Regular sweating controls our body temperature and body water. We always sweat to some degree, but it’s more noticeable in hot environments, during exercising, or in times of physical or psychological stress. 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from hyperhidrosis, a condition where someone sweats unpredictably and more often than necessary. But how can you tell if you suffer from this?
Why We Sweat
We have 2-4 million sweat glands in our bodies, concentrated on the forehead, face, hands underarms, and feet. They produce sweat that's excreted through skin pores to protect us from overheating. As the sweat evaporates, it cools our skin down, says David Pariser, MD, professor in the department of dermatology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va.
Why Am I Sweating More Than I Should?
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Researchers aren't sure what causes hyperhidrosis, but doctors think there may be something wrong between the pathways from the sweat glands to the brain. It appears that the glands are too sensitive in people with hyperhidrosis. This problem may be hardwired in some people. Also, hyperhidrosis tends to run in families -- up to two-thirds of people have it their family, says Pariser. And it tends to start in puberty.
Pariser says that hyperhydrosis tends to show itself in three to four areas: Under the arms, on the hands, then on the feet, face, and scalp. But excessive sweating can occur all over the body. The sweating is usually symmetric, meaning that both sides of the body are affected similarly.
Someone could sweat two times or eight times the normal amounts, but both of those people still have hyperhidrosis, he says.
“It’s too much if you have to think about your sweating and have to act in some way,” Pariser says.
For example, someone with hyperhidrosis may only wear dark clothing, or bring three of the same shirt to work to change during the day to hide the sweat. Some people even stuff paper towels or maxi pads in the underarms. If they have sweaty hands, they may always hold a wet drink to have an excuse not to shake hands in social situations like a cocktail party, he says.
Sweat Relief (4 Tips)
1. Natural Vinegar
Intake of two teaspoons of natural vinegar and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar thrice in a day is an excellent remedy to cure the excessive sweating. Take this mixture on an empty stomach- half an hour after or before the meal.
2. Tomato Juice
Every day drink a glass of fresh tomato juice made at home to get rid of the problem of excessive sweating.
3. Herbal Tea
Sage tea has proven to be a great remedy to cure the troubles of excessive sweating. Brew some sage herbs in warm water and let them cool. Drink this every day as sage is rich in magnesium and Vitamin B, which reduces the activities of sweat glands. This remedy is especially meant for stopping excessive sweating in the underarms.
Green tea is equally effective if you do not get sage herbs easily.
4. Potato
This is the easiest remedy to get rid of too much sweating. Simply cut slices of potato and...
...rub them under your arms and the areas, which sweat more.
5. Witch Hazel
This herb is a great astringent and antiperspirant, which gently dries up the sweating area. Tea made up of this natural herb can also be used.
(Honorable Mention) Cornstarch and Baking Soda
To get rid of excessive underarm sweating, apply a mix of cornstarch and baking soda under the arms after thoroughly cleaning them. Let it stay for half an hour and wash it off later. You can also add any essential oil as a deodorant into the mixture.
A number of treatment options are available for those with hyperhidrosis. Dermatologists will start first with prescription strength antiperspirants.
If this doesn’t work, doctors will try iontophoresis, which is treatment with low-level electrical currents, or botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which block the signal that activates sweat glands. These treatments are repeated when signs of sweating come back. Other drugs that that interfere with sweat glands are available if the preferred treatments don't work, although they may cause more severe side effects. Surgery to remove sweat glands or cut the nerves to glands is a last resort, says Pariser.
Out of the 8 million people currently dealing with hyperhidrosis, only about 40% have discussed it with a health care professional.
“Sweating isn’t something people want to talk about," says Pariser. There’s a stigma with excessive sweating." So, young people often don't get treatment that could help with this embarrassing problem. "When it starts in the teens and they bring it up to parents or doctors, it’s often blown off as a teen whose body is changing," says Pariser. "Then they think there is something wrong when it’s a medical condition that is treatable.”
