Sweating feels great after a high-intensity workout, but excessive sweating in a moderate-temperature room at a regular day at the office or on a date? We all know what a huge of turn-off that is. Have you been avoiding hand-shakes because of clammy hands? Have growing pit stains ruined the feels of a romantic dinner? Try these steps to control excessive sweating and keeping it from ruining your next big outing or presentation.
#1 Wear the Right Clothes
If you’re sweating more than what’s considered normal, try introducing some lifestyle changes. On easy way is to choose fabrics that absorb sweat. Cotton is one fabric that absorbs moisture. Also clothes with a loose weave is a good choice, so think of clothes made of linen. For guys, it is preferable if they wear cotton undershirts to absorb excess sweat.
#2 Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are the easiest ways to deal with too much sweat. They contain aluminum salts, and when you apply them, they form a plug that blocks perspiration. You can easily purchase them over-the-counter or consult your dermatologist for one. Over-the-counter ones are usually less irritating. However, if they’re not enough then ask your dermatologist to prescribe you one. To control the odor of your sweat, many antiperspirants are sold combined with a deodorant. Note that antiperspirants are not just for your armpits but also for other areas where you sweat-be it your hands, feet, even your hairline.
#3 Watch your Diet!
If you have a big interview coming and you know you’re one sweat shop, you want to skip that chicken karhai. Foods like garlic, onions and curry all tend to come out in the sweat, making it evident to everyone around what is it you fill your tummy with. A little tip to go with: downsize your vices. According to mayoclinic.com, carrying heavy stuff, smoking and caffeine-all can cause you to sweat profusely.
Excessive Sweating: More Serious Than You May Think
Instead of acting like a slowly-dripping faucet, if your sweat glands are acting like a carwash, you might be sick. Heart and lung diseases and thyroid problems are associated with profuse sweating. Or, you may have hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a central nervous system dysfunction causing one to sweat for no apparent reason. Common sites include the armpits, hands and feet.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis involves prescription of antiperspirants such as Drysol. These are crammed with ammonium chloride to help clog sweat pores, but they may cause skin irritation. Surgical procedures cutting off nerves supplying the sweat gland have also shown improvement; the most effective of all being Botox. Results of Botox are great with no systemic side effects.
Self-help Tips:
- Avoid known triggers of sweat (think of spicy food and caffeine)
- Instead of deodorants, make use of antiperspirant sprays.
- Minimize the signs of sweating with white or black clothing.
- Avoid tight clothes and minimize the use of man-made fibers (such as nylon)
- To absorb excessive armpit sweat, use armpit shields. They also do a great job at protecting your clothes.
- Wear shoes made of leather or canvas instead of the ones made of synthetic material.
- Wear thick and soft socks that absorb moisture. Also, avoid synthetics and change your socks at least twice a day.
If excessive sweating is troubling you, it’s best to go see a General Practitioner. The GP may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for additional treatment.