Expert gives tips to control excessive sweating

Sweating in the heat, during exercise or under stress is normal and expected.

But if you find yourself sweating excessively without suffering from any of these conditions, you may have a condition known as hyperhidrosissays an expert.

This form of excessive sweating “can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life,” said Dr. Shoshana Marmon, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College.

“Not only are there physical symptoms, such as sweating through clothing and visible sweat beads on the body, but there is often an emotional role because of the social discomfort or uncertainty associated with the condition,” she added in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Certain people may be at greater risk, such as those who already have a family member with the condition, those who have a medical condition in which excessive sweating is a symptom, or those who eat foods or supplements that can cause sweating.

According to Marmon, heat, stress, spicy foods and caffeine can cause hyperhidrosis, just like normal sweating.

Some symptoms of hyperhidrosis are:

• sweating that interferes with daily activities, including the formation of noticeable sweat stains on clothing or hands, making sweaty, everyday tasks such as turning a doorknob or using computer keyboards difficult
• sweat that is often visible on the skin
• skin that becomes soft, white and even flaky in certain areas
• more common skin infections, such as jock itch or athlete’s foot

“While there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, treatments can significantly help manage symptoms,” says Dr. Marmon. “If your sweating persists without relief, work with a board-certified dermatologist to develop a customized treatment plan that’s right for you.”

In the meantime, you can combat excessive sweating with a few simple measures.

It may help to use an antiperspirant instead of a deodorant, Marmon said. Antiperspirants work by clogging sweat glands and thus inhibiting sweating, while deodorants simply mask the smell of sweat and body odor.

It is recommended to apply antiperspirant to dry skin before bed and again in the morning. Apply it to any part of your body that noticeably sweats, including your palms, back and behind your knees, Marmon said.

Breathable fabrics like cotton are always preferable, she added, and some people may want to consider using armpit protectors to prevent “pit stains” on clothing. It’s also a good idea to have a spare set of clothes on hand in case the need arises.

For feet in particular, make sure to change footwear often and let shoes dry (don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row). Natural materials such as leather allow for better air circulation than synthetic or plastic shoes. Choose cotton socks that wick moisture away from the skin.

According to Marmon, all of the above steps can reduce the chances of athlete’s foot and other infections.

Try keeping a ‘sweat diary’ to identify the places and situations where you sweat the most, so you can avoid them in the future.

Finally, take care of your mental health. Hyperhidrosis can make people feel very self-conscious and can even lead to depression. Marmon said it helps to educate yourself about the condition and reach out to support groups.

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