2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15
You sweat constantly and don't know why? You may have hyperhidrosis, a condition where you can sweat excessively in one or more areas of the body, such as the armpits, soles of the feet, or the forehead. We spoke with Dr. Audrey Kunin, expert dermatologist and founder of the DERMAdoctor brand about this condition …
What can a person suffering from this disease do to cope with it day by day?
Hyperhidrosis can be controlled, sufferers should consult a dermatologist if over-the-counter products do not work for them. Anyway, some tips and guidelines that you should follow are things like wearing light fabrics, having a fan always at hand, avoiding caffeine and spicy foods, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol because it has been shown that these two factors can worsen symptoms.
Is it recommended to exercise?
Exercising can help release sweat in a more controlled environment and can also help you lose weight, which makes your body feel fresher and less prone to excessive sweating.
What kind of products should they use?
[For the body I recommend] an antibacterial soap that helps kill the bacteria that produce sweat and cause body odor. Also using a blow dryer in cold air mode to gently dry the skin under your chest and other skin folds helps reduce the build-up of odor caused by excess sweat.
What treatments exist today against hyperhidrosis?
Botox treatment has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in the armpits, some doctors also use it in other areas. There is a new topical treatment called Qbrexa and it is a wipe that is applied daily to control excess sweat under the arms. MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that is done in the doctor's office using microwaves to reduce excess sweat and odor. There are also pill treatments from the anticholinergic family that have had good results in some patients and a home-made procedure, iontophoresis, which is also used to reduce sweat production.
What type of deodorant should a person with hyperhidrosis use?
They should use antiperspirants that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients like aluminum zirconium, tetra chlorine hydrex and gly which are effective in the first steps to treat this disease. At DERMAdoctor we have Med E Tate Wipes, an antiperspirant with a patented formula that does not require a prescription and is used to treat hyperhidrosis.
What cosmetics should be avoided?
If you have a tendency to sweat on your face, you should avoid very heavy moisturizers, makeup bases and primers that are formulated with silicone because this can seal excess sweat and cause acne breakouts. Some very heavy hairsprays or styling products can leave residue on the forehead area and cause similar problems.
