Excessive Sweating: causes, treatments, and prevention tips

Ever sweat so much during a meeting you felt like you were melting? Or had your hands get so sweaty you were afraid to shake someone's hand? Sweating is normal, but some people sweat way more than they should.

You're not alone if you sweat a lot because many people deal with it. There are many methods to deal with excessive sweating, whether it's caused by stress, happens for no reason, or is linked to a health issue. The first step is figuring out why you're sweating so much.

Let’s explore why some people sweat more than others, look at various treatment options that actually work, and share practical tips to help you stay dry and confident.

What is Excessive Sweating?

But some people sweat much more than what's needed to cool down their body - this is called hyperhidrosis. In people with hyperhidrosis, their body's sweat glands stay ‘turned on’ even when they don't need to be.

Types of excessive sweating

First, there's primary hyperhidrosis. This is when people sweat a lot in specific areas - usually their:

1. Underarms
2. Palms
3. Feet
4. Face

Primary hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood or teenage years, and doctors aren't quite sure why some people get it. Then, there's secondary hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating caused by a medical condition or medication. This type usually affects the whole body rather than just specific areas.

Common Causes of Excessive Sweating

Everyone sweats differently, and there are many reasons why some people sweat more than others. Let's look at what can trigger excessive sweating.

Medical Conditions

• Thyroid Problems: When your thyroid gland isn't working quite right, it can mess with your body's internal thermostat. People with an overactive thyroid often sweat more than usual.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes sometimes sweat more when their blood sugar gets too low or too high. Excessive sweating, usually at night, can be an early warning sign that blood sugar levels need attention.
• Menopause: Many women suffer from hot flashes and night sweats during menopause because their hormones are changing. Many women experience sudden waves of intense heat that lead to excessive sweating.
• Anxiety Disorders: When you're anxious, your body goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode, which may lead to sweating. For people with anxiety disorders, this response might happen more often, causing frequent sweating.
• Infections: When your body fights an infection, it might raise its temperature to help kill off harmful bacteria or viruses. This can lead to increased sweating.

Lifestyle Reasons

1. Being Overweight: Extra weight means your body has to work harder to move and stay cool. This extra effort often leads to more sweating, especially in areas where skin folds create extra warmth.
2. Medications: Some common medicines can make you sweat more as a side effect. This includes antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even some pain relievers. 
3. Spicy Foods: When you eat spicy food, your body thinks it's overheating. So, it starts sweating to cool down, just like it would on a hot day.
4. Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can make your body think it's hotter than it is. This can speed up your heart and make your blood vessels wider, leading to more sweating.

Treatment Options

There are lots of ways to manage excessive sweating. We'll explore simple solutions you can find at the store, as well as medical treatments available from doctors.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

• Clinical-Strength Antiperspirants: These products are stronger than regular deodorants and work by temporarily plugging your sweat glands. You can find them in most drugstores, and they often contain aluminium chloride as the active ingredient.
• Specialised Soaps and Body Washes: Some soaps are specially made to fight sweat and odour. They contain ingredients that help keep your skin dry and can reduce bacteria that cause sweat to smell bad. 
• Moisture-Wicking Clothing: Special fabrics can help pull sweat away from your skin and let it evaporate quickly. Look for clothes labelled ‘moisture-wicking’ or ‘sweat-resistant.’ These materials work much better than cotton.
  

Medical Treatments

1. Iontophoresis: This treatment uses a gentle electric current and water to temporarily stop sweat glands from producing sweat. You put your hands or feet in shallow water while a medical device passes a mild current through it.
2. Botox Injections: The same Botox used for wrinkles can also stop excessive sweating. A doctor injects tiny amounts of Botox into areas where you sweat too much, and it blocks the signals that tell your sweat glands to make sweat.
3. Prescription Medications: Some pills can help reduce sweating all over your body. These medicines work by blocking certain signals in your nervous system. 
   

How to Prevent and Manage Excessive Sweating?

Besides treatments, everyday choices can help control excessive sweating.

Here are some practical strategies you can use to stay drier and more comfortable.

• Dietary Fixes: Your diet can affect how much you sweat. Try to limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can trigger sweating. Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water to help your body stay cool.
• Clothing: What you wear matters. Although natural fabrics like cotton might seem comfortable, they can retain moisture. Instead, look for lightweight clothing made from materials that wick away moisture.
• Tackle Stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger sweating. To break this cycle, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Even a short daily walk can help reduce stress levels.
• Stay fresh: Shower regularly with antibacterial soap, especially in sweaty areas. Change clothes when they get wet, and always keep a spare shirt.
• Environmental Adjustments: Make your surroundings work for you. Use a small fan at your desk, keep your home or workspace cool, and avoid spending too much time in hot, humid places.
• Layer Your Clothing: Dress in layers so you can adjust as needed. Wear an undershirt to absorb sweat and protect outer clothing. Choose breathable base layers that sit close to your skin.

You may also like to read: Dealing with chicken pox - symptoms, treatment, and recovery

Final Thoughts

Sweating a lot can be tough, but you don't have to let it rule your life. There are lots of ways to deal with it, from easy things you can do every day to things a doctor can help you with. You're not alone! Many people sweat a lot, too. It's okay to ask for help. With the right approach, you can feel more comfortable and confident.