Sweating is a normal process and is usually used for thermal compensation. With perspiration, the physical effect of evaporative cooling is used effectively to dissipate excess heat through the skin. In addition, the sweat in specific parts of the body such as the armpits and genital regions can contain pheromones and hormones that were originally used to communicate moods. There are a few simple ones Tips to counteract sweating.
When sweating becomes a problem
Sweat glands ensure that people sweat. The skin has around two million sweat glands, which are distributed over the entire surface of the body. Furthermore, the sweat forms a kind of protective acid mantle; this means that any pathogens can be repelled. Only the male glans and the lips have no sweat glands.
The highest concentration of sweat glands is found on the palms of the hands, the forehead and the soles of the feet. In sweat production, a distinction is made between nervous and thermoregulatory sweating. With thermoregulatory sweating, there is an increased body temperature and, as a result, an increased blood temperature.Nervous sweating, on the other hand, is triggered by emotions.
If profuse sweating is not used for thermoregulation, but is attributable to emotional states such as fear, shyness, stage fright or general nervousness, this can become a problem for those affected.
They fear that they will no longer have their armpit wetness under control in meetings or in public, which further exacerbates the problem. If no organic malfunctions or diseases can be identified as the cause, the excessive sweating is called primary hyperhidrosis. There are different Means to control sweating.
10 tips against stubborn sweat production
There are many different ways to contain the problem. They range from so-called "deodorants" to relaxation techniques, botulinum toxin and surgical removal of sweat glands and are briefly presented below:
- Deodorants are body care products that are designed as sprays or rollers, mainly for use in the armpit area. They cover the unpleasant smell of sweat with fragrances. They also have an antibacterial effect to prevent unpleasant odors.
- Antiperspirants usually contain aluminum salts that narrow the sweat gland ducts in order to inhibit the secretion of sweat. The agents can be combined with prescription anticholinergics, which inhibit the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Among other things, this leads to a reduced sweat production.
- Often hyperhidrosis is caused and favored by being overweight. In these cases, losing weight helps to alleviate the problem of excessive sweat production.
- Excessive consumption and consumption of coffee, alcohol and cigarettes can also trigger increased perspiration - especially in the armpits - so that in many cases a reduction in stimulants also improves the problem of hyperhidrosis.
- Basically, those affected are advised to wear breathable clothing so that the moisture can be dissipated to the outside as quickly as possible. This also intensifies the effect of the evaporative cooling, which has a dampening effect on sweat production in the form of a feedback.
Synthetic clothing should be avoided. Furthermore, it is advisable to pay attention to the outside temperature and not wear excessively warm clothing if the person affected sweats excessively or slightly.
- For people with high recurring stress levels, professional relaxation techniques promise relief from symptoms. Mediation or regular yoga exercises are a good way to take a little rest in everyday life.
- Baths with tannins or ointments that contain tannins should be able to curb sweat production. This is especially true for reducing foot sweat.
- Doctors who specialize in botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments offer syringe treatments to treat hyperhidrosis. The poison has a local effect and paralyzes the motor nerves for a certain time.
- Direct current treatments (iontophoresis) using a water bath, which are particularly suitable for treating foot sweat, are also offered. Treatments have to be repeated several times and extend over a certain period of time. Devices for home use are also available.
- In difficult and very stubborn cases, sweat glands in the armpit can also be surgically removed and scraped off. It is an irreversible process and the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed.
Hormonal imbalances as a trigger
Hormonal disorders or hormonal changes are also possible causes of excessive perspiration. In pubescent teenagers, the hormonal change phase can be accompanied by profuse sweating. Similarly, many women suffer from hyperhidrosis when changing hormones during menopause. In many cases the abnormal sweating is caused by an overactive thyroid.
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➔ Drugs against sweating and sweatingWhy you shouldn't despair
As mentioned above, there are graduated measures and therapies to effectively counter unpleasant hyperhidrosis. It is advisable to start with treatment options that are reversible. Treatment methods that are irreversible, such as the surgical removal of the sweat glands, should only be selected after carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages.
Excessive sweating is a social burden. Many sufferers tend to withdraw from other people and become depressed. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor to correct the condition.
