


Evelyn Lewin 18, 201812:53pm

Image: iStockSource:BodyAndSoul

26-year-old Mia* didn’t always used to sweat much. But when she hit her early 20’s, Mia became self-conscious about how much she’d sweat at the gym. She worried she was dripping profusely while others around her stayed dry as a desert.

Looking back on photos from her 21st, Mia also became embarrassed by the sweat patches she sported under her arms at the time.

But Mia’s tendency to perspire to what she considers an excessive amount hasn’t stopped her living a healthy lifestyle, and she still loves playing netball, tennis and getting active outdoors.

Mia’s far from the only person who worries about how much she sweats.

Television journalist Jessica Rowe also used to suffer from excessive sweating - though her story is more severe.

Jessica told Take5 magazine that, from the age of 24, she used to be dripping at work.

“It was so severe that most days dark patches would spread across my armpits of my shirts,” she told the magazine.

“I wondered if it was just nerves, but as my career developed and my confidence grew, I was still perspiring all the time.”

In a bid to hide her excessive sweating, she used to put sanitary pads in the armpits of her jacket to absorb her perspiration.

“If anyone noticed, I'd make a joke about it, but inside I was cringing with humiliation. I was paranoid that my sweat would make me smelly, too.”

Jessica saw a dermatologist, who diagnosed her with hyperhydrosis.

What is hyperhydrosis?

Hyperhydrosis is when you sweat excessively, meaning you sweat even when it’s not hot or you’re not physically active.

According to health direct, as many as three in every 100 Australians experience this.

The problem can affect a certain body part - such as your underarms, hands or feet - or it can affect your entire body.

If it affects your whole body it’s called ‘generalised hyperhydrosis’.

Certain medical conditions can also lead to excessive sweating. These include diabetes, thyroid disorders and infections.

Healthcare checks for women

Healthcare checks for women

Healthcare checks for women

How do I know if I have it?

If you feel you sweat when it’s not hot, or when you’re not physically active, you may have hyperhydrosis.

Your GP can help discover whether you have an underlying medical cause for your excessive sweating.

Many people, like Mia, who don’t have hyperhydrosis worry that they may sweat excessively when they’re exercising.

If you’re worried about how much you’re sweating when you workout, make sure you stay hydrated when active and chat to your doctor about your concerns.

What should I do if I sweat all the time?

If you sweat excessively, it’s important to keep the affected areas dry and clean when possible.

If you sweat heaps at the gym, keep a towel on hand. Remember to wipe down any machines you use after you’re finished with them.

After a workout, take time to cool down, have a shower and get changed into clean, dry clothes.

Then, don’t wear tight, constrictive clothing; opt for natural fibres such as cotton instead.

Stay hydrated to compensate for the extra fluid you’re losing through your perspiration.

What is the treatment for excessive sweating?

Thankfully, there are treatments that can help those who sweat excessively.

Rather than just using an over-the-counter antiperspirant deodorant, you may like to talk to your doctor about trying a prescription antiperspirant.

Different forms of therapy, such as relaxation techniques and behavioural therapy, can also help reduce your anxiety.

There are also medications that can assist, including antidepressants and nerve-blocking medication.

Botox injections can help stem the flow of sweat from your sweat glands, and surgery may also be an option in some cases.

Mia’s tried a few different deodorants but hasn’t found any to be particularly helpful. She’s hoping to speak to a specialist as the weather warms up again.

As for Jessica Rowe, she ended up having Botox injections for her excessive sweating - and hasn’t looked back.

“Everyone's different but in my case Botox injections twice a year keep it under control,” she said.

“I couldn't believe 15 years of suffering were cured so quickly and easily.”

*Mia is not her real name.

For more on this topic, Dr Lewin answers the question: why do I sweat so much at night? Plus, these are the benefits of Botox that have nothing to do with Botox.


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