Sweat Glands in Overdrive? 4 Ways You Can Curb Excessive Sweating

Some people are born with oily skin, while others are natural perspirers. Sweat happens! Those with overexcited sweat glands have a condition called hyperhidrosis. 

In a shorthand, hyperhidrosis, according to Cedars-Sinai, is excessive sweating that usually happens on the palms, underarms, and feet. In more technical terms, it is the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in the severe stimulation of the sweat glands.

The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown. Based on the paper “Hyperhidrosis—Causes and Treatment of Enhanced Sweating” published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, heredity may be a factor. Statistics in the American Academy of Dermatology show that excessive sweating occurs in 6 percent of the Asian population. In 40 percent of patients, other family members suffer from the same condition. 

While a bit of sweat isn’t an issue, profuse perspiration can be inconvenient and debilitating. According to the Deutsches Ärzteblatt study, it could even trigger psychosocial trauma. Cedars Sinai also reports that active palmar and plantar sweat glands could lead to accidents, such as the steering wheel slipping through your hand or you sliding on the floor. 

Moreover, while sweat itself isn’t dangerous, it can attract bacteria that cause body odor. It can also clog pores, which could lead to heat rash or other skin concerns.

Don’t sweat it, though! Excessive sweating can be a pain, but once you find out the causes behind your profuse sweating, you can manage it well with a few simple tricks. 

If you already know that you’re a big sweater (and not the fluffy kind), then choose clothes that can help manage your sweaty situation. Go for sweat-wicking fabrics that draw moisture away from your body. Wicking materials, which are usually adopted in athletic wear—use capillary technology to pull sweat away from your skin and allows it to evaporate quickly. If you’re wearing shoes, try to wear socks, too.

In more drastic situations, you can also avoid fabrics and colors that aren’t exactly sweat-friendly—such as gray or silk. But this might limit your fashion choices so save this advice for emergencies. You can try the other tips below to see if they can work.

If you’re anticipating a high-stress or heated situation, you can also wear armpit pads or garment guards as underarm sweat shields. These are pads with adhesives on the back that you stick to the underside of your clothing. Don’t have some? Pantyliners will do, too!

With the humidity levels of this country, practically everyone has experienced an excessive sweating problem at some point. Find ways to refresh yourself. When you take a bath, opt for products that can help keep you feeling cool. Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff Healthy Strong Shampoo cleanses and nourishes your scalp while keeping it fresh.

If it’s been a warm day and you sweat a lot, go ahead and shower a second time. Ideally, take one before going to bed. Not only will feeling refreshed help you doze off faster, but you can also take comfort knowing that you’re not transferring any sweat or bacteria onto your bed. Wash up well with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash Total 10, which has Activ Silver to destroy germs from within.

Another easy tip to keeping cool? Drink lots of water! You need to replenish the water that's being sweat out of your body.

Find a way to let the air in your room circulate. Open the windows to make your area less stuffy. However, keep your curtains drawn to avoid trapping the sun’s heat in your room. Also, make sure you have a fan handy. You can even put ice in front of it, so you have a personal, makeshift air-conditioner.

Deodorants prevent underarm odor while antiperspirants reduce sweating. Most underarm products these days feature both and they employ various kinds of technology, like working better the more you move or helps avoid unsightly jabar on your clothes. 

If you’re prone to sweating, consider a product that goes beyond your pits because you’re likely going to perspire all over your body. Deo powders are convenient solutions because they work just as well in managing moisture and smell, but you can apply them in other sweat zones. Rexona 3-in-1 Deo Powder Peppermint Cool does just that, plus it’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t stain your clothes. Peppermint is not only refreshing, but it also boosts your energy and offers relief from irritation.

Breaking a sweat? Take a break from sweating with these tips and let those overactive sweat glands know who’s the boss.