Don’t Sweat It: A guide to managing sweat

May 31st, 2018

By Knoxville Dermatology Group

It’s that time of year when our bodies are constantly veiled in a thin layer of uncomfortable moisture. Due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, some people are prone to producing an excessive amount sweat. Everyone sweats; but hyperhidrosis causes people to perspire unpredictably, even in cooler weather and during non-strenuous conditions. Regardless of whether you have hyperhidrosis, sweating impacts people’s everyday life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage it.

Do I have hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a common condition that nearly one in every 20 people in the U.S. have. Although sweating is a natural body process, the condition limits people from doing routine tasks like writing with a pen or gripping a steering wheel. Hyperhidrosis can significantly impact people’s social relationships, activities and emotional health in a negative way.

Types of Hyperhidrosis:

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary.

Primary hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating without a physical condition and is localized to the usual active regions.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to an underlying condition and is more generalized to the whole body.

How do I treat it?

Hyperhidrosis is a very managable condition, yet many do not seek treatment. Of the people diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, 60 percent do not know it is a medical condition and 47 percent do not know it’s treatable. A dermatologist can help determine the best form of treatment for your particular situation.

Sweat Hacks

Whether you have hyperhidrosis or not, here are some tips that can help you manage it:

Caffeine. Caffeine is a sweat trigger, so cutting back on coffee and tea will help reduce the amount of daily sweat.
Deodorants. Deodorants mask body odor, but do not stop excessive sweating. “Clinical strength” antiperspirants contain ingredients like aluminum chloride, which will temporarily block sweat pores.
Foods. Spicy foods can increase the amount of sweat you produce.
Fabrics. Cotton and other natural fabrics are breathable and will allow air to reach your skin.
Water. Sweating happens when your body temperature gets too high. Drinking water and staying hydrated will help regulate your body temperature.
Alcohol. Reducing alcohol intake is good for your health and can reduce the amount of excessive sweat.

With up to five million sweat glands in the human body, sweating is a part of everyday life. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing, but we all do it. If you sweat excessively enough that it impacts your everyday life, it may be time to visit a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group to determine which treatment option is right for you. To make an appointment, contact us at (865) 690-9467 or online at www.knoxderm.com.