I’m a sweater. Nope, not the fuzzy, warm kind. The kind that can take a simple walk around the block and have to change clothes. Or sitting in a slightly warmer than average room means I have to keep my arms down the rest of the day. It can be embarrassing, but there are some things I can do to lessen my sweating.
Two main reasons people sweat are excessive physical activity and being outside when the temperature is hot. Sweating is normal unless you sweat when not exposed to high temperature or excessive physical activity, then excessive sweating is called diaphoresis. What is Diaphoresis? Diaphoresis is excessive sweating for no reason, but it can be a sign that there may be something wrong with you.
Stress, menopause, or a reaction from a drug can be reasons why you may be sweating excessively. Whatever the reason, you may need to see your doctor.
Some medical conditions that can cause diaphoresis are:
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- Heart Attack
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Withdraw from drugs or alcohol
- Cancer
- Hyperthyroidism
- Medication side effect
Many people suffer from diaphoresis, but there is help for you. If diaphoresis is caused by a medication side effect, then your doctor may prescribe a different medication for you. Botox injections are used to treat diaphoresis and are effective, but their effectiveness is short term. Oxybutynin and glycopyrrolate are two medications that are used to reduce sweating. The easiest treatment for diaphoresis is using a stronger antiperspirant. The last option is iontophoresis which is a small electrical shock.
To help manage Diaphoresis try the following:
- Monitor your diabetes
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid spicy food
- Exercise regularly
- Wear loose clothing in hot temperatures
- Drink more water
- Avoid hot weather
- Apply a clinical strength antiperspirant
Some natural ways to treat your diaphoresis are:
Natural Vinegar. Take 2 teaspoons of natural vinegar and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and add to a half a cup of water. Drink this mixture three times a day on an empty stomach or at least half an hour before or after a meal.
Tomato Juice. Drink a glass of tomato juice daily.
Witch Hazel. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and rub it under your arm.
Potato. Cut slices of potato and rub the slices under your arm.
Herb Tea. Brew sage or green tea and drink it daily.
Cornstarch and Baking Soda. Mix half a cup of cornstarch and half a cup of baking soda together and apply to armpits. Leave on approximately half an hour then wash off.
Tea Tree Oil. Soak a cotton ball with tea tree oil and apply to sweat-prone areas. If your skin is sensitive, then add 4-5 drops of oil to half a cup of water.
Wheatgrass Juice. Drink a cup of wheatgrass juice daily.
Coconut Oil. Dissolve a piece of camphor into coconut oil. Dab the mixture on your armpits and between your toes.
Tannin. Tannin is found in tea, boil some tea leaves and then let cool. Soak your hands in the tea leaves water for half an hour daily.
Salt and Lime. Mix a tablespoon of salt with some lime juice and massage your hands and any other damp areas with the mixture.
Antidepressants have also been associated with diaphoresis. Many antidepressants have caused excessive sweating causing doctors to either lower doses or prescribe medication for diaphoresis. Glycopyrrolate has been tested and found to reduce the excessive sweating when taking antidepressants. The U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study on the effectiveness of glycopyrrolate as a way to control diaphoresis when taking antidepressants.
A number one factor of many medical problems is salt. Excessive use of salt can leave you with high blood pressure and open the door to many other health problems, one health problem being diaphoresis. The Truth About Salt will inform you about the salt you use and can find in your daily life and how you can control your salt intake. You need salt in your diet, but the wrong amount of salt can make you unhealthy and lead to diaphoresis.
Sweating is not something most of us enjoy and excessive sweating is not at all enjoyable. Diaphoresis, excessive sweating, can be controlled with medication, injections, and some natural remedies. If you are affected by diaphoresis you should consult with your doctor. With your doctors advise, you should be able to find a way to control, or at least manage, your diaphoresis.
