good results, usually an appointment every two weeks. After that, maintenance sessions are carried out as needed.
- Side effects are few and it is sometimes possible to carry out maintenance sessions at home. You can buy a special portable and digital iontophoresis device at a price around 500 €. Learn how to use it correctly by following your doctor's instructions.
Step 5. Consider Botox injections
While they are usually thought to be an effective anti-aging treatment, they also have a proven effect in treating hyperhidrosis. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerves that stimulate the process of sweat secretion.
- This procedure does not involve any health risks, is accompanied by few unwanted effects and does not involve long healing times.
- Usually, the results of the anti-hyperhidrosis treatment with Botox last for 4 months. Subsequently it is necessary to repeat the infiltration.
Step 6. Consider surgery if needed
In extreme cases it is possible to intervene surgically to remove or deactivate the sweat glands. If the surgery is successful, it definitively stops the phenomenon of hyperhidrosis. There are two main procedures:
- Removal of sweat glands: they are removed with liposuction and a small skin incision. It is only possible for the glands present in the armpits.
- Thoracic endoscopic sympathectomy: consists in cutting, closing or eliminating some portions of the sympathetic nervous system which activates the sweat glands favoring hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands. Unfortunately, it could trigger compensatory sweating in other parts of the body.
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Increase your water consumption
We sweat when the body overheats and secretes water to cool itself down. By drinking a lot during the day, you can regulate the temperature by preventing your body from overheating and, consequently, excessive sweat production.
- Furthermore, the consumption of water favors the expulsion of toxins through the urine, otherwise excreted by sweat.
- When toxins are eliminated through the skin, they mix with sweat and create a bad smell. Hence, drinking lots of water can improve body odor as well.
- Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to encourage sweating and enjoy other benefits, such as cleaner skin and better digestion.
Step 2. Use a facial exfoliator in the armpits
It may sound strange, but by applying a facial scrub under the armpits (or anywhere on the body prone to hyperhidrosis), you can exfoliate the skin and open the pores. However, be cautious as it can cause minor abrasions and irritation if used too frequently or energetically.
- If you feel that the deodorant is pinching after using the scrub on your armpits, stop the treatment.
- Once opened, the pores will release toxins that clog them and cause the bad smell.
- You may sweat more at first, but after a couple of days you will notice a reduction in the volume and frequency of sweating. Continue using the scrub 1-2 times a week.
Step 3. Use cornstarch or baking soda
They are perfect products to apply on areas prone to sweat and irritation, such as the feet or under the breasts. Baby powder is also a great choice, but use it with caution as some research suggests it may be linked to some cancers.
- Once in contact with the skin, these powders quickly absorb excess moisture and keep the area dry for several hours.
- Bicarbonate has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, so it is especially suitable for sensitive skin. However, to keep sweat at bay in the groin area, you may want to use a product specifically designed for this area.
Step 4. Try beetroot juice
Some argue that beetroot juice effectively reduces hyperhidrosis because it moderates the activity of the sweat glands.
- If you want to give it a try, extract the juice from a beetroot by running it on a vegetable grater and squeezing the pulp.
- You can apply the juice directly under the armpits or on areas of the body affected by excessive sweat production. Alternatively, try drinking it or using it to make a good smoothie.
Step 5. Drink sage tea
It is a little known remedy for excessive sweating. It is believed to prevent the glands from secreting too much sweat.
- You can find it in organic food stores, but also prepare it at home.
- Just bring a handful of fresh or dried sage leaves to a boil in a pot of water. Then remove them and let the herbal tea cool slightly before drinking it.
- One or two cups a day should be enough.
Step 6. Change your diet
What you introduce into your body affects its smell. Artificially sweetened and refined foods increase systemic toxins, which come to clog pores and mix with sweat, producing bad odors.
- You should avoid fast food, ready meals, fizzy drinks, colored or artificially sweetened candies, and anything that contains high fructose corn syrup, as they make sweating worse.
- Instead, try to consume fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in water like tomatoes, watermelon and cucumbers, as well as whole grains, lean meat and fish, nuts, beans and eggs.
Step 7. Apply lemon juice
Thanks to citric acid, it helps eliminate the bad smell associated with excessive sweating.
- Just squeeze a fresh lemon or buy a bottle of ready-made juice and apply a small amount directly to the areas where you sweat the most. You'll smell like lemon all day!
- Since lemon juice is acidic, it can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid using it if you have scratches or irritation as it may pinch.
Step 8. Get zinc
Even zinc is able to partially eliminate bad odors. Buy a supplement at a health food store or herbalist's shop and take it following the instructions on the package insert.
- It is best to consult your doctor before starting to take a supplement.
- You can also supplement it naturally by eating oysters, crabs, beef, breakfast cereals, stewed beans, almonds, and yogurt.
Step 9. Get a colon cleanse
According to some, it helps to relieve excessive sweating.
- In fact, there may be some truth to it because colon washing eliminates toxins that would otherwise favor the secretion of foul-smelling sweat.
- So, if you've tried other remedies in vain, colon cleansing might be a viable alternative.
