We’ve all been there. Up at the front of a room making a speech or presentation when we can feel the sweat collecting in our underarms only to leave the room and see embarrassing sweat stains on our favorite blouse. Sweat can derail plenty of social events, picture taking opportunities, and dates. Particularly for those who suffer from heavy sweating, or hyperhidrosis, a medical term for excessive and often uncontrollable sweating.
While sweating can be indicative of several health issues (i.e., gout, perimenopause, thyroid issues, diabetes, etc.), it’s not always the case. But you can use several products to help reduce or even mask sweat and body odors, such as:
1. Prescription antiperspirant
Antiperspirant and deodorant are often confused. However, it’s antiperspirant that is the stronger product of the two, and often used by those who suffer from hyperhidrosis. What antiperspirant does that deodorant doesn’t block sweat glands from producing sweat. This is due to ingredients within make from aluminum salt compounds that literally create tiny gel plugs that impede sweat glands. So despite claims from deodorants to block smell and keep you dry, it’s actually antiperspirants that maintain the dryest underarms. Many antiperspirant products also often come in antiperspirant-deodorant combination sticks.
2. Clinical strength deodorant
That doesn’t mean deodorant doesn’t have its time and place. For those who sweat average amounts, clinical strength deodorants will keep you dry and neutralize sweat and body odors perfectly well thanks to fragrance and antibacterial ingredients within that eradicate bacteria that feed and multiply during the natural sweating process. However, those who suffer from hyperhidrosis may require a doctor-prescribed antiperspirant or antiperspirant-deodorant combination product to control heavier sweating.
3. Sweat liners
Those who sweat profusely are known to bring along an extra stick of antiperspirant and perhaps an extra shirt or blouse to work. However, if you suffer from hyperhidrosis you may also wear sweat pads or liners to keep sweat stains at bay. These products have an adhesive back and are used under the arms to form a sweat-absorbing layer of cotton protection between sweaty underarms and clothing. These can be worn underarms, in shoes, and in various areas that suffer heavy sweating.
4. Footwear spray and deodorizer
Sprayed or inserted into the bottom bed or your shoes or boots, sweat deodorizers and sprays are typically charcoal-based products that work to absorb moisture and mask offensive foot odor. The inserts are simply slipped into the bed of shoes or even tucked into a car or gym bag to reduce harmful and offensive odor. While food sprays tend to be more fragrant (i.e., mint, lavender, or eucalyptus) so just a spritz will mask odors in a pair of your stinkiest work boots.
