7 things you can do if you think you’re sweating too much

Sweating is a way for the body to chilly down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

When your body temperature rises (because it’s warm outside or you exercise), sweat glands all over your skin secrete a watery fluid. When the liquid evaporates, it takes heat with it, protecting us from overheating.

But sweating can vary from person to person. Some people may just get a little dew under their arms, others may feel like they could fill a swimming pool (maybe not as dramatically, but you get the idea).

So what is a normal amount of sweat? And what is too much?

Why do some people sweat more than others?

How much you sweat depends on many factors factors including:

The average person sweats at a rate of approx 300 milliliters per hour (at a temperature of 30°C and humidity of approximately 40%). However, because you can’t measure the volume of your own sweat (or weigh it), doctors utilize a different measure to assess the impact of sweating.

They ask if sweating interferes with everyday life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes because of sweat stains or you feel embarrassed, so you don’t go to social events or work.

If so, it is a so-called disease state excessive sweatingwhat affects millions of people all over the world.

As you might expect, people suffering from this condition most often report problematic underarm sweating. However, sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin may also be a problem.

Excessive sweating may be a symptom of another disease, e.g hyperthyroidism, fever or menopause.

But excessive sweating cannot have an obvious cause, and the causes of this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are somewhat mysterious. People have a normal number of sweat glands, but scientists believe they simply produce excessive amounts of sweat when exposed to triggers such as stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and zingy spices. There may also be a genetic link.

Okay, I’m sweating a lot. What can I do?

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants, especially those with aluminumare the first line of defense and have been designed to reduce sweating. Deodorants only stop unpleasant body odor.

Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate, aluminum chloride or weaker tetrachlorohydrex aluminum and zirconium glycinate they react with sweat gland proteins to form a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, limiting the amount of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

These products may contain up to 25% aluminum. The higher the percentage, the better these products work, but the more they irritate the skin.

2. Beat the heat

This may seem obvious, but staying serene can make a massive difference. This is because you have less heat to lose, which causes your body to produce less sweat.

Avoid very warm and long showers (you’ll have more heat to lose), wear loose clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton (this will assist sweat evaporate more easily), and carry a miniature hand-held fan to assist your sweat evaporate.

When exercising, try it ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a scarf or cloth and then applied to the body) or moist towels. They can be worn around the neck, head or wrists to lower body temperature.

Also try to modify when or where you exercise; If possible, try to find chilly shade or air-conditioned places.

If your sweating is still affecting your life after taking the first two steps, talk to your doctor. They will assist you find the best way to deal with this problem.

3. Medicines

Some medicines may assist regulate sweating. Unfortunately, some of them can also cause side effects such as arid mouth, blurred vision, abdominal pain or constipation. So talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

Your GP may also refer you to a dermatologist – a doctor like me who specializes in skin conditions – who can recommend a variety of treatments, including some of the following.

4. Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections are not used solely for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including: they block the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for months.

The dermatologist usually gives injections. But they are only subsidized by Medical care in Australia under the arms and if you suffer from primary hyperhidrosis that cannot be controlled with the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given up to three times a year. It is not subsidized in the case of other diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism or other areas, e.g. face or hands.

If you don’t qualify, you can get these shots privately, but it will cost you hundreds of dollars for treatment that can last up to six months.

5. Iontophoresis

This involves using a device that passes a faint electric current through water to the skin decreased sweating in your hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure how exactly it works.

But it is the only way to control sweating in the hands and feet, which does not require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

This treatment is not subsidized by Medicare and not all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy your own device and utilize it, which is usually cheaper than using it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if this is the right option for you.

6. Surgery

There is a procedure where the nerves in the hands are cut, which prevents them from sweating. This is very effective but it may cause sweating in other places.

There are also other surgical options that you can discuss with your doctor.

7. Microwave therapy

This is newer treatment which stimulates the sweat glands to destroy them so that they can no longer work. This is not very common yet and is quite painful. It can be obtained privately in several centers.