For most people, sweating is not a big deal but just something that happens when you exercise or when it’s hot outside. But for people with hyperhidrosis, sweating can be constant and uncontrollable.
Excessive sweating is more than just a nuisance, it’s a medical condition that can cause serious health and emotional problems.
According to Dr Asanda Shabalala from Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, normal sweating happens when it’s hot or you’re exercising and then stops when you cool down. Excessive sweating happens for no reason and continues even when you’re not hot or active.
“Excessive sweating usually happens on specific parts of the body, like the hands, feet, underarms, or face. With normal sweating, it’s more spread out.”
Dr Asanda Shabalala
“Excessive sweating can happen every day and interfere with your daily life. You may avoid social situations or have to change clothes multiple times. Normal sweating is occasional and doesn’t get in the way of activities.”
Dimpho Khabele from the Northern Cape, who started experiencing excessive sweating at 11 years old, says she noticed she had a problem because other kids did not sweat like her. She explains that this effect has had a huge impact on her social life and self-confidence.
‘Sweating affects my daily life’
“The sweating affects my daily life because it gets uncomfortable at times. My T-shirts usually get wet from the sweat dripping, and I have to change clothes, or sometimes I have to refresh again and reapply deodorant. I think it consumes my time on busy days and affects my productivity. It also produces a foul smell sometimes, affecting my social life and self-confidence,” she explains.
“I’ve seen a doctor, and he said that I have a medical condition called auxiliary hyperhidrosis. This means I have active sweat glands in my armpit area, and my sweat is not affected by temperature (meaning I sweat whether it’s hot or cold).”
Although she wishes to find something to stop her condition completely, she’s grateful for the remedies and treatments she’s tried, as she mentions that the sweating is no longer as bad as before.
One Durban resident, who would like to remain anonymous, says she started noticing excessive sweating at the age of nine. She shares that she would soak through her uniform during the first hours of the school day, which was embarrassing for her.
Treatments to keep it under control
“I sweat excessively in all body areas, and it inconveniences my life. I must constantly carry a towel, body spray, or fan to avoid odour. I have tried almost everything, from steaming with traditional herbs to using different salts and other deodorants people would suggest in the different areas where I sweat. I even tried to change my diet and be more active because it helped a little when I was in high school, but now as an adult, it makes no difference,” she says.
“I haven’t been diagnosed with any underlying medical conditions, but I’ve been to different doctors to test for the root of the sweating because I had thought maybe it could be diabetes, as it does run in my family, and nothing would be found.
“My doctor said that it could be that I have hyperhidrosis, which has no cure, but there are treatments to help make it controllable,” she adds.
Know the difference
Shabala explains that there are two types of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating): primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis, and if sweating starts interfering with daily activities, social life, or sleep, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
“Primary hyperhidrosis is usually inherited, which means one of your family members may have had it. It begins in childhood and worsens with puberty, especially in women.”
Dr Asanda Shabalala
“Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by some other medical conditions or behaviour.
Some of these might include:
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to excessive sweating.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause excessive sweating
- Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can cause hot flashes and sweating
Obesity: Being overweight can cause increased sweating - Anxiety disorders: Anxiety can trigger sweating as a symptom
- Infections: Some infections like TB can cause night sweats
- Cancer: Certain cancers like lymphoma can cause excessive sweating
Tips to control sweating
He further suggests possible home remedies to control excessive sweating, such as:
- Wearing loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to allow more airflow. Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat.
- Use an antiperspirant with aluminium chloride as the active ingredient. Apply it before bed so it can plug sweat ducts while you sleep.
- Baking soda can help absorb sweat. Sprinkle some on damp armpits or add a bit to your bath water.
- Apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels in your skin. Wipe underarms with a cotton ball dipped in diluted vinegar.
- Stay hydrated to avoid triggering more sweat. Drink lots of water and limit caffeine and spicy foods.
- Relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help reduce stress that leads to sweating.
- Change and wash clothes regularly, especially after sweating a lot. Let shoes dry out instead of wearing the same pair daily.
- If home remedies don’t help much, Shabalala advises seeing a doctor or dermatologist, as prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may be additional options.
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