
6 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating. Due to this condition, a person sweats much more than the body needs to regulate its temperature. Although not a life-threatening condition, it can cause immense discomfort and embarrassment. Here, we will talk about certain lifestyle tips for people with hyperhidrosis that can reduce its impact and improve their quality of life:
- Drink adequate water: When the body sweats, it loses water and electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes help maintain the balance of fluids in the body, so it is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of water to make up for the lost electrolytes. One can also consume sports drinks that are specially formulated to replenish these electrolytes.
- Use antiperspirant: This is one of the most important and helpful lifestyle tips for managing hyperhidrosis. Instead of regular deodorants, one should look for antiperspirants that help reduce sweating. An ideal time to use this is at night, as the body can absorb more antiperspirant during the night. A prescription antiperspirant can be used on dry underarms every night for about a week, and then it can be reduced to once or twice a week.
- Wear appropriate clothes: In order to reduce sweating, one must wear loose clothes. Highly synthetic fibers like polyester must be avoided, as they limit the flow of air and do not allow the skin to breathe. Clothes made from lighter fabrics, like cotton and linen, must be preferred. Also, wearing dark-colored or white clothes help make the sweat less visible. Lastly, while working out, one can opt for dry-fit materials that can easily absorb sweat.
- Wear the right shoes: To avoid sweaty feet, one should opt for athletic or cotton socks that are made to wick away moisture. Wetness-absorbing shoe insoles are also available in the market to help reduce sweating, and they can be worn during workouts. Also, one should ensure that the shoes are made of natural material and allow ventilation. One can also apply antiperspirant to the feet at night and wash it off the next morning.
- Avoid certain foods: This is another helpful lifestyle tip for managing hyperhidrosis. Certain foods like monosodium glutamate, hot and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and spices like cumin may cause excessive sweating and must be avoided.
- Cope with stress: Sometimes, even stress can trigger excessive sweating, so one must look for effective ways to beat stress and manage anxiety. Identifying the cause of anxiety and seeking the help of friends and family is a great way to do this. One can also indulge in exercise to relieve stress and improve their quality of life.
These are some common lifestyle tips for dealing with hyperhidrosis effectively. One can consult a doctor for advice on other ways to ease the aggravating symptoms of this condition.