While there are ways in which you can keep excessive sweating in check, these do not deal with the underlying issue.
It is, therefore, necessary to consult a board-certified dermatologist whose insight will help you find a long-term solution.
That said, the root cause of hyperhidrosis remains elusive to this day. While there are various treatment options available from surgery to iontophoresis, there’s no guarantee that everyone who undergoes these procedures will recover.
In any case, treatment processes take time. This means that living with hyperhidrosis is more or less a matter of finding ways to manage the condition.
To do this, there’s a need for you to adequately prepare yourself at the start of each day. With proper planning, there’s a chance you might see a difference in your sweat patterns.
You can start by choosing the right outfit. Even though sweating is inevitable, being in the right kind of clothing can make hyperhidrosis more manageable in the following ways:
- Concealing sweat
- Offering comfort
- Preventing underarm stains
- Keeping you cool and dry
Below are some hacks to help you dress suitably if you have hyperhidrosis.
1. Start With Antiperspirant and Deodorant or Both
Before you get dressed, begin by using an antiperspirant. Because different products vary in their composition, read the directions for use first. Doing this will help you get the most out of your antiperspirant of choice.
Antiperspirants work by targeting sweat glands. They inhibit the production and release of sweat, reducing the quantity that makes its way onto your skin's surface. Many antiperspirants contain metallic salt as an active ingredient. A common metallic salt used is aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex.
Metallic salts block the sweat ducts, triggering a mechanism that stops the flow of sweat.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are often referred to interchangeably despite there being differences between them.
Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants tackle odors that are likely to occur when bacteria mix with sweat.
Each is effective on its own, but you can use them together for better results. You can start with the antiperspirant and carry deodorant with you for use later in the day.
2. Dress in Layers
Image: le Fashion and Seerayrum
When we think layers, we automatically think of winter. However, dressing in layers can help with excessive sweating no matter what time of year it is.
When it’s cold, start with a light layer of clothing underneath, such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt. Over it, wear a sweater or jacket.
This way, should you find yourself sweating later in the day, you can simply take off the topmost layer of clothing to help cool yourself down. Since cotton is a breathable material, it will prevent the shirt from sticking to your body. More on breathability below.
Rather than a regular t-shirt which is prone to underarm sweat stains, go for a sweat proof undershirt.
3. Choose This Fabric
Image: Magda Ehlers
When it comes to clothing, there’s a near-infinite number of fabrics to choose from. Take note, however, that not all fabrics are suitable for people living with hyperhidrosis.
The main consideration you should have in this regard is the breathability of every fabric you come across.
Breathable fabrics don’t cling to the skin, and as such, allow it to “breathe.” Breathable fabrics allow air to get through to the skin, enabling sweat to evaporate.
Generally, natural fabrics are generally more comfortable than synthetic fabrics. All the same, avoid silk because it doesn't do well as far as breathability is concerned.
Clothing made from cotton is ideal. This is due to cotton's ability to absorb an amount of liquid 25 times its weight. Given how porous and absorbent cotton is, it is one of the best fabrics to protect against sweat.
Furthermore, cotton helps keep your skin cool.
Linen is another good fabric you can consider as an alternative.
4. Go for Darker Colors and Prints
Why should you wear darker colors?
Wearing bolder colors and prints comes with one major advantage. Such clothing does a great job of concealing sweat.
In contrast, lightly colored clothing has a tendency to blatantly show any sweat stains. As such, light clothing is best worn underneath darker colors and prints.
5. Take Better Care of Your Feet
As far as regular sweating is concerned, feet have acquired a degree of notoriety.
This becomes even more intense with hyperhidrosis. For example, wearing socks, even for brief periods, results in them getting soaked. The moment one takes off their shoes, a distinct and unpleasant smell emanates.
Some people only experience excessive sweating around their feet. This type of hyperhidrosis is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis.
So, then, what can you do?
- Give sandals a try. They could help your feet air out.
- Go barefoot whenever you can.
- Choose thinner socks, such as those designed for athletic use.
- Always be prepared. Carry an extra pair of socks and shoes in case of any eventuality.
6. Get Sweat-Proof Undershirts
Sweatproof clothing is designed and made to offer improved sweat relief.
Sweat-proof undershirts are intended to be worn as the first layer of clothing. In this way, they can deal with sweat before it spreads.
How exactly do they work?
Sweat-proof undershirts have a barrier around the armpits which:
- prevents the formation of sweat stains
- includes a comfort layer to keep the shirt feeling soft
- stems odor from where it starts
- allows heat to escape, keeping you cool
Stay Dry and Cool All Day Long
If excessive sweating has been holding you back, give Sweatshield Undershirts a try.
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Thanks to a sweat-proof technology ten years in the making, Sweatshield Undershirts have people talking for all the right reasons.
Choose from a range of undershirts for both women and men to look, feel and be your best -- all day.
Photo: Freepik
