The key to this is you. Sweat is a physiological function… all humans sweat. In fact, the ability to maintain our body temperature by sweat is a key attribute that has benefited our whole race. So let’s get some fundamental ideas in place… you do sweat. Bacteria feed on the elements of the sweat and that causes a discharge that’s regarded, in our society as offensive.
So sweat is not the enemy.
Your problem is very individual. There is no one cure for your situation and those who offer you a miracle “cure” are being rather disingenuous… they know that their advice fixed something for someone, sometime… but that is a long way from you and now.
What to do… firstly, know yourself. Accept the advice of a master gardener who commented that the most precious tool in his vast array of gadgets was a battered old journal… it gave him a history of what had been tried and how it had turned out. Make yourself such a journal. Note when you sweat, how you sweat, what situation brings this on. Note the triggers, emotional and physical and the other reactions that accompany a sweaty situation (e.g. heart rate, stuttering, foggy head, hungry, etc). Now that you have a baseline for your personal journal, start to experiment with solutions. Start with clothing. This is the starting point because:
- you can do this without physically changing anything about your body
- you can change your mind, easily… if it doesn’t work…try another
- you can achieve remarkable results without it costing a fortune.
Yes, for those sufferers of hyperhidrosis who say well that’s not the first solution… just stop the circumstances in which you become too sweaty! True.
But if this means giving up dancing, judo, public speaking, socialising in general… how much will you allow this social judgement (it’s not a physical disability… it’s the way people react) to dictate your lifestyle?
Start with clothing… have fun
The next level of intervention involves masking or preventing the body from excreting sweat.. we start with simple deodorants… what they do, how long they last. Again, use your journal, there is no one potion for everyone (despite what the TV marketers say) and you may find trends. Note any skin reactions and your mood. Then we come to various medications, creams and potions. this is all over-the-counter pharmaceuticals… no script necessary.
What is necessary is that you take each treatment as directed and record the body reactions.
Upgrade to potions… explore the range
The third category of intervention involves leaving teh DIY manual behind. Consulting medical professionals about your issue (they are going to love your Too Sweaty Journal) . Unlike teh previous pages, this one does not come with links to specific clinics, rather its a discussion on what sort of professional treatment is available… its range of cost, its efficacy and to some extent its risks. You will have to search out your own therapist here, but at least you will be forearmed withg some knowledge of what to expect.
Professional help…all you need to know.
Since you know,
What is that doing to your life, your job, your relationships, your enjoyment?
