Another name for a common condition called ‘Excessive Sweating’ Hyperhidrosis can be quite an embarrassing problem to handle, especially for socially active individuals.In addition to causing extreme discomfort to the concerned individual physically, the condition can impact his/her personal and social life, and affect him/her mentally in the process as well.
There are two main types of Hyperhidrosis. These include Primary Hyperhidrosis which is usually either caused by a minor defect or malfunction in the body’s central nervous system or is inherited from family members. This particular type of Hyperhidrosis is usually localized and affects only a certain area of the body (usually restricted to the face, head, hands, underarms, groin and feet etc.). Secondary Hyperhidrosis on the other hand is not localized and affects all areas of the body. This particular type of Hyperhidrosis can be triggered by several factors like medications (like those taken for psychological problems, blood pressure and dry mouth etc.), certain antibiotics, existing health related ailments, diseases like TB, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, thyroid, hormonal imbalances, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, gout, heart diseases, strokes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, lymphoma, psychiatric illnesses, alcoholism and certain nutritional supplements etc.
Effective Home Remedies for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can be extremely hard to handle. In addition to staying away from possible triggers, the concerned individual must take extra precautions to prevent sudden attacks. And while there are plenty of standard medications that can help him/her with the same, certain home remedies can help offer relief from Hyperhidrosis to an extent (possibly even better than standard medications). Given below are some of the most popular home remedies for Hyperhidrosis. Try at least a couple of these remedies to see which one suits you best. And make it a point to check these remedies with a doctor before trying them out, especially if you are taking medications to treat the issue.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Massaging areas like the feet and palms with some apple cider vinegar can curb Hyperhidrosis to an extent. Wash your hands and feet with cold water and pat them dry with a soft towel. Apply some apple cider vinegar onto your palms and feet and massage properly until the skin absorbs the vinegar completely. Use some cotton balls to apply apple cider vinegar under your arms after bathing in order to prevent excessive sweating and underarm odor in this area.
Another home remedy for Hyperhidrosis using apple cider vinegar involves mixing it with some vinegar in the ratio 1:1 and consuming the mixture on an empty stomach every morning. You can also have this solution before your meals in order to curb the Hyperhidrosis triggering effect of certain foods.
Potato Slices
Placing some potato slices under your arms as soon as you dry yourself after showering can effectively prevent the sweat glands from producing excess sweat. It also pays to rub some fresh potato slices in the underarm region right before you step out of the house. Doing so can keep your sweat glands under control and prevent Hyperhidrosis to an extent.
Sage/Green Tea
This particular home remedy can effectively help control Hyperhidrosis in individuals. Sage is known to contain substances like magnesium and Vitamin B which help to control the sweat glands, thereby curbing excessive sweating. All you need to do is brew a strong concoction of sage and water, let it cool and then drink a cup of it every day to get rid of (or control) Hyperhidrosis.A cup of green tea every night can also curb excessive sweating by cleansing the body off toxins and impurities that could potentially aggravate the sweat glands and cause Hyperhidrosis.
Teabags
Alternatively, you can opt for tea bags to curb Hyperhidrosis. Soak a couple of tea bags in boiling water for a few minutes and let the mixture cool. Now dip your palms and feet in the solution for about 30 minutes. The tannic acid present in the tea bags contain natural astringent properties that would help control the sweat glands in the body.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is considered as a natural antiperspirant owing to its astringent properties. Applying some tea tree oil to the sweat prone areas like the palms, feet, underarms and groins can help control excessive sweating to a great extent.Tea tree oil also contains potent antifungal properties that would help get rid of bacteria, fungi or other harmful organisms in these areas that could potentially act as sweat gland triggers.
Baking Soda and Cornstarch
Baking soda or cornstarch can effectively curb excessive sweating to an extent in individuals. Make it a point to apply some baking soda or cornstarch in the underarm and groin region after shaving, washing and drying these areas. Wash off the baking soda and cornstarch after about 30 minutes with cool water.
Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice is often recommended as a suitable home remedy for Hyperhidrosis. Grind some tomatoes in a blender with some water.Make sure to remove the seeds beforehand. Drink the fresh tomato juice at least twice every day in the morning and night for extended relief from Hyperhidrosis.
Honey
A mixture of honey (3 teaspoons) and vinegar (2 teaspoons) in warm water (1 glass) can effectively curb Hyperhidrosis. In addition to flushing out the impurities that could otherwise trigger the sweat glands, the potent astringent properties of the mixture would act as an effective antiperspirant. Drink this mixture at least twice every day for best results.
Foods to Curb Hyperhidrosis
In addition to battling with Hyperhidrosis externally, you would need to battle with the condition from within your body. This can be achieved with the help of certain foods that can help control the sweat glands and reduce the production of sweat effectively.
Make it a point to include foods rich in elements like sodium (like onions, grapes, strawberries and almonds etc.) and Vitamin B (fish, milk and cereal etc.) which are known to be effective sweat inhibitors. Stay away from (or control the intake of) foods like broccoli, white onion, asparagus, liver, turkey and beef etc. which contain iodine, a substance that is linked with Hyperhidrosis in individuals.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to flush your system off toxins and impurities that could aggravate the sweat glands into producing more sweat. Drinking plenty of water would also keep your body hydrated and cool, thereby lessening the activity of the sweat glands.
Antibacterial Soaps
Replace your existing soaps and body washes with a good quality antibacterial soap that can keep your skin dry and therefore reduce excessive sweating. Avoid using products that contain chemicals or substances that can trigger Hyperhidrosis.
Loose, Cotton Clothes
Tight clothing can lock moisture in the skin folds and trigger the sweat glands into producing excess sweat in these areas. So make it a point to wear loose clothes.Avoid clothes made of nylon, satin or other synthetic materials that can contribute to excessive sweating. If you suffer from Hyperhidrosis, the best option for you would be cotton clothes that are airy and can keep your skin dry for extended periods.
Stress Reduction
High levels of stress can aggravate the sweat glands and lead to Hyperhidrosis. So make it a point to reduce your stress levels to an extent in order to control the situation. Opt for breathing exercises, yoga or meditation for the same purpose.
