Current:Home > BackWant to sweat less? Here's what medical experts say.-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Want to sweat less? Here's what medical experts say.
View Date:2024-12-23 23:57:36
We get it: There are times when you're in a social situation and the last thing you want to be doing is sweating.
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating in the underarms, face, scalp, palms and feet, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which also notes that people experiencing it often report "feelings of social isolation and withdrawal from others in order to avoid touching others" and avoiding things like dating, business activities and other social events out of "fear of body odor and damp clothing."
First thing's first: Sweating is a completely normal bodily function and not something to be embarrassed about, health experts say. But there is hope if you want to do something to change it.
"For those struggling with the mental impacts of excessive sweating and body odor, it’s crucial to understand that these conditions are common and manageable," plastic surgeon Joel E. Kopelman, M.D., who frequently treats patients looking to curb their sweating, tells USA TODAY.
Hoping to stop sweating as much? Here's what medical professionals want you to know.
Why do I sweat so easily and so much?
Sweating is a natural reaction to your body needing to cool off, and there are times when profusely sweating is totally normal response to something physical, such as exercising, experiencing heat, or going through puberty or menopause, according to Stanford Medicine.
"Excessive sweating can (also) be due to overactive sweat glands," Kopelman adds. Genetics, stress and hormonal changes can impact how much you sweat, too. Certain medication you're taking could also impact sweat levels.
But other times, sweating can be an indicator that something isn't quite right in your body. If you're dripping sweat even when there isn't an obvious trigger, experts say that could be reason to consult a medical professional.
"Sweating is normal during physical activity, in hot environments or when feeling stressed," Kopelman says. "However, if you sweat excessively without these triggers, it might indicate hyperhidrosis or other health conditions."
Heavy sweating is sometimes caused by health issues such as diabetes, heart failure, an overactive thyroid or anxiety, per Stanford Medicine.
What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?Here is what to keep an eye out for.
How to stop sweating so much
If you're hoping to curb your excessive sweating, Kopelman says there's a number of options you can try, including using a stronger antiperspirant, wearing "breathable" fabrics such as linen or cotton, and focusing on managing stress.
If those don't work, you can also consult a medical professional to see if you might be a good candidate for trying prescription medication, Botox (which isn't just for wrinkles — it can "can effectively reduce underarm and palm sweating by blocking the nerves that stimulate sweat glands," Kopelman says) and other treatments aimed at more severe cases of hyperhidrosis.
Keep your cool:Experts on how to stay safe, avoid sunburns in record-high temps
But health experts also want you to remember that sweating is important to help cool off your body, so the goal should never be to stop sweating entirely.
"It’s generally safe to reduce sweating, especially if it’s causing discomfort or social anxiety. However, completely inhibiting the body's natural cooling process isn’t advisable," Kopelman says. "Treatments like Botox are targeted and do not affect the body’s overall ability to regulate temperature."
veryGood! (8928)
Related
- See Leonardo DiCaprio's Transformation From '90s Heartthrob to Esteemed Oscar Winner
- What does auld lang syne mean? Experts explain lyrics, origin and staying power of the New Year's song
- Dog reunited with family after life with coyotes, fat cat's adoption: Top animal stories of 2023
- Year since Damar Hamlin: Heart Association wants defibrillators as common as extinguishers
- Lee Zeldin, Trump’s EPA Pick, Brings a Moderate Face to a Radical Game Plan
- Migrants dropped at New Jersey train stations to avoid New York bus restrictions, NJ officials say
- It's over: 2023 was Earth's hottest year, experts say.
- 'AGT: Fantasy League' premiere: Simon Cowell feels 'dumped' after Mel B steals skating duo
- Detroit-area police win appeal over liability in death of woman in custody
- 15 Practical Picks to Help You Ease Into Your New Year's Resolutions & Actually Stick With Them
Ranking
- Stocks soared on news of Trump's election. Bonds sank. Here's why.
- Horoscopes Today, December 30, 2023
- What to put in oatmeal to build the healthiest bowl: Here's a step-by-step guide
- Pretty Little Liars' Brant Daugherty and Wife Kim Welcome Baby No. 2
- Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
- The long-awaited FAFSA is finally here. Now, hurry up and fill it out. Here's why.
- NOAA detects largest solar flare since 2017: What are they and what threats do they pose?
- German officials detain a fifth suspect in connection with a threat to attack Cologne Cathedral
Recommendation
-
Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Explains His Stance on His Daughter Gwendlyn Brown’s Sexuality
-
Best animal photos of 2023 by USA TODAY photographers: From a 'zonkey' to a sea cucumber
-
Haliburton gets help from Indiana’s reserves as Pacers win 122-113, end Bucks’ home win streak
-
The long-awaited FAFSA is finally here. Now, hurry up and fill it out. Here's why.
-
'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
-
Klee Benally, Navajo advocate for Indigenous people and environmental causes, dies in Phoenix
-
Pakistan human rights body says an upcoming election is unlikely to be free and fair
-
Peter Magubane, a South African photographer who captured 40 years of apartheid, dies at age 91