How to Handle Hyperhidrosis in the Fall
Most of us are familiar with summer sweat, but the cooler fall air won’t necessarily put a stop to sweating for everyone. Those who suffer from excessive sweating (technically known as hyperhidrosis) can struggle with this issue year-round. In fact, uncontrollable sweating can be exacerbated by certain fall factors, such as heavier clothing, increased outdoor activity, holiday-related stress, and more. If you’re someone prone to excessive sweating, here are some ways to mitigate hyperhidrosis during the fall.
How to Treat Hyperhidrosis
Understand What Causes Hyperhidrosis
The first step to dealing with any issue is getting to its root cause(s). One of the tricky aspects of hyperhidrosis is that it can be triggered by several factors, and they’re not always easy to track down, either. As of now, primary hyperhidrosis (that is, excessive sweating with no underlying cause) remains somewhat of a mystery. Overactive sweat glands are to blame, but the reason for this overcorrection isn’t clear. Genetics seem to be the most likely explanation. As for secondary hyperhidrosis, various conditions can contribute to uncontrollable sweating, such as medications, infections, stress, heat exhaustion, obesity, endocarditis — the list goes on. Your doctor can help you determine whether or not your hyperhidrosis is caused by another condition. From there, they can help you come up with an effective treatment plan.
Mind Your Fall Fashion
One of the driving appeals of autumn is the return of warm, comfortable clothing. Fall temperatures vary from region to region, but the air can become quite chilly from the beginning of November onward. If you plan on enjoying some time outdoors during the season, you’ll want to dress appropriately to keep warm. That said, bundling up with heavy coats and non-breathable fabrics can trap heat around your skin, making you much more likely to sweat. To avoid these outcomes, it pays to think more carefully about your fall wardrobe. For starters, check the weather before heading outside. If it’s moderate or fairly warm, there’s no need to weigh yourself down with heavy clothing. If it’s cold, consider staying inside where it’s warm or wearing light, breathable layers. Wearing layers gives you more control over your body’s temperature and also makes it easier to cover up visible signs of sweat so you have one less thing to worry about. It’s also smart to bring an extra change of clothes with you if you plan on being out and about for long stretches. Changing into clean clothes can instantly make you feel more comfortable and confident.
Avoid Stressful Situations
The autumn months are a busy and challenging time for many people; between back-to-school, upcoming holidays, and shortened days, there are several reasons to feel stressed during fall. As mentioned before, many factors can trigger an outbreak of excessive sweating, and stress is one of them. Many people who suffer from hyperhidrosis experience hyperhidrosis symptoms when they’re anxious or otherwise put in stressful situations. While it’s not always possible to avoid stress, there are ways to reduce your mind’s and body’s stress response to certain stimuli. Consistently practicing mindfulness and meditation is a good way to stay centered throughout the day. It’s also important to know what sorts of things stress you out so you can steer clear of activities and locations that might cause you to sweat profusely.
Seek Dedicated Hyperhidrosis Treatment
If you’re looking for a more effective and reliable solution to your sweating problem, it’s worth seeing a specialist this fall (or whenever you’re ready). Though there’s currently no cure for hyperhidrosis, there are multiple ways to treat this condition. Antiperspirants with aluminum can offer relief for some patients, and these can be purchased over the counter. Your doctor might also prescribe anticholinergics, substances that inhibit the nervous system to prevent targeted sweat glands from activating. Other hyperhidrosis treatment options include iontophoresis, a treatment that delivers low-intensity electrical currents to the hands and feet (and/or other relevant sweat areas) in water. The FDA-approved thermal treatment known as miraDry® is another effective solution that can deliver permanent results for some. If these and other treatments don’t do the trick, patients may also ask their doctors about thoracic sympathectomy, a highly effective surgery that essentially eliminates overactive sweat glands.
Excessive sweating isn’t a major health concern on its own, but it can create a major hit to your self-esteem and social life. If you’re wondering how to treat hyperhidrosis this fall or any time of year, the experts at Premier Dermatology Partners are here to help. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.