Sweating after a strenuous activity or being exposed to heat is a given. However, some people sweat excessively and that’s a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. This can affect areas like the hands, feet, underarms, and face, or in some cases the entire body. “In fact, 3% of the world’s population is estimated to have hyperhidrosis, and many of them live undiagnosed,” as per The Center for Hyperhidrosis.
Sweat marks in unusual places aren’t all a person suffering from hyperhidrosis has to deal with. This condition also interferes with their daily activities that cause them physical discomfort and sometimes embarrassment. In this article, we’re going to look at lifestyle changes for excessive sweating.
Understanding Sweating
Sweating is a normal body function that allows for the regulation of body temperature. When the body heats up as a result of a recent activity or exposure to a hot temperature like a typical sunny day. Due to this body heat up, the sweat glands produce moisture (sweat) that comes from the skin pores, gathers on top of the skin’s surface, and evaporates. This mechanism cools down the body and maintains a stable internal temperature.
However in the case of hyperhidrosis, the body has exceeded the nedmed for temperature control. This excessive sweating can occur in cool environments or during periods of rest.
Causes of Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is of two types: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis runs in the family. This happens because the sweat glands are more active than they should normally be. It starts in childhood or teenage years. However, it isn’t caused by underlying medical conditions.
Secondary hyperhidrosis on the other hand, is as a result of an underlying health issue or side effects of a drug. Some conditions like thyroid problems, diabetes, menopause, infections, or nerve disorders are some underlying causes of excessive sweating.
Lifestyle Tips For Excessive Sweating
Common and easy lifestyle tips you need to adopt for conditions like this include:
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Consider moisture-wicking fabrics for exercise.
- Change clothes often, especially after sweating.
- Shower or bathe daily with antibacterial soap.
- Dry thoroughly before applying antiperspirant with aluminum.
- Limit spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can trigger sweating.
- Stay hydrated to regulate body temperature and reduce sweating needs.
- Manage stress and anxiety, common sweat triggers.
When Do You See A Doctor?
If home remedies don’t provide any sort of relief for your excessive sweating, then you should see a doctor. The doctor would conduct some examination on you before passing a diagnosis. During the examination the doctor would know if it’s an underlying health condition and prescribe a drug(s) that can help manage the condition better.
Bottom Line
Sweating after a strenuous activity or being exposed to heat is a given. However, some people sweat excessively and that’s a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can either be primary, hereditary or secondary, caused by underlying health conditions or side effects of drugs. If home remedies don’t provide any sort of relief for your excessive sweating, then you should see a doctor
