PHILADELPHIA, June 7 /PRNewswire/ — June 21st marks the summer solstice and the first official day of summer. For many, summer is a favorite season - full of barbeques, pool parties, and picnics in the sun. But for the three percent of the population that suffers from excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, summer is a dreaded “sweat season,” reports the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
While hyperhidrosis sufferers sweat excessively regardless of the temperature outside or how they are feeling inside, summer’s high temperatures and humidity greatly aggravate the embarrassing and uncomfortable medical condition, causing sweaty feet to slip right out of flip-flops, sweaty faces to wash off sunscreen and fog sunglasses, sweaty armpits to “pit out” t- shirts, and sweaty hands to drop the barbeque spatula.
To help both excessive sweaters and normal sweaters to stay comfortable, healthy, and confident this summer, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (visit the Society online at www.SweatHelp.org) and their world experts in sweat have compiled the following list of summer survival tips.
– Talk to a dermatologist about the effective treatments for excessive
sweating including: over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants,
iontophoresis, and Botox. Visit www.SweatHelp.org to use the
International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Physician Finder to locate an
experienced healthcare provider.
– Drink early, drink often, and drink again - thirst is simply a sign
your fluid levels are already low. Sweat plays a critical role in
keeping your body cool in hot temperatures. The key to keeping this
internal air conditioning system working properly is drinking enough
fluids. If your urine is relatively clear you know you are drinking
enough.
— Wear loose, lightweight natural fabrics, and light-colored clothing.
Loose clothing enables perspiration to evaporate and natural,
breathable fabrics “wick” moisture away from your skin. Some of today’s
hi-tech textiles even include copper and silver to fight odor-causing
bacteria and keep you cooler. Brands offering such new options include:
Adidas, Nike, Columbia, Timberland and Dockers.
— Protect your skin - sweating is yet another consequence of sun-damaged
or burned skin, because it is not as effective at dissipating body
heat. Stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible, wearing
sunscreen, and consider wearing a wide-brimmed or long billed hat such
as the ones found at www.Coolibar.com. For extreme sweaters,
waterproof sunscreen gel or “sweat proof” and “sports” formulations are
the best bets.
— Choose lightweight, breathable or ventilated shoes - when it’s hot
outside, temperature in shoes can reach 120 degrees F. The IHHS
recommends the shoes available at www.GlaGlaShoes.com, wearing open
sandals or using sweat absorbing inserts such as Summer Soles
(www.SummerSoles.com). Absorbent foot powders and antiperspirants can
also be used on feet to minimize sweating and moisture buildup. Ask
your dermatologist or podiatrist for a recommendation.
— Change your antiperspirant routine and bust “pit stains.” Choose a
soft-solid formula and apply antiperspirant to underarms once in the
morning and again prior to bedtime. Application twice daily-and
especially before bedtime-has been shown to be more effective. Gently
massaging the antiperspirant into the skin may be useful. Consider
using a stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Secret
Clinical Strength. To avoid irritation, only apply antiperspirant to
completely dry skin. If you suffer from an annoyingly sweaty face,
consider applying an antiperspirant along your hairline. Follow the
application tips mentioned above but test the product on a tiny area of
skin first to make sure that it won’t cause irritation.
Sunshine and sizzling temperatures are just around the corner, but thanks to these tips from experts at the International Hyperhidrosis Society, this summer will be no sweat.
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
The International Hyperhidrosis Society is a non-profit organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. The Society promotes research and conducts education on the physiological effects of hyperhidrosis, raises awareness about its emotional and economic impact and advocates for patient access to effective treatments. The International Hyperhidrosis Society is composed of members from all over the world, making it a true international network for people who treat or suffer from hyperhidrosis.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Web site, www.SweatHelp.org, includes a Physician Finder to help anyone with excessive sweating to find medical help, information on additional treatment options, and a comprehensive collection of insurance and reimbursement tools, including downloadable forms, which can help sufferers work with their physicians and health insurance plans to get the correct coverage for necessary treatments. There are practical tips to make the most out of appointments with physicians and information on clinical trials and a free newsletter that will keep everyone current on hyperhidrosis news and medical breakthroughs. A self assessment tool is also available to help people determine how much sweat is too much. And because hyperhidrosis usually starts in the teen years, the International Hyperhidrosis Society has created an online teen forum and workbook to help teenagers learn how to cope with the condition and find effective solutions.