Body temperature is automatically controlled by sweating. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is a condition that affects some people. The sweat glands under the skin emit a fluid, primarily water, when the body temperature rises.
The body cools as the water on the skin evaporates, bringing down the blood and skin temperatures. According to research by the National Library of Medicine, nearly 5 percent of Americans have hyperhidrosis. There are numerous on how to decrease sweating.
How to decrease sweating
1. Apply antiperspirant before going to bed
Antiperspirants stop sweat from rising to the skin surface by inhibiting the sweat ducts. Despite being unable to access the surface, the gland produces sweat.
Deodorants don’t stop us from sweating; instead, they work to cover up the odor that bacteria in our sweat produce. You can sometimes find antiperspirants in deodorants. The bulk of antiperspirants available at pharmacies is composed of aluminum chloride, a metallic salt.
Apply your antiperspirant in the evening before bed for the best benefits, ensuring the underarms are dry and clean. It’s because most individuals sweat less or not at all during nighttime. It’s because the chemicals build the block covering the sweat duct.
2. Put on breathable clothing
Wearing light, breathable fabrics having good ventilation is the best way to use clothing to help reduce sweating. Wearing white can allow you to stay cool and prevent perspiration because lighter hues reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. This goes for underwear as well to help your private parts.
When this isn’t an option, pick obtrusive patterns or dark hues to conceal the sweat. You can layer your clothing to prevent sweat from showing on the outer layer.
3. Skip some food
Whether you’re in a casual setting or out for a lunch meeting where you’d prefer not to perspire, there are some foods you might want to avoid. Don’t eat anything spicy. Our bodies respond to heat and spicy food by sweating, which cools our entire human body system.
Caffeine is also not recommended because it stimulates our adrenal glands and makes us perspire in our underarms, feet, and palms.
4. Avoid warm spaces
Your body cools you off by making you sweat. What to do when you’re sitting in a warm room or space?
To effectively circulate cold air around the room in warm weather, set a basin of ice in front of a fan. To prevent the sun from warming your rooms, it’s also a good idea to keep your drapes and blinds closed during the day. If you’re outside, try to remain in the shade.
Since digestion of food requires metabolic heat, eating smaller meals more frequently can help you stay cool. You can lower your body temperature by drinking plenty of water.
Additionally, keep the moisturizers in the refrigerator to provide a chilling sensation when applied. Get a portable fan, avoid wearing headgear, and wear open-toed shoes when the weather permits to keep your feet and head cool when the weather permits.
5. Medical interventions
If you believe you perspire excessively, you might want to go to the doctor to see whether you suffer from a condition known as hyperhidrosis. If so, you can choose from several treatment choices, including surgery, oral medication, and antiperspirant on prescription.
How sweating functions
Three million sweat glands are present on average throughout your body. Eccrine and apocrine are the two different categories of sweat glands.
The eccrine sweat glands
Your body’s eccrine sweat glands, dispersed throughout, create an odorless, light sweat.
The apocrine sweat glands
The hair follicles in the following areas of your body contain a high concentration of apocrine sweat glands:
- Armpits
- Groin
- Scalp
These glands secrete a thicker, greasy sweat with a distinct odor. Body odor develops when the bacteria on the skin react with the breakdown of apocrine sweat.
Your autonomic nervous system regulates how much you perspire. Your nervous system’s autonomous portion is the one that operates without conscious thought.
Sweating escapes through skin ducts when it’s hot outside, or your body temperature rises due to physical activity or a fever. As it evaporates, it cools you down and moisturizes the skin on your body.
Most sweat is water, but a small percentage contains salt and fat.
Sweating causes
Sweating is common and frequently happens during daily activities. But several factors can cause increased sweating.
High temperature
A higher body or surroundings temperature is the primary factor causing an increase in perspiration.
Stress and feelings
You may also get a cold sweat from feelings and situations like anger, anxiety, and embarrassment.
Foods
Additionally, your diet may cause you to sweat. It may be brought on by spicy foods and beverages with caffeine, such as soda, coffee, and tea.
Medicines and disease
Additionally, taking medications and having certain conditions, such as:
- Cancer
- Infection
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Morphine and other painkillers
- Synthesized thyroid hormones
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon persistent pain that typically impacts the arm or leg.
- Menopause
Menopausal hormonal changes might also bring on sweating. Women going through menopause frequently endure hot flashes and nocturnal sweats.
FAQ
How long does hyperhidrosis last?
The majority of the time, primary hyperhidrosis persists. 88% of individuals with the illness reported that their symptoms either stayed the same or got worse over time, according to 2016 research. In addition to helping alleviate the symptoms, surgical techniques can also cure the illness. It varies for individuals with secondary hyperhidrosis depending on the underlying etiology and the course of treatment.
What results in hyperhidrosis?
Menopause, specific drugs, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes are just a few of the numerous health conditions that can result in secondary hyperhidrosis. Anyone worried or exhibiting other unwelcome symptoms might want to speak with a doctor.
Is there a connection to mental health?
Hyperhidrosis may be linked to anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression were present in 21.3% and 27.2% of participants with primary hyperhidrosis, respectively, in a 2016 study. One well-known sign of social anxiety disorder is excessive sweating.
Final thoughts
It is entirely normal and beneficial to sweat. Some techniques decrease or cover up sweating symptoms if you sense the need. Consult a doctor if you believe you are sweating profusely in an excessive quantity.