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| Keep Sweat In Check
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| Working out at the gym, sitting in the sun on a hot day and giving a speech in front of a crowd – what do all these have in common? They all push our sweat glands into overdrive, a normal occurrence that can occasionally become troublesome. But stay cool – there’s help on the way.
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Humans have a nifty built-in cooling system. The brain senses when the blood is overheating and sends a message to the sweat glands. They open and release excess heat in the form of perspiration through the skin’s pores. These tiny droplets of fluid evaporate quickly to regulate body temperature. On humid days, the process slows down significantly since those droplets of sweat evaporate more slowly. That’s when they pool and run down foreheads and backs, and leave tell-tale, wet blotches under our arms.
Thankfully, for most of us, keeping sweat under control is as simple as applying antiperspirant or deodorant in the morning. Of the two choices, antiperspirants are preferable since they contain aluminum chloride – an ingredient that controls sweat production by chemically irritating the openings of the glands. By constricting these openings, the glands are less able to give off perspiration. Deodorants, on the other hand, simply utilize fragrance to mask odors. For
anyone with an aluminum chloride allergy or skin sensitivity, they are the better option.
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For a small percentage of the population, however, sweat glands produce considerably more fluid than is required to maintain a normal body temperature. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis, a state of excessive sweat. In this case, there are a few treatments available.
The newest one to gain popularity utilizes localized Botox® injections, administered by a doctor. This drug (better known as a treatment for wrinkles) paralyzes the nerves responsible for releasing perspiration from the sweat glands and is commonly used for hands and underarms, providing a temporary fix that lasts from four to seven months. In extreme cases, the nerves can be permanently severed through a surgical procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).
Keeping Your Cool
Though sweating is a natural healthy process, it is important to keep it under control. Stay as dry as you can during your summer workouts by following these handy tips:
- Keep it clean – Bathe or shower as often as necessary to feel fresh, especially after workouts. Use absorbent powders to soak up body moisture. Just dusting your body with plain cornstarch is an easy, economical option.
- Hair today, gone tomorrow – Keep your underarm hair trimmed or shaved. This goes for men, too. Less hair means less bacteria which translates into less odor.
- Fluid – It’s important to replenish the fluid that is being lost through perspiration. Proper hydration is key for good health.
- Loose fits – Wear clothing that is non-constricting and made from natural fibers, such as cotton. Check out some of the high-tech, athletic gear fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin and speed up the sweat evaporation process. Keep in mind, too, that lighter colored clothing also helps disguise sweat stains.
- Be feet smart – Avoid shoes made with man-made materials. Natural leather breathes! Rotate your shoes so that you’re not wearing the same pair two days in a row. Let them dry out thoroughly between wearings.
- Take a tea break – Soak your hands and feet in tea, that is. This homeopathic treatment takes advantage of the astringent properties of tannic acid which have an antiperspirant-like effect. Boil five tea bags (black tea is best) in one quart of water for five minutes. Let it cool, then soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
According to Dr. Jonathan Sykes, professor of otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat, head and neck!) at the University of California, one person’s definition of "too much sweat" can be another’s norm. "Some people feel like they sweat too much when they go to the gym or when they shake hands and their palms tend to get a little sweaty," he says. "What’s classified as excessive sweating is defined by the individual."
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