Board-certified dermatologist shares 6 tips in time for
summer
ROSEMONT, Ill., July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive
sweating, is a common medical condition that affects an estimated
15.8 million people in the U.S. It is normal to sweat when you
overheat, or your nerves get the best of you. However, if you find
yourself sweating profusely even without engaging in physical
activity or exposure to high temperatures, you may have
hyperhidrosis.
"Excessive sweating can have a significant impact on a person's
quality of life," said Shoshana
Marmon, MD, PhD, FAAD, clinical assistant professor of
dermatology at New York Medical
College. "Not only is there a physical toll, from sweating
through clothing to visible beads of sweat on the body, but there
is often an emotional component due to social discomfort or
self-consciousness associated with the condition."
Sweating is a natural, necessary process the body experiences
when it needs to cool down. However, those with excessive sweating
continue to sweat, even when cooling is not required. While the
rest of a person's body remains dry, one or two areas may drip with
sweat, with the most common spots being their palms, feet,
underarms, or the head.
Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include visible sweating,
skin that turns soft, white, and peels in certain areas, and skin
infections, such as jock itch or athlete's foot. Another common
sign is sweating that interferes with everyday activities, such as
sweat from underarms soaking through clothes, causing obvious sweat
marks, or hands becoming so sweaty that it is difficult to turn a
doorknob or use a computer.
Some people are more likely to experience hyperhidrosis,
especially individuals that have one of the following:
- A family member who sweats excessively
- A medical condition that causes sweating
- A medicine or food supplement they take which results in
excessive sweating
To help manage your excessive sweating, Dr. Marmon and the AAD
recommend following these tips to get relief:
- Use antiperspirant instead of just deodorant.
Antiperspirant helps reduce sweating by plugging your sweat glands
when you start to sweat, while deodorant only masks or stops body
odor. You may need to apply it at bedtime to dry skin, then again
in the morning. (Tip: apply anywhere on your body that
sweats, including your palms, back, and behind your knees.)
- Keep a sweat journal to find what triggers your
sweating. Write down when your sweating occurs, then try
to avoid those situations. Some triggers include heat, feeling
anxious, and some foods or drinks, like spicy options or
caffeine.
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton to help feel more
comfortable. Carry a spare set of clothes so you can
change into something dry if needed. You can also try wearing
armpit shields, which help protect your clothing from sweat.
- For sweaty feet, change your footwear often and slip your
shoes off when you can to prevent odor, irritation, and skin
infections, such as athlete's foot.
• Choose sandals or shoes made of natural
materials that help air circulate, like leather.
• Wear socks made of cotton or fabrics
that wick moisture away from your skin.
• Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in
a row, so they can dry before you wear them again.
- Drink plenty of water, as sweating can make you
dehydrated.
- Take care of your mental health. If your
sweating makes you feel anxious or depressed, getting counseling,
joining a support group, and learning more about hyperhidrosis can
help.
"Although there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, treatments can
significantly help to manage symptoms," said Dr. Marmon. "If
your sweating persists without relief, partner with a
board-certified dermatologist to develop a customized treatment
plan that is right for you."
These tips are demonstrated in "How to control excessive
sweating: Dermatologist tips," a video posted to the AAD website
and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD's "Your
Dermatologist Knows" series, which offers tips people can use to
properly care for their skin, hair, and nails.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area,
visit aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
Hyperhidrosis: Tips for managing
Hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and treatment
AAD B-Roll Library
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of
Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and
most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of more than 21,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is
committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and
cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high
standards in clinical practice, education and research in
dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because
skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your
health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at
(888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology