Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis as it is medically known is a common condition. Anyone can experience it. Sometimes it affects the entire body, whereas, for other people, it affects just one area. It can lead to embarrassment and might be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Sweating is the body's way of cooling down and is perfectly normal, especially while exercising or if it is hot out. It is why people bring a change of clothes with them to the gym, even if they are only changing into similar clothes than before the workout. It is also why showers are found at the gym. However, some people sweat excessively and sometimes for no apparent reason or due to an underlying medical condition or side effect of medication.

The sweating can occur in unusual situations and be triggered by anything, even cool weather. It is also linked as a symptom of menopause or hyperthyroidism.

A pharmacist can help with excessive sweating. They can recommend stronger antiperspirants instead of everyday deodorant. Antiperspirants absorb sweat, whereas deodorants mask the smell of sweat meeting the bacteria that live underarms. Always read the label and follow instructions. Do not use more than recommended. Armpit and sweat shields can protect clothing from the yellow marks that are near impossible to remove from clothing, even on the hot cycle with laundry whitener. Foot powders are available for sweaty feet and gentle soap substitutes for the skin. Bathe regularly. The BO scent, or body odour, is caused when sweat meets bacteria that live on the surface.

There are some cases where it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition and an appointment with the GP should be booked. If self-care and over-the-counter treatments aren't working and it has lasted longer than six months, seek medical advice from the GP. If it occurs at least once per week with no trigger and it prevents day-to-day activities, even through embarrassment. Excessive sweating requiring medical attention can come with a high fever or a cough or diarrhoea. Watch for losing weight without trying as well.

Night sweats may also be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Most people sweat at night. If the room is cool and the sheets are soaking wet, this is called night sweats. If the night sweats wake you up for a change of pyjamas and sheets or if you are worried, contact a doctor. Causes of night sweats include a temporary illness, such as the flu. Hormonal changes during menopause called hot flushes — anxiety and stress, as well as low blood sugar levels and drug and alcohol use.

A lot of medications list excessive sweating as a side effect. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacists any side effects as a different medication for your condition may be available. It may also be genetic. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of excessive sweating. If the sweating is due to a medical condition, treatment will depend upon treating the underlying disease.

The GP may make a referral to a specialist if there is an obvious cause of excessive sweating. Treatment may include medication, treating the problem area with a weak electric current, injecting botox into the problem area or surgery to remove sweat glands.

There are ways to prevent excessive sweating and disguise excessive sweating. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton or hemp and avoid tight-fitting, human-made fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Silk is a natural alternative to the polyester fabrics of office clothes or for something nice to wear on a night out. Natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe and loose-fitting clothing disguises the sweating by not rubbing against the skin and picking it up. If excessive sweating is an issue and it is possible, bring a change of clothing along. If sweaty feet are the issue, change socks frequently and wear ones that absorb moisture. Do not wear shoes that cause sweating or are enclosed. Leather shoes are best. Wear a different pair every day, even if alternating between two different pairs. If possible, bring an extra pair of shoes with you. Allow shoes to air out in an open shoe rack instead of storing in a cupboard. Do not share shoes. Avoid eating things that make sweaty worse, such as spicy foods. Avoid alcohol.

Excessive sweating is a common condition that is more embarrassing than harmful, although it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Always speak to your doctor if you think this is the case. Most cases of excessive sweating can be dealt with at home to disguise the problem. If it keeps up or restricts day-to-day life, book an appointment with a doctor. No one wants to carry extra clothes with them, but if you have to, don't dump used sweaty garments on top of clean clothes and socks. Use separate bags, even if putting both bags into a more giant bag. If storing extra items of clothing or shoes and socks at work, be sure to bring home the dirty ones for washing, instead of leaving them to dry and then putting them on the next day. Black or white clothing can hide the signs of excessive sweating.