Excessive Sweating: Are there any Remedies?
Jan was embarrassed to shake hands, fearful people would recoil at the dampness of her palms. And she worried that if people were close to her they might notice an unpleasant odor. Jan suffers from excessive sweating, a condition with a medical name, hyperhidrosis. People with excessive sweating may notice that once a week or daily, they experience a soaking sweat on their palms. feet, underarms, head, face, even droplets of sweat. The excessive sweat may cause an unpleasant smell. The condition sometimes manifests as soaking night sweats.
Only a doctor can fully describe the medical side effects in any given case, but generally they are not serious. They range from increased nail fungal infections to heat rash to bacterial infection and warts. The personal side effects, on the other hand — embarrassment, shyness, withdrawal — can be psychologically devastating.
But Jan and other sufferers need not despair. Remedies are available, from natural treatments to medical intervention.
Plenty of things you can do to reduce sweating!
Antiperspirants used on hands, feet, underarms, or wherever the symptoms occur, may block the overreacting sweat glands and combat odor. It goes without saying that daily bathing followed by thorough drying of the skin is a must. Use of natural clothing materials like cotton and wool, especially in socks and shoes, will allow the skin to breathe and stay drier. Rotating shoes every day is beneficial. “Airing out” — taking off shoes, removing whatever clothing is appropriate and keeping cool air circulating around the stress points — is helpful. So are activities that eliminate or reduce anxiety. Soothing relaxation techniques — meditation, deep breathing, yoga — offer some relief.
If all else fails, more aggressive medical intervention may be needed. Doctors can prescribe super strong antiperspirants. The can prescribe a treatment involving mild electrical current to neutralize sweat glands. Botox is another option that can block the glands and minimize sweat. Finally, in intractable cases, surgery to remove sweat glands may be recommended.
