Hyperhidrosis, while not life-threatening, can still be a debilitating and embarrassing condition. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure that excessive sweating is not a perpetual worry in your life. If you’re unsure of how exactly to reduce your own sweating, use these tips for living with hyperhidrosis.
Watch what you wear.
There are some types of clothing that are more likely to make you sweat than others. These include garments made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, as well as tight or clingy garments made from any type of fabric. So when choosing clothing, opt for something loose-fitting and breathable.
Watch out for certain foods.
Even something as seemingly unrelated as dietary choices can have an impact on how much you sweat throughout the day. Obviously you’ll want to shy away from common offenders like spicy or hot foods, but also be aware that caffeine and MSG may also trigger a sweating reaction as well.
Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water is already good for your overall health, but it may be able to help with your hyperhidrosis as well. Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature, which can cause excessive sweating as it begins to rise. While there is still some debate about the ideal amount of water people should be drinking, the classic eight glasses a day is a good place to start.
Manage your stress.
While increased sweat production is a completely normal reaction to stress, it can be particularly troublesome if you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis. You obviously won’t be able to control all the stress that comes your way, but make an effort to cut out unnecessary things from your life that give you grief. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to have a stress-management system established for times when it’s unavoidable. Slow, deep breathing is a great way to collect yourself and stay calm when things get tough.
Consider a prescription deodorant.
If you find that lifestyle changes are not improving your condition, you may be a good candidate for prescription deodorant. These powerful products typically contain more than twice the amounts of aluminum found in over-the-counter varieties, which means that their effects are stronger and longer lasting. Prescription deodorant is generally considered safe, but it can be a costly investment since it’s used daily.
