Living with hyperhidrosis can be a challenge. The stigma attached to the odor and sweaty appearance can cause tremendous anxiety. The best way to manage hyperhidrosis is to treat it with medication, injections, antiperspirants, topical lotions, and creams. There are some other therapies like Iontophoresis that have short-term benefits. In extreme situations, doctors do surgery to remove the sweat glands, but they too have many side effects.
To help you, here are five lifestyle changes to manage hyperhidrosis.
1. Stop smoking
Smoking triggers innumerable diseases and health conditions. If you are a smoker and you have either localized or generalized hyperhidrosis, you have to quit smoking. Nicotine in cigarettes can trigger sweaty responses and increase anxiety. Nicotine withdrawal causes excessive sweating once you quit. Do not worry, as that will go away with time.
2. Stop drinking
Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and heats the skin, directly triggering sweat. It usually happens when a person consumes more than his body can handle. Some people might not have the necessary enzymes to break down alcohol in the system. Alcohol intolerance can lead to headaches and sweating. Alcohol contains high amounts of sugar, leading to diabetes and obesity, which triggers hyperhidrosis. Once you stop drinking, you will go through increased heart rate, anxiety, and nausea, leading to sweating. It is a short-term phenomenon and will go away soon.
3. Dress comfortably
Wear light and loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabric like cotton or linen to absorb sweat. Heavy clothes can trap sweat and cause a lot of foul odor. Choose comfortable underwear like boxers/boyleg instead of briefs/panties. You should dress in layers so that your body is not overheated. Use armpit liners every day. Since your soles can also sweat a lot, wear socks or shoe inserts that can absorb sweat. Always carry some extra clothing so that you can quickly change if sweat stains begin to show. Choose dark colors and patterns that can mask the sweat.
4. Maintain hygiene
Shower twice a day and change your clothes. Wear only washed clothes. Sweat from unwashed clothes will add to the odor and can be an invitation for bacteria. Use antibacterial soap to clean yourself well, particularly in your armpits and soles. Wash and shampoo your hair frequently. Use prescribed antiperspirants, creams, or lotions.
5. Beat stress and anxiety
Hyperhidrosis limits your ability to participate in recreational and sporting activities and affect workplace productivity. Meet with a professional counselor who will help you with your condition. Engage in activities and hobbies that are to your liking and comfort level. You can choose from many relaxation techniques that can help you beat stress and anxiety-like breathing exercises, yoga, Tai Chi, and visualization. Engage with support groups online. Share and learn from each other’s experiences.
