If you sweat more than you like
Everyone sweats, but if you sweat a lot without exertion, we call this excessive sweating. Sweating a lot is often annoying and unpleasant due to the large amount of moisture and the sweat smell. Sometimes it only involves sweating of the hands, feet or armpits. Sometimes all over the body.
People with hyperhidrosis sweat much more than is necessary to keep their body temperature constant. In some people, hyperhidrosis is congenital, but it does not manifest itself until puberty. There may also be a nerve abnormality that does not develop until later in life. Yet there are also many people who sweat excessively without an identifiable cause.
When sweat glands all over the body are overly active, the cause is usually an underlying problem. You can think of obesity, the menopause, a (chronic) infection, hormonal diseases, cancer, or the use of certain medicines. Hyperhidrosis can also develop under the influence of psychological factors.
Symptoms
You can recognize excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis by sweating a lot without exertion. You have constantly moist hands or feet and moisture spots are often visible on your clothing, especially under the armpits and on the back. Some people need to change clothes several times a day.
In addition, damp feet are vulnerable to fungal infections and they often give off an unpleasant odor. Clammy hands are especially awkward when holding objects and annoying when shaking hands.
Excessive sweating can lead to emotional and psychosocial problems, including low self-esteem, social isolation and depression. In addition to the psychological consequences, excessive sweating can also lead to irritated skin, for example in the groin.
Do it yourself
Some people go a long way in combating excessive sweating with home, garden and kitchen remedies. Hygiene is of great importance here. Wash yourself regularly, without too much soap, rinse off soap residue well and dry your feet carefully. Putting on clean, loose, cotton clothing every day also helps. With sweaty feet, it is also important to walk barefoot a lot and to wear leather shoes.
The use of deodorant or another anti-sweat agent also seems necessary. In addition, it is advisable to keep the ambient temperature as cool as possible. Also ensure good ventilation. By avoiding sweat-inducing foods and stress, you can also try to control sweating.
doctor
If you do not achieve sufficient results yourself in combating perspiration, it is advisable to visit your doctor. Usually the cause is not found, but the doctor does have a number of resources that can work well. For example, the doctor can prescribe medication such as an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker or anticholinergics. There are also a number of other options, including botox injections and surgery.
