12 Excessive Sweating Treatment and Natural Remedies

Excessive sweating is known for various other names such as hyperhidrosis, polyhidrosis, or seborrhea. Sweating can affect one specific area of the body or even the entire body. Therefore, excessive sweating treatment natural remedies are the sure way of getting rid of unnecessary sweat in the body.

Although excessive sweating is not life-threatening, it can be really uncomfortable and cause serious psychological trauma to the carrier.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

The kind of excessive sweating that is mostly associated with hyperhidrosis is often most active in the hands, feet armpits, and groin due to their relatively high concentration of the sweat glands. There are, however, two forms of hyperhidrosis; they are:

Focal hyperhidrosis

This is when the excessive sweating is localized, such as sweating in only the palms and soles.

Generalized hyperhidrosis

This form of excessive sweating occurs on the entire body.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that may be present from birth or one that might develop later in life. However, in most cases, excessive sweating often starts from one’s teenage years. This condition can be the result of an underlying health condition or there may be no apparent cause:

Primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis

‘Idiopathic’ refers to ‘unknown causes.’ In this condition, hyperhidrosis is localized in most cases.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

This is a situation where a person is sweating excessively due to an underlying health condition. Such conditions could be obesity, gout, a tumor, menopause, diabetes mellitus, mercury poisoning, or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).

In a research carried out by the International Hyperhidrosis Association, only about 2.8 percent of Americans are victims of hyperhidrosis; that’s about 7.8 million people.

The symptoms of hyperhidrosis can be so severe that it becomes embarrassing, causing anxiety and discomfort. The career choices, personal relationships, free time activities, emotional wellbeing, and self-image of the patient may be greatly affected.

There are several treatment options for this condition, but unfortunately, most of the victims of this condition do not seek medical advice. This is often because they are too embarrassed or they do not know that excessive sweating treatment natural remedies exist.

Symptoms of Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating generally disrupts normal activities, and the episodes of this condition can occur at least once a week for no clear reason. The signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include the following:

• Clammy or wet palms of the hands
• Clammy or wet soles of the feet
• Sweating that soaks through the clothes
• Frequent sweating

People suffering from excessive sweating might also experience the following:

• Irritating and painful skin problems, such as bacterial or fungal infections
• Worrying more than other people about the possibility of body odor
• Worrying about having stained clothing
• Spending a large amount of time every day dealing with the issue of sweat, such as changing clothes, wiping, placing napkin or pad under the arms, washing, wearing bulky or dark clothes.
• The reluctance to make physical contact
• Having to select employment where physical contact or human interaction is not a requirement
• Being socially withdrawn, sometimes leading to depression
• Being self-conscious

Although it cannot be scientifically explained, it has been discovered that excessive sweating during sleep is not common in people with primary hyperhidrosis – a sweating condition not linked to underlying medical issues, but this issue can easily be battled with excessive sweating treatment natural remedies.

Causes of Excessive Sweating

It is not clear what the causes of primary hyperhidrosis are, but secondary hyperhidrosis has a long list of known causes.

Causes of Primary Hyperhidrosis

 A lot of people have assumed that primary hyperhidrosis is associated with the patient’s mental and emotional state. They felt that the condition was psychological and only stressed, nervous or anxious individuals are affected.

But recent research has revealed that people with primary hyperhidrosis are no more prone to feelings of emotional stress, nervousness, or anxiety than the rest of the population when exposed to the same triggers.

As a matter of fact, the situation is the other way around – the emotional and mental feelings of many patients with hyperhidrosis experience are due to excessive sweating.

Further studies have also brought a new theory to light. There are certain genes that play a role in hyperhidrosis, making it appear more likely that the condition could be inherited. Most patients suffering from hyperhidrosis have parents or siblings with the condition. Whatever the case may be, excessive sweating treatment natural remedies is highly recommended.

Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis

• Substance abuse
• Spinal cord injury
• Some medications, such as antidepressants, anticholinesterases (for Alzheimer’s disease), pilocarpine (for glaucoma), propranolol (for high blood pressure)
• Alcohol abuse
• Some infections – malaria, tuberculosis, HIV
• Anxiety
• Some cancers, such as Hodgkin’s disease
• Diabetes
• Shingles
• Gout
• Respiratory failure
• Heart disease
• Pregnancy
• Hyperthyroidism
• Parkinson’s disease
• Obesity
• Adrenal gland disorder
• Stroke
• Lung disease

Treatment of Excessive Sweating

After diagnosis and it has been confirmed that a person is suffering from excessive sweating, the doctor may refer that person to a dermatologist, or a skin specialist. These specialists may recommend the following:

Iontophoresis

This is a process of submerging the hands and feet in a bowl of water. Then a painless electric current is passed through the water. Most patients may require two to three 20-30 minutes treatments.

Botulinum toxin (Botox injection)

This injection blocks the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Patients suffering from excessive sweating may need several injections for effective results.

Anticholinergic drugs

These are medications that help inhibit the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses. An improvement is generally noticed within about two weeks.

ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy)

This is a surgical process and is only recommended in very severe cases that have not responded well to other treatments. This form of treatment ensures that the nerves that carry messages to the sweat gland are severed.

ETS may be used to treat excessive sweating in the face, hands or armpits. It is not advised that ETS should be used to treat hyperhidrosis of the feet because it may result in permanent sexual dysfunction in a person.

