Dear Readers,

Maureen L is a 28-year-old young lady. She travels by car or bus daily to work and is worried about her excessive sweating. She finds it embarrassing.

Maureen says that her palms and underarms sweat excessively and although there is no bad odour, she is very conscious of the large wet circles often seen under her armpits.

Often her palms are also sweaty, which makes her reluctant to shake hands. Maureen says that she is a reasonably attractive woman but she is sure that the excessive sweating is a big 'turnoff' for her friends, especially males. She is very conscious of it and asks Lifeline what can be done to eliminate the problem.

Maintaining internal temperature

Sweating or perspiring is one of the body's natural methods of maintaining its ideal internal temperature. This is why people sweat more in hot weather or after physical exercise.

Anything that increases the body's metabolic rate, including nervousness, will increase perspiration or sweating.

Some people sweat more heavily than others, even in cool, non-threatening situations. This condition is known as Hyperhidrosis.

This can occur because the person has overactive sweat glands in certain, more restricted areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the armpits, the groin area or under the breasts.

It can also affect the entire body.

The reason for excessive sweating in restricted areas like hands, armpits and under the breasts is not fully understood, although there is definitely a psychological element to be considered.

The condition worsens with anxiety or stress. Generalised sweating can occur due to a number of reasons including a persistent low-grade fever, or an overactive thyroid gland.

When generalised excessive sweating occurs the person affected should see their physician for a full medical examination and investigations to try to determine any underlying cause. It is sometimes difficult to determine a cause but an attempt should be made by the physician.

Aluminium Chloride solution

When the excessive sweating is localised to specific areas an aluminium chloride solution can be prescribed by the doctor and applied at nights to the affected region. It should be washed off in the mornings. However, it should be mentioned here that high levels of aluminium have been linked to Alzheimhers' disease in some studies.

If the excessive sweating occurs during times of stress and anxiety for example, when studying for exams working on difficult projects or preparing for a wedding event, then a physician might prescribe antianxiety drugs such as Xanax, Cexoton, Valium, Frusium etc, for a limited time.

When sweating from the armpits (axilla) is really excessive, some of the sweat glands in that area can be surgically removed.

Individuals who sweat heavily should avoid applying oils or heavy lotions to the skin as these applications can increase perspiration (sweating). It is best to apply a water-based lotion.

Underwear and clothing generally should be from light materials such as cotton. Synthetic materials should be avoided.

Perspiration can become odorous when bacteria and yeast on the skin work on decaying skin cells and sweat, causing a bad smell.

This condition is called BROMHIDROSIS and is often embarrassing to the person who experiences it.

The best treatment for this is careful hygiene. Washing often and shaving all underarm hair helps.

The application of antibacterial and antifungal powders or creams to the armpits also helps to control the odour.

Washing the armpits with diluted Hydrogen Peroxide is a natural method of controlling body temperature. it is neither possible or desirable to prevent odour completely.

Write to:

Lifeline

PO Box 1731

Kingston 8

AJM