Do you sweat profusely? Not talking about the sweat trickling down your face during cardio work out or dripping off on a humid day. Asking about the sweat that leaves your palm always wet to touch or your underarms drenched when you are sitting still.
If so, then you may be suffering from a condition called Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. It occurs when your sweat glands become hyperactive and you tend to sweat a lot more than usual.
There may be secondary reasons also to sweat more such as some medication or underlying medical condition. No matter the reason sweating takes a toll on your life. The real suffering is psychological, social, and emotional. This may leave patients in distress and they often suffer in silence.
Let’s discuss how you can manage excessive sweating or Hyperhidrosis.
Lifestyle Tips
The following tips can help you cope with sweat daily:
Apply Antiperspirants
The simplest way to cope up with excessive sweating is by using antiperspirants on a daily basis. They work by forming a plug that blocks the sweat ducts and prevents sweat to reach the surface. Over the counter, antiperspirants are made up of aluminum-based metallic salts that temporarily block the sweat pores.
The best time to apply antiperspirants is during the night as they need time to create the block and usually, people sweat less at night as compared to other times of the day. You can apply them anywhere you sweat such as feet, palms, and underarms. Just ensure the area should be clean and dry. Antiperspirants may take a few nights before they start showing noticeable results for excessive sweating.
Wear Breathable Fabric
Choose your clothing wisely which should be made up of light, breathable fabric with great ventilation. Light pastel shades can help to reflect the sun instead of absorbing it, so they reduce sweat and keep you cool.
Wear natural fabrics like cotton and silk which allows your skin to breathe. While working out, wear fabric that wicks moisture away from your skin.
Keep Cool
Sweating is the body’s way of regulating the temperature and keeps it cool. So, reduce the need to sweat by staying cool. In hot weather, keep you blinds and curtains drawn during the daytime to restrict the sun rays from overheating the room. You may get a handheld fan for yourself. Keep your head cool by wearing hats and feet by wearing open shoes.
You may also store your moisturizers in the refrigerator for a cooling effect on its application.
Keep Check on Your Diet
Avoid spicy food when eating out such as on business lunch or social gathering where you would rather not sweat. Your body reacts to spicy food the same way it behaves to any other hot conditions, so it tries to cool down resulting in sweating. Limit your caffeine intake as it can excite your nervous system making you sweat heavily and more easily. Even alcohol makes you sweat more.
Develop the habit of eating smaller meals regularly if sweating is an issue for you. As the breakdown of food requires metabolic heat, smaller portions can help you stay cool. Drink lots of water as staying well-hydrated keeps your body temperature down.
Medical Treatments
If lifestyle changes fail to stop your hands and feet from sweating excessively, your dermatologist may recommend one of the following to manage Hyperhidrosis:
Prescription Antiperspirant and Creams
Your skin specialist may prescribe you high-strength antiperspirants that are not readily available to purchase over the counter such an antiperspirant with aluminum chloride (Drysol, Xerac Ac). Apply it on the affected skin before going to bed.
Prescription creams that contain glycopyrrolate are available for your affected face and head.
Botox Injections
Frown-line-freezing botulinum injection is approved by the FDA to treat excessive sweating in underarms. It is also very effective in treating Hyperhidrosis on the hand palm and soles of the feet.
Botox prevents the release of chemical signals that activate the sweat glands. It is usually painless, however, if you want doctors may apply numbing cream or ice before Botox injections to reduce the discomfort. Results may last almost year but multiple injections are required before reaching optimal results.
Iontophoresis
This treatment involves less intensity of electric currents. In this, you must sit with our feet, hands, or both in shallow water tray for nearly half-hour while low electric current travels through the water. It works by blocking the sweat coming to the surface of your skin. This treatment may require a few settings but shows good results at the end.
Iontophoresis is usually safe, however as it involves usage of electrical current is not recommended for pregnant women, people with pacemakers and metallic implants, cardiac conditions, and epilepsy.
MiraDry
This therapy involves the application of microwave energy on the underarms which destroys the sweat gland. The non-invasive treatment may take two sessions of nearly 30 minutes each, three months apart. Local anesthesia is used and skin is cooled in between the procedures to reduce the discomfort. This procedure is exclusively for armpits only.
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
ETS is the last resort for patients suffering from Hyperhidrosis. Surgeons disrupt the spinal signal by cutting, clamping, or destroying the nerves. This surgery generally targets the sweat glands in your hands. This procedure is quite safe but in some cases, this may trigger excessive sweating in other new areas, a condition known as Compensatory Hyperhidrosis. This procedure should only be reserved if you have tried each and every other option to manage severe sweating and nothing worked.
Coping Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating or Hyperhidrosis can cause discomfort and embarrassment. You may not be able to enjoy recreational activities or have trouble working because of the wet hands, feet, or wet stain on clothing that makes you socially upset. This may make feel self-conscious all the time and making you anxious about your symptoms.
So, you need to see an expert dermatologist to work out the symptoms of Hyperhidrosis and manage the sweat.
If you want to know more about Hyperhidrosis treatments, let us help you explore your options. Schedule an appointment for a visit at our Lansing or Mount Pleasant dermatology office, whichever is convenient for you.