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5 Ways to Treat Excessive Sweating

Keep yourself dry

Sweating can be an embarrassing thing for many people. Although it’s a natural reaction of the human body, it can cause unsightly stains under your arms and an offensive smell (body odor). And not all sweat is restricted to just the underarms. The human body has over 2 million sweat glands located in various places including the feet, forehead, and palms.

Most sweat is odorless, but the body’s process of breaking down sweat is what sometimes causes an unpleasant odor. If you suffer from excessive or embarrassing sweating, don’t sweat it (pun intended). Keep reading to discover five ways to treat your sweat problems once and for all.

1. Deodorant (Antiperspirants)

AntiperspirantsUsing deodorant and antiperspirants are your first line of defense against excessive sweating. Most deodorants are designed to stop sweating while also masking anybody odor associated with it. Be sure to try a few different scents, as some mix well with your natural scent, while other may make it worse. Most people wear deodorant anyway, and need to start doing so at the onset of puberty. But some brands and types are stronger than others. Do some research and find a deodorant that’s designed for excessive sweat. These come in roll-on, gel, and aerosol form. Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe a prescription level antiperspirant if needed. 

2. Iontophoresis 

While this method is extremely effective at preventing excess sweat, scientists aren’t quite clear on exactly how it works. Patients sit with their hands and feet (or both) in shallow water for approximately 30 minutes while electrical currents travel through the water. This is believed to block sweat from reaching the surface of your skin. You can visit a facility to have this treatment done or order an iontophoresis machine and conveniently perform this in the comfort of your own home. Once you get used to performing this treatment, you only need to do so a few times a month to keep your excessive sweat under control. This is perfect for those who wish to handle their perspiration issues privately. 

3. Injections

InjectionsSometimes, injections directly into the sweat glands can help prevent excessive sweat. Believe it or not, the same type of injections used for Botox in a person’s face is used for this procedure. Botox, or botulinum toxin A, not only helps prevent wrinkles but helps prevent the release of hormones that cause sweat. This is true for the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. The injection helps stop these hormones and can last for almost a year. Several rounds of injections may be needed. 

4. Medication 

If the thought of injections scares you, oral medication may offer some relief. Medication is also recommended if other methods are unsuccessful. Anticholinergic drugs prevent your sweat glands from reacting to the release of hormones by blocking communication with important neurotransmitters in the brain. Your doctor will evaluate your overall medical condition before prescribing this type of medicine. Like with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects to taking anticholinergic drugs including heart palpitations, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. 

5. Surgery

SurgeryIn extreme cases, surgery may be an option. This is also the last-ditch effort when patients don’t respond to other treatment options. During surgery, the doctor will suction out, cut, or scrape the sweat glands, essentially removing them. Another option involves the surgeon cutting the nerves in the armpit which are responsible for triggering the sweat glands. This procedure is called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). And while quite effective, this procedure is irreversible and can leave scars. Another thing to consider before turning to ETS is that sometimes, your body will stop sweating in the area where you had the operation but start sweating in another place. This is the body’s way of compensating.

Don’t be embarrassed by your excessive sweating any more. With these helpful tips, you can find a treatment method that works for you and your lifestyle.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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