Don’t Sweat It: How Much Sweat is Too Much?

Many people believe they sweat too much. Sweat stains and “excessive” sweating may cause discomfort and embarrassment. The person who sweats a lot may attract negative attention from others: they may view the individual’s evidence of sweating as a lack of cleanliness or poor hygiene.

This can make meeting new people an overly stressful experience.

Sweat is Normal

However, sweat is a normal, natural, and healthy elimination of waste products and dirt from the body and skin. A healthy person does sweat but some people—especially fit individuals—are inclined to produce more sweat than others.

Medical Evaluation

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, excessive sweating ruins lives with “fill up your shoes sweat…dripping hand sweat…soaking through two shirts…and embarrassing job interview armpit sweat!” IHS say that approximately three percent (about 211 million) of the world’s population suffer from too much sweat, and it’s a serious medical problem.

If this sounds like your sweat issues, it’s important to check out the cause when true over-production of sweat happens. Consult a physician when in doubt about how much sweat production is too much.

woman sweating a lot

Gratefully, an effective antiperspirant does the trick for most folks. Rexona clinical reviews demonstrate the ability to manage odour and sweat twice as effectively as others.

Here are some of the ways the physician can provide relief if evidence of excessive sweating is confirmed:

Prescription Medicines

Botox, a form of botulism, is approved in Australia (by prescription only) as a treatment for excessive sweat glands. It works by rendering inactive the nerves in control of sweat gland production.  This treatment isn’t permanent, so the patient must frequently return to the doctor’s office for more… botulism.

man looking at botox sign

Over time, botox can actually cause the individual to lose all underarm sensation.

In our opinion, Botox sounds like a really radical solution. But other clinically-tested, less effective prescription medicines for excessive sweating tend to break or irritate the skin: red, sore skin is a common risk factor for each of a long list of ‘remedies.’

So, men who prefer a clean-shaven look may need to revisit the idea of wearing a beard if taking the prescription medicines route!

Surgery

Those who suffer with medically confirmed extreme sweatiness can take a proactive approach by removing sweat glands altogether. A surgeon removes glands from underarms, groin, hands or feet.

Again, this is a really serious, final solution. The suffering individual should try other ways to stop his or her sweatiness beforehand.

An individual who suffers primarily from sweaty hands receives an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy to correct the problem. The surgeon clamps the responsible nerve running through the hands to prevent the individual from ever experiencing sweaty palms again!

And no surgery is without risk. Sufferers can experience significant pain or scarring as a result. As with any surgery, excessive bleeding, swelling, or infection can result. (For those concerned with their appearance, armpit surgery can produce wrinkles under the arms.)

Herbal Treatments

Naturopathic physicians and researchers have confirmed that some herbs help to reduce the amount of sweat produced by the body. But, again, herbs shouldn’t be self-prescribed by an individual worried about sweating too much. It’s important to see a doctor before taking any herb or supplement.

Some herbs, such as kava kava, are natural medicines that should be used only under a doctor’s supervision.  Kava kava can cause liver damage or overwork an already unhealthy liver.

Overly strong sage tea, another recognized herbal remedy, may also be toxic. Fresh wheat grass, considered safe for most, can harm individuals suffering with autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Conclusion

Don’t sweat it. Try a clinically-strong antiperspirant before taking medicines, herbs, or surgical solutions. If in doubt, check it out—at the doctor’s office.

Photos: Speshul Ted, Tracie Masek, and Jan Zuppinger

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michael

I work as a full time hair stylist but love writing about life. I hope to become a full time writer one day and spend all my time sharing my experience with you!

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