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Don’t Sweat It!
Do you typically sweat so much that you avoid solid-colored blouses and crowded events? You’re not alone. We talked to skin expert Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, M.D., about hyperhidrosis, a common condition among women, and how to relieve it.
Q: What is hyperhidrosis and what causes this excessive sweating problem?
A: People with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, are thought to produce too much of a specific neurotransmitter — a specific chemical made in the nervous system — or to have overactive sweat glands. These people tend to sweat all day, regardless of activity or weather, and can produce as much as five times a person’s average volume of sweat.
Q: Sweating this much can be so embarrassing for me — do lots of other people experience it?
A: Take heart, most patients I see with this problem are embarrassed to ask me about it. They are often relieved to hear it’s more common than they realize. It’s estimated that 8 million Americans have hyperhidrosis. What’s more interesting, in an international hyperhidrosis study 70% of the people surveyed feel they have excessive underarm perspiration.
Q: Are there ways I can eliminate excessive sweating without seeing a doctor?
A: Here are a few things many people have found effective that you can try.
Try a prescription-strength clinical anti-perspirant. They contain higher concentrations of wetness-fighting agents than other anti-perspirants and are sold over-the-counter. The key is using them properly. You may find applying the anti-perspirant at bedtime more effective than in the morning, because the ingredients have more time to block sweat ducts.
Make lifestyle changes. Avoid caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol, as all of these may cause extra perspiration. Watch stress levels, and plan to exercise during cooler times of the day, as both can increase sweating.
Try temporary relief. Take cool showers, layer absorbent clothing and change your clothes frequently.
About the Author
Sonia Badreshia-Bansal is a Dove® user and dermatologist from California who loves to share her real beauty secrets and skin care tips with her patients every day.
Sponsored by Dove Dimensions. To read more articles like this one check out DoveDimensions.com.
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The prescription-strength anti-perspirants really work great. Love them!
My daughter used the prescription and it really resolved the problem. Definitely worth calling the doctor about.