Do you always have to deal with wet patches on your armpits? You’re dealing with hyperhidrosis; or simply excessive sweating. It is more embarrassing than is uncomfortable; and both you can do without. Woe unto you if you have to make a presentation or address a gathering. The looks will be of sympathy at best, disgust at worst. Somebody may mention something afterwards, while others will opt to ignore the awkward moment. Sounds familiar? Most likely; that’s why you found your way here.
Here are some tricks, tips and remedies to help you handle excess sweat:
1. Pick the right Clothes
Let’s start with the colour. Go for dark shades, even patterns to best conceal the wetness. Brighter colours, especially gray and blue, form very conspicuous wet patches. If you’re the center of attraction in an event, wear a blazer or sweater for that period. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but at least your lil problem won’t be at the glare of the entire audience.
Pick light and breathable fabrics, and short sleeves where possible. The free circulation of air reduces perspiration. There are also specially made tops with extra padding which absorbs sweat preventing it from soaking the outer layer. This is a temporary measure, but comes in handy to help you avoid those distressing sweat patches.
2. Natural Remedies
You may be keen to avoid chemicals, probably due to sensitive skin or any other season. There are some ingredients right in your kitchen that can reduce sweating. The most commonly available include apple cider vinegar, tomato, potato and lemon. The apple cider vinegar is applied on the armpits overnight then rinsed off in the morning. The tomato, potato and lemon juice is applied for about 30 minutes then rinsed off. They work by shrinking the pores thus reducing the sweat.
3. Antiperspirant
Regular antiperspirants and deodorants work for most people, but if you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis, you might want to go for a clinical strength anti-perspirant. The timing is also key. You’re most likely accustomed to applying anti-perspirant or deodorants in the morning, right? To fight excessive sweating; you have to start using it at NIGHT. Since you’re not sweating (or at least less likely) to sweat at night; the compound will be working to block the pores. Consequently, they’ll be less sweating the following day. It may take 3 or 4 nights to notice a significant change. Your underarm should be clean (shower and shave) and dry before application to enhance contact with the skin.
4. Food
Spicy foods aggravate sweating. The body reacts just as it does in hot weather; in an attempt to cool down. Is it any coincidence that highly spiced flavoured are referred to as ‘hot’? Go for mild flavours. Caffeine and energy drinks also stimulate the adrenalin glands, just as it happens when you have an adrenalin rush due to an anxious moment, and both lead to more sweat.
5. Manage Stress
Stress leads to nervous sweating, then the sweating causes even more stress, then further sweating; and down and down the spiral goes. Find a way to handle the issue(s) at hand calmly without turning into a nervous wreck. Hyperhidrosis does not have to be your portion for a lifetime. Sweat relief is out there; you just have to reach out.