Hyperhidrosis is a difficult, and sometimes embarrassing, condition to live with. Those with the condition often sweat when they are not exerting themselves or when the weather is cool. The tell-tale signs are often an indication of sweat being visible through clothing. Not only is this a personal irritation to the person with the condition, it can also lead to skin conditions developing.
According to Jenny Eileen Murase, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, in a communication to Digital Journal: “Many people who excessively sweat do not realize that they have a treatable medical condition.”
Dr. Murase adds that if someone thinks they are sweating too much then they should seek out a registered dermatologist, for often the condition is treatable. The precise treatment depends upon the type of hyperhidrosis.
In terms of general help, Dr. Murase outlines some tips that she has put together with the American Academy of Dermatology. These take the form of four recommendations.
The first is to use antiperspirant rather than a deodorant. Deodorants only mask body odor but they do not stop sweating. In contrast, antiperspirants help reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands when someone begins to sweat.
The second tip is to apply antiperspirant as directed. Many work best when applied at night on dry skin, and then again in the morning. The spray can be applied to any part of the body that sweats.
The third piece of advice is to keep a sweat journal, so that the triggers that lead to someone sweating can be noted and trends looked for. Examples of sweat triggering moments include anxiety or eating spicy food.
The fourth and final item is to change footwear often. Wet or clammy feet could increase a person’s risk for foot odor and skin infections, like the athlete’s foot fungus.
Further advice has been captured in a video, produced by the American Academy for Dermatology:
