Sweat stains can be an inconvenience to say the least.
But to fully understand how to get rid of sweat stains once and for all, it’s important to know the science of sweat, how swear stains occur and the treatments that are available. Keep reading to learn more about why you’re experiencing sweat stains and what you can do to effectively target the problem.
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What is Excessive Sweating?
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis is a surprisingly common condition. It is not usually a sign of any underlying health problems, it simply means that a person sweats a lot more than average.
Hyperhidrosis can either affect the whole body or just targeted regions, such as the armpits, face or chest, groin, the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The effect is usually ‘symmetrical’ so to speak, meaning both sides of the body experience the condition in the same location.
In addition to the excess sweat itself, further symptoms of hyperhidrosis may include:
- Discoloration of the skin around the sweat prone area
- Skin maceration
- Skin cracking or dryness
- Odor of the underarm, feet or other sweat prone regions
While there may not be any high risks associated with hyperhidrosis in a physical sense, it can have a negative emotional impact on those who suffer from the condition. It can be potentially embarrassing in social situations and may also cause the sufferer to limit his or her wardrobe.
Many people with excessive sweating in their armpit regions choose to wear darker colours – such as black, so that the patches under their arms become less visible. In the worst scenarios, some sufferers of hyperhidrosis
With so many downsides to having the condition, it’s a significant plus that there are a wide range of treatments and remedies available to those who suffer from hyperhidrosis.
15 Easy Ways Excessive Sweat Treatment
Whether you’re into the idea of surgery, pharmaceutical products or natural homemade remedies, read on to discover fifteen of the most common treatments and their effects.
1. Baking Soda
Sweat is prone to acidity, which makes it a thriving ground for bacteria. To counteract, baking soda is an alkaline and will lower your body’s pH level to reduce the likelihood of bacteria spreading.
Plus, baking soda can also serve as a natural alternative to deodorant. Simply dust on to the afflicted region after bathing and wear loose clothing to allow the skin to breathe. Repeat regularly as needed.
2. Black Tea
Did you know that tea is a natural antiperspirant? It can help to constrict the sweat glands and control the amount of sweat that flows to the surface of your skin. Black tea specifically is ideal to use due to its higher content of tannic acid – an astringent.
To use the tea to combat sweating, brew several teabags in hot water and use them to rub the afflicted area for around half an hour.
3. Lemon
Lemons are full of citric acid, which is essential for fighting off bacteria. It also creates a sweet, natural fragrance that is far more appealing than the smell of sweat.
Simply cut a lemon in half and use it to massage sweat prone areas. Squeeze the lemon as needed to release more juices. Those with sensitive skin may wish to add water to the juice to avoid irritation.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which will help clear your skin of bacteria. It’s this bacteria that causes excessive sweating, so less bacteria means less sweat. It also smells light and tropical, leaving you feeling fresh all day.
The only downside to using coconut oil is that is is prone to staining clothing. It is therefore best used in combination with dark colours.
5. Water
It’s true – water alone can help to combat excessive sweating. From underarm sweat to clammy hands, water is essential. By drinking the recommended daily amounts of water, you’ll be keeping your body at a regular temperature and encouraging the flushing of toxins that lead to excess sweat.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an astringent which means it can help to control your excessive sweating. It can also help to balance your body’s pH levels, especially when used in the armpit or feet. Finally, it can be used to kill bacteria too.
Simply dab the apple cider vinegar on to the area you sweat from the most using a cotton ball or pad. Leave it overnight and wash off with clean water the next morning. Repeating this nightly will help over time.
7. Sage
Sage is another natural antiperspirant that also contains tannic acid – similar to black tea. It also contains both bacterial and anti-fungal properties to help prevent bacterial growth within the body that can lead to excessive sweating.
8. Sliced Potato
Potato slices work surprisingly well at absorbing water, making them ideal for controlling your excessive sweating. Simply hold the potato and use it to massage the area, allowing the sweat to be absorbed. For extra dryness, combine the potato with a dusting of baking powder or cornstarch.
9. Salt
Salt is key for absorption and is known for its ability to dry out the skin. Choosing salt crystals over the powdered form, rub the salt on to sweat prone areas to help block the pores and absorb any sweat that occurs. As it’s available in small containers, salt is also easy to carry on the move.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Yet another astringent, tea tree oil is derived from the melaleuca tree and has natural anti-fungal properties. When applied, the oil can help to dry out the skin whilst also protecting against fungal infections.
As tea tree oil is so strong, you’ll need to dilute it with water before applying directly to the skin. Once diluted, apply a thin layer to areas likely to sweat.
11. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, also known as ETS is the most frequently performed surgery in relation to hyperhidrosis and is usually associated with the armpits or palms.
The surgeon will create small incisions at the side of the patient’s chest in order to cut the nerves that control sweat.
As a result, no signals can pass through from the brain allowing the glands to produce sweat in that region.
Although the most common surgery, it is not necessarily the most successful. It often results in excessive compensatory sweating in other areas and has risks of severe complications such as breathing difficulties, chest pain and damage to the nervous system.
12. Anticholinergics
There are a variety of prescription medications on offer that can help to fight off excess sweating. They work within the body to decrease sweat production by preventing the stimulation of your sweat glands. These medications are usually prescribed by doctors in cases where previous treatments have not been effective for the patient.
The most commonly prescribed medications for hyperhidrosis are anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin, glycopyrrolate and benztropine.
13. Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxins is an injection that is inserted directly into the he area affected by hyperhidrosis. It essentially blocks the signals from your brain to your sweat glands that allow excessive sweating.
As these signals are reduced, you’ll find you begin to sweat less and feel more comfortable throughout the day.
The process involves around 15 injections and takes between 35 and 40 minutes, however the effects can last several months.
Its important to be aware of any side effects that may occur before getting any kind of medical treatment. Side effects of botulinum toxin may include redness, itching, nausea, headaches, hot flushes, compensatory sweating and muscle weakness. Discuss these with your doctor if you are concerned you may be at risk.
14. Sweat Gland Removal
In very extreme cases, surgery may be available to completely remove the sweat glands from the sufferer’s armpits.
This procedure is completed under local anaesthetic, however the armpit will be numbed throughout. The surgeon will make a small incision and carefully cut away the glands. Alternatively, the sweat glands may be destroyed using a small laser device.
15. Lifestyle Changes
There are also several small lifestyle changes you can make in order to improve the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
- Avoid triggers that may lead to excessive sweating, such as alcohol or spicy foods.
- Ensure your daily deodorant is an antiperspirant.
- Choose socks that are designed to absorb moisture. These are usually made from natural fibers.
With a little perseverance towards a ‘trial and error’ approach, you’ll be able to put a stop to your excessive sweating and feel more confident in your own body.
However, it’s possible you’re looking to remedