If you have to wear several layers of clothing to sop up excess sweat, or you find yourself blowing through a bottle of antiperspirant a day, you might have a condition known as hyperhidrosis. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS), this condition affects approximately 365 million people across the globe. People with hyperhidrosis report feeling self-conscious in social situations and anxious that people will learn about their condition. Here are 4 tips for dealing with hyperhidrosis in New York.

 

What Is Hyperhidrosis? 

Sweating is a natural body response designed to maintain steady, healthy temperatures during or after physical activity or high-stress situations. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that results in abnormal and excessive sweating. In most cases, the accompanying chronic and excessive perspiration can prove to be quite embarrassing and disruptive of your daily activities and social life. The sweating usually occurs in the hands, feet, and armpit and can be up to 5 times the normal rate.

 

Reducing Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis can cause your clothing to become soaked with sweat, resulting in emotional anxiety, stress, and physical discomfort. Below are some tips on how to deal with excessive perspiration:

1.      Antiperspirant

Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which acts like physical sweat blockers. For the best and most effective results, you should use them at night when your sweat glands are less active or early in the morning. Moreover, try using a hair dryer on the warm setting and gently apply heat to the application sites for long-lasting effects.

2.      Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Moisture-wicking fabrics are perfect for people dealing with underarm sweating. However, remember to wear appropriate performance clothing geared toward fitness. Avoid clothes made from fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. Also, wear breathable shoes to minimize foot perspiration.

3.      Plan Ahead

Planning ahead simply involves coming up with mechanisms or strategies that help manage excessive sweating. For example, if you often develop sweaty palms, you can try learning to wipe off the excess sweat discreetly. This is important for any interactions where you might need to shake hands.

4.      Lifestyle Changes

This simply involves identifying the common triggers to your excessive perspiration. Some people find drinking caffeine or eating spicy food a trigger to excessive sweating. Once you have pinpointed your triggers, the next step is to make the necessary lifestyle changes to help control excessive sweating.

 

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated?

For people with secondary hyperhidrosis, the most effective treatment is to address the underlying medical condition to check if any change in treatment will lead to a reduction in sweat production. However, if this proves to be ineffective, other possible treatment options include:

• BOTOX injections to block the nerve transmitters that trigger perspiration.
• Use of medication specifically designed to lower the production of perspiration and target sweat glands
• Iontophoresis, which utilizes an electronic pulse to closed sweat glands
• Use of prescription antiperspirants to control underarm sweating

Patients with primary hyperhidrosis normally require ongoing treatment specifically customized for their individual needs to keep excessive perspiration under control.

 

Conclusion

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive perspiration, can cause tremendous embarrassment, resulting in reduced self-esteem. Fortunately, New York Neurology Associates are the leading and reliable providers of effective, long lasting, and innovative treatments for hyperhidrosis among patients in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Downtown neighborhoods, as well as clients in Long Island, NY. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.