MiraDry System

This process is performed in a doctor’s office. The treatment procedure makes use of thermal (heat) energy that targets and gets rid of the sweat and odor glands in the underarm. However, you should know that these glands do not grow back once they are destroyed.

Complications of Excessive Sweating

If excessive sweating is not treated on time, it may lead to several complications, such as:

• Nail infections: This infection often occurs in the toenails.
• Warts: This skin growth is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Bacterial infections: This often occurs around hair follicles and between the toes.
• Heat rash (prickly heat): This rash is often itchy and causes the skin to turn red, resulting in a painful and uncomfortable situation.

Natural Remedies for Excessive Sweating

The following home remedies will help you stay dry and rid you of the problems associated with excessive sweating.

Natural Remedies for Excessive Sweating

1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Natural Vinegar

Natural vinegar is bitter, but it is a good remedy for treating excessive sweat. Mix two teaspoons of natural vinegar with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, then take the mixture three times a day on an empty stomach, or at least half an hour before or after a meal.

2. Tomato Juice

Sweaty skin can be remedied by drinking a homemade glass of tomato juice each day.

3. Herbal Tea

Most herbal teas are rich in magnesium and vitamin B; these compounds help slow down those overacting sweat glands. Try to find some sage herbs and make them into tea. Make green tea, brew, and drink daily.

4. Potato

Cut your potato into slices and then rub those slices under your arm and those areas that often sweat up excessively. Potato is a great remedy for excessive sweating.

5. Witch Hazel

This sounds like a magic concoction or spell, but it’s not. Witch hazel is an astringent to dry up damp areas of the body. Soak a cotton ball in an extract of witch hazel and rub it on those sweat-prone areas.

6. Cornstarch and Baking Soda

These two absorbent agents are a natural recipe that will help stir up a sweat-free remedy. Mix half cup of cornstarch with a half cup of baking soda. You can choose to add a few drops of essential oils just as a deodorant to give it a pleasant smell. Apply this mixture to clean armpits. Allow it to remain there for half an hour before washing it off.

7. Wheatgrass Juice

Drinking a cup of wheatgrass juice each day will help keep the sweat gland in place. The wheatgrass juice will neutralize the acids in the body and will also help get a good dose of vitamin B6, vitamin C, protein, Vitamin B12, and folic acid.

8. Tannin

This compound is often found in tea, and it helps in reducing excessive sweating in the palms. Boil tea leaves, allow the water to cool, and then soak your hands for half an hour each day.

9. Coconut Oil

This works wonders in dispelling excessive sweat in the body. Allow a piece of camphor to dissolve in coconut oil. Afterward, gently apply this mixture on your armpits by dabbing, including the spaces between your toes and other areas of your body that sweat profusely.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Allow a cotton ball to soak in your tea tree oil and then dab it on the areas that are prone to sweat. Do this on daily basis. If you know you have highly sensitive skin, dilute by adding 4 – 5 drops of tea oil to a half cup of water.

11. Grapes

To fight excessive sweating, eat a handful of grapes two times a day.

12. Salt and Lime

Massage your hands or any other damp area of your body with a mixture of salt and lime juice. Ensure that this mixture is not more than a tablespoonful. These excessive sweating treatment natural remedies have been tested and have been found to be working perfectly in most cases.

Other Home Remedies for Excessive Sweating

Some changes in daily activity and lifestyle may help in improving symptoms of excessive sweating. The following are some steps you can try at home.

Antiperspirant

Most people think deodorants stop sweating, but they do not; only antiperspirant sprays do. Some of the antiperspirants include aluminum chloride, which plugs the sweat glands.

Armpit shields

These are pads that one can wear in the armpits to protect clothes from being stained with perspiration.

Clothing

There are some clothes that may worsen symptoms, such clothes may be the heavy ones that easily trap sweat. An example includes synthetic fibers like nylon. Try to avoid wearing such clothes if you know you suffer from excessive sweating. Wear light breathable fabrics made of cotton or silk. If you would be exercising or performing outdoor activities in the heat, it would not hurt terribly to bring along an extra shirt. Likewise, tight-fitted clothes can trigger excessive sweating; loose clothing is better.

Shoes

Shoes produced from synthetic materials could worsen symptoms. Wear shoes that are products of natural materials like leather.

Socks

Thick and soft socks that are made of natural fibers are better at absorbing moisture. Merino wool and polypro are good choices of socks to wear.

Bathing

Shower every day using soaps that fight bacteria which can cause your skin to begin sweating, resulting in body odor. After bathing, make sure you completely dry yourself before applying antiperspirant if you will.

Foods

If you can, try to avoid eating spicy foods because they can easily induce sweat, even for people who are not suffering from excessive sweating. In the same manner, alcohol intake can also cause sweat, so try to avoid that too as much as you can. The same applies to hot liquids like tea and coffee. Anything hot or spicy easily triggers the sweat gland.

Conclusion

Sweating excessively is not always a pretty sight, and it can be a major cause of shame and depression in patients. A lot of people do not know that there is always treatment for this problem. By following all the directions already given above, especially the excessive sweating treatment natural remedies already outlined, you might just find your perfect solution.

Of course, this does not guarantee that you will totally stop sweating. Sweating is natural for every human being, but you will not have a case of sweating in a situation when you are not supposed to. With the issue of excessive sweating corrected, you will live a happier and more fulfilled life.