Perspiration

A common problem among us all through out the summer season is perspiration or sweating.

What is Perspiration?

It is an internal fluid consisting mainly of water and salt that exits through the pours of your skin, to help cool down the body. It may occur during or after exercise, while sitting in the beautiful sunshine or when feelings of nervousness and anxiety are experienced. Perspiration can be handled in various ways and below is some information on what causes excessive perspiration and what you can do to help prevent it.

Common Causes:
-Genes: Some people inherit the unfortunate trait of excessive sweating, especially on the palms or soles of their feet.
-Diet: Drinking hot beverages and especially those with caffeine or alcohol. Eating spicy food can have a sweating affect.
-Fevers: Occurs when the body's temperature rises above its normal level and reacts by sweating excessively to help cool the body down at an efficient rate.
-Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Common in those who have diabetes. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shakiness, weakness, hunger, dizziness and nausea.
-Menopause: Women experiencing menopause have hot flashes which causes a rise in temperature accompanied by sweating and feeling of intense heat (due to drop in estrogen levels).
-Low Levels of Male Hormones: Men with low testosterone levels (condition known as hypogonadism) caused by reduced functioning of the testicles can also experience hot flashes.

Reducing Perspiration:
-Bathe Daily: Prevents bacteria from growing on the skin's surface, which causes an odor when mixed with perspiration.
-Dry Thoroughly After Bathing: Bacteria thrive on damp spaces.
-Wear Proper Foot Wear: Shoes made of natural material (such as leather) help feet breathe. Wear socks made of cotton or wool and pantyhose with cotton soles as they help keep feet dry by absorbing any moisture.
-Choose Natural Fiber Clothing: Wear natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk, which allow your skin to breath. When exercising wear high tech fabrics that keep moisture away from the skins surface.
-Relaxation Techniques:
If stress is a factor, try yoga or meditation; it may help you to control your stress level, therefore lowering perspiration.
-Air Feet Out: Go barefoot when you can, or at least slip out of your shoes from time to time. This allows your feet to breath, helps keep them dry and cools down the entire body.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is more common than secondary hyperhidrosis, and usually causes excessive sweating in the face, hands, feet and armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis affects the whole body. The level of sweating can vary from time to time. Certain things, such as anxiety, spicy foods, heat or certain illnesses can set it off. However, most of the time, there is no obvious trigger and it just seems to come and go randomly. Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis usually develop in your teenage years, although it can start at any age.

Does your deodorant not work? If normal antiperspirants aren't working for you, your doctor may suggest an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. This works like a 'strong' antiperspirant, blocking the openings of the sweat ducts. Aluminum chloride antiperspirants can be used on the armpits, palms and soles - they can even be applied to the face (but avoid the eye area).

The antiperspirant needs to be applied to clean, dry skin, ideally at night when sweat glands are less active. You should apply every 24-48 hours, and always wash the area before reapplying. This treatment can be continued for as long as needed, although once you see an improvement you won't have to apply every day - once every 1-3 weeks should help keep the sweat levels under control.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is more common than secondary hyperhidrosis, and usually causes excessive sweating in the face, hands, feet and armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis affects the whole body. The level of sweating can vary from time to time. Certain things, such as anxiety, spicy foods, heat or certain illnesses can set it off. However, most of the time, there is no obvious trigger and it just seems to come and go randomly. Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis usually develop in your teenage years, although it can start at any age.

Does your deodorant not work? If normal antiperspirants aren't working for you, your doctor may suggest an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. This works like a 'strong' antiperspirant, blocking the openings of the sweat ducts. Aluminum chloride antiperspirants can be used on the armpits, palms and soles - they can even be applied to the face (but avoid the eye area).

The antiperspirant needs to be applied to clean, dry skin, ideally at night when sweat glands are less active. You should apply every 24-48 hours, and always wash the area before reapplying. This treatment can be continued for as long as needed, although once you see an improvement you won't have to apply every day - once every 1-3 weeks should help keep the sweat levels under control.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis can be either primary or secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is more common than secondary hyperhidrosis, and usually causes excessive sweating in the face, hands, feet and armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis affects the whole body. The level of sweating can vary from time to time. Certain things, such as anxiety, spicy foods, heat or certain illnesses can set it off. However, most of the time, there is no obvious trigger and it just seems to come and go randomly. Both primary and secondary hyperhidrosis usually develop in your teenage years, although it can start at any age.

Does your deodorant not work? If normal antiperspirants aren't working for you, your doctor may suggest an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. This works like a 'strong' antiperspirant, blocking the openings of the sweat ducts. Aluminum chloride antiperspirants can be used on the armpits, palms and soles - they can even be applied to the face (but avoid the eye area).

The antiperspirant needs to be applied to clean, dry skin, ideally at night when sweat glands are less active. You should apply every 24-48 hours, and always wash the area before reapplying. This treatment can be continued for as long as needed, although once you see an improvement you won't have to apply every day - once every 1-3 weeks should help keep the sweat levels under control.