EXCESSIVE SWEATING!
Almost everyone sweats more than usual when exercising or in hot weather, but some people generally sweat too much. Excessive sweating is common in adolescence but can continue throughout life. It can cause body odour and effect work and social relationships. People who sweat excessively are also more prone to fungal skin infections. Although some people are naturally susceptible to this problem, other factors, such as stress and anxiety, may have a significant role. Excessive sweating sometimes occurs in women around the time of the menopause, or as a feature of conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland.
What you can do yourself
- Bathe or shower at least once daily in warm (but not hot) water. Dry yourself thoroughly afterwards.
- Use an antiperspirant or an antiperspirant combined with a deodorant. If an ordinary product does not work, try a stronger preparation containing aluminum chloride (see DRUG REMEDIES)
- Wear clean underwear and clothes every day. Choose natural fabric, such as cotton, particularly next to your skin. Avoid tight clothes.
- If your feet get sweaty, wear leather shoes and cotton socks, and change both regularly. Go barefoot or wear sandals whenever possible.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, to replace lost body fluids. Cut down alcohol drinks containing caffeine, particularly hot drinks.
- Avoid spicy foods, which are likely to make you sweat, and onions and garlic, because of the odour.
- If you sweat when you are anxious, try practical techniques that reduce stress.
- If you are overweight, try to lose some weight.
DRUG REMEDIES
Antiperspirants and deodorants Antiperspirants block the pores that produce sweat, while deodorants attack the skin bacteria the cause body odour. Many products contain a combination of the two. Apply them daily after washing. If you develop skin irritation, use a hypoallergenic product. Absorbent, deodorizing foot powders are available for feet.
Aluminum chloride preparations Treat severe sweating from the armpits, hands, or feet. These are usually roll-ons that are applied to skin each night and washed off the next day. Use the product less often as sweating decreases. Don’t use it on broken or irritated skin, close to the eyes or lips, or if you have shaved or removed hair from the skin in the previous 12 hours.
Using aluminum chloride Wash thoroughly and make sure that your skin is completely dry before you apply the antiperspirant.
