Sweating is just a fact of life for us as humans, but for some people, sweating doesn’t just happen when they’re out for a run or living in a warm climate, it’s a constant and moist reality.
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, is an unusual condition that is only now starting to drip into public awareness. More people with the condition are seeking treatment from their doctors, and we are only just now starting to understand how much excessive sweating can impact quality of life for sufferers.
But there is some good news. As awareness of hyperhidrosis grows, so too do the number of treatment options available. So if you think you might be living with the excessive sweating condition, read on. The answers to what ails you may be just a few short sentences away.
1. Avoid Spicy Food And Caffeine
As with many other physical conditions, the things that we eat can have an effect on how much we sweat. Spicy foods and caffeine can activate specific neurotransmitters called acetylcholine, which are located in the brain. These can stimulate the sweat glands and cause excessive sweating. If your diet is heavy in spicy foods or caffeine, it would be worth going on an exclusion diet to see if this improves your excessive sweating.
2. Prescription Deodorant and Antiperspirant
If the regular, over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants just aren’t cutting it any more, it might be time to up your game. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for higher level deodorants and antiperspirants, which are more effective at dealing with excessive sweating. These high-strength products can be more expensive and sometimes cause skin irritation, but for hyperhidrosis sufferers, they can also be a way out of the difficulties of excessive sweating.
3. Learn When & Where To Apply
The key to antiperspirant, which is not the same as deodorant just in case you didn’t know, is to know when and where to apply it. Most people put on their antiperspirant in the morning, but this is actually not the most effective time to apply it. Sweat glands are least active in the late afternoon and evening, so this is the smartest time to apply. Don’t worry, it will have sunk in by the time you shower the next morning. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the pits. Antiperspirant can be applied all over the body, except on sensitive skin like the face and private parts.