how to reduce body sweat - #15050
I am kinda freaking out ‘cause I’ve been dealing with excessive body sweat for a while now. Like, seriously, I'll be sitting in a cool room and still feel like I just ran a marathon. I’ve tried different deodorants, even those clinical ones, but noting seems to work. I noticed my sweat is mostly under my arms and back, and it's just so embarrassing! Last week, I went out with friends and had to keep drying off my shirt, it was mortifying! I went to the doc, and they said it might be hyperhidrosis or something, but they didn’t really explain what that meant. I really wanna know how to reduce body sweat—like, what are my options? Are there any lifestyle changes I could make? Or should I consider treatments? I’ve heard about botox injections but not sure if they really help or if it's worth the cost. Anyone here figured out how to reduce body sweat? I just want to enjoy hanging out without worrying about this all the time! Any advice or tips would be super helpful! Thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
It sounds like you’re dealing with primary focal hyperhidrosis, which is when the sweat glands are overactive without a clear cause, often affecting areas like the underarms, palms, and feet. This can be indeed frustrating, but there are several options you can consider to manage it better. First, ensure that you are using antiperspirants, not just deodorants, as they help reduce sweating by blocking sweat glands. Apply them in the evening, allowing them to work overnight. Lightweight, breathable clothing can help too, think fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials that keep sweat off your skin. Staying cool with fans or air conditioning whenever possible can make a big difference too. In terms of hydration, keep yourself well hydrated; ironically, it helps your body regulate sweat. You should avoiding hot drinks and spicy foods as they can trigger sweating.
For more persistent cases, medical treatments might be necessary. Topical prescription-strength antiperspirants are often stronger than over-the-counter options and can be obtained through your physician. Botox injections actually are a proven effective treatment for reducing sweat in targeted areas by blocking nerve signals temporarily to the sweat glands, usually lasting several months. It’s definitely worth discussing with a dermatologist to see if it’s suitable for you, considering it’s a bit costly. Iontophoresis, a technique that uses electrical currents, is another non-invasive option often effective for palm or footwear sweating. Medications called anticholinergics can reduce sweating systemically but may have side effects like dry mouth or eye dryness. As a last resort, sympathetic nerve surgery, called sympathectomy, can be considered, but it’s usually reserved for the most severe cases because it’s invasive and carries risks. Consulting with a specialist to review your specific situation and to understand potential side effects and effectiveness of each treatment option would be the next good step.
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