Don’t Sweat It: Tips & Tricks to Control Excessive Sweating

Summer isn’t the kindest season, especially for those who struggle with excessive sweating. Imagine the temperature at a sweltering 45°C, and suddenly, your face and clothes are drenched! While sweating is our body’s natural way of cooling down, excessive sweating — also known as hyperhidrosis — can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. And this is not a summer-specific condition; it exists all year round. But don't sweat it; there are ways to combat this issue. Read on for some tips to stop sweating and stay cool, no matter what the season.

Excessive sweating isn’t just about tiny droplets along your hairline; it makes your face glisten and covers your clothes in damp patches, darkening the fabric and making it stick to your skin. Your back gets washed over, and every part feels clammy. Essentially, excessive sweating means your sweat glands are working overtime, and it has a medical term: hyperhidrosis.

Medically explained, hyperhidrosis is a skin disorder characterised by sweating in excess of what is required to maintain a normal body temperature. This can occur in specific areas, such as the underarms, palms, soles, and face, or it can affect the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can be a challenging and discomforting condition, frequently disrupting everyday tasks and social interactions.

You could be sitting in an air-conditioned room and still be prone to hyperhidrosis. And there are multiple reasons for this, many of which are manageable and can stop excessive sweating altogether. But it's best to understand the reasons first.

Dr Ayushi Lodha, MD, DNB dermatologist from Mumbai, says, “Excessive sweating can be caused by several factors. Genetics play a role, as do certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems. Doctor-prescribed medications can also play a role. Furthermore, dietary choices such as consuming spicy foods or drinking excessive amounts of coffee and hot beverages are known to induce sweating.”

Many individuals experiencing excessive sweating have a condition known as idiopathic hyperhidrosis, the underlying cause of which is unclear. It's believed that the nerves responsible for regulating sweating may become excessively active, prompting sweat gland activation even in the absence of heat or physical exertion.

As much as we might dream of never sweating again, that would actually lead to an entirely different health issue requiring a completely different treatment plan. Imagine wanting to escape the rain only to end up in a desert!

Dr Lodha gives you easy tips on how to stop sweating excessively. 

1. Wear breathable clothing: Choose loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton and moisture-wicking materials. These help keep your body cool and reduce sweat accumulation.
2. Get an antiperspirant: Over-the-counter antiperspirants can be effective for mild cases. For more severe cases, consult your dermatologist for a prescription-strength antiperspirant that contains aluminium chloride. Quick tip: Apply the antiperspirant at night after a shower. This gives it more time to work overnight.
3. Watch what you eat: Avoid foods and beverages that can trigger sweating, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Ensure you drink enough water to help maintain your body's temperature regulation.
4. Manage your stress: Practise stress-relief activities like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices.
5. Opt for medical treatments: For severe cases of hyperhidrosis, medical treatments may be necessary. These include oral medications and even surgery. However, it is best to consult your dermatologist for the ideal course of treatment.

While sweating is natural, excessive sweating can be a challenging life condition. But, as Dr Lodha, and any other dermatologist or medical practitioner would say, it can be managed with the right strategies. Some lifestyle changes, taking care of your health, and most importantly, visiting your dermatologist when things really get out of hand can get you off to a good start.

If you consider your sweating to be more than usual, this could be because your sweat glands are overactive, often triggered by factors like genetics, medical conditions, or certain foods and drinks. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis, and it is best to consult your dermatologist about it.

Drinking water can assist in controlling your body's temperature, potentially minimising the necessity for your body to sweat as much. Staying hydrated keeps you cooler, which can lead to less sweating overall.

If you sweat excessively, it's important to stay well-hydrated. Strive to drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses (approximately 2-2.5 litres) of water every day, and increase your intake if you're very active or in a hot environment. Listen to your body and drink more if you feel thirsty

Certain foods can help reduce sweating by keeping your body cool and balanced.

1. Water-rich fruits and vegetables: Cucumbers, watermelon, and celery 
2. Calcium-rich foods: Yoghurt, cheese, and leafy greens help regulate body temperature.
3. B-complex vitamins: Whole grains, nuts, and seeds support the nervous system.