Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be an extremely disabling problem. Caused by the over activity of the sympathetic nervous system, hyperhidrosis can pose embarrassing problems in achieving simple everyday tasks like shaking hands, hugging, writing and sometimes even establishing personal relationships. Those who suffer from it, and the number is not small - about one percent of the world's population is afflicted with this incapacitating condition - do so not only at the physical and functional level but also socially and emotionally. Tips to combat excessive sweating 1. As a patient of hyperhidrosis you may find your clothing becoming damp and giving off an unpleasant odor. You will probably be spending several hours a day dealing with the excessive sweating -- wiping, re-freshening, showering, bathing, and washing clothes. Repeated washing and use of deodorizing soaps can alleviate the problem but an overuse of these soaps can also cause dermatitis. It would be advisable to choose a cleanser that is 100% soap free. 2. As you may need to change your clothes several times a day, it is advisable to wear loose fitting garments tailored in materials that do not stain easily. 3. Try to keep the folds between the skin, like under the neck, as dry as possible to avoid skin problems. 4. If you suffer from Planter Hyperhidrosis (hyperhidrosis affecting the soles of the feet) you may find that your feet develop an unpleasant smell and are prone to secondary skin infections. You can purchase absorbent shoe insoles, but do replace these frequently. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. 5. You will also find that your shoes get damaged quite easily. To increase their life span, you should leave them out to dry. 6. Using antiperspirants will give you some relief from the displeasing odors. Antiperspirants come in many forms - sprays, sticks, roll-ons and paints, and are different from deodorants. The former affect the production of sweat while the latter only disguise the unpleasant odor. Choose a non-fragranced aluminum salt antiperspirant, which has 10-25% alcohol content. When applying, after a shower, and just before going to bed, make sure that the skin is dry. Wash it off in the morning. Use it for several consecutive nights and then you can taper it down to one or twice a week. If you find the antiperspirant irritating your skin, you can apply hydrocortisone cream. For mild hyperhidrosis, you may find talcum powder and corn starch powder effective. Apply in between skin folds and toes to absorb the sweat. |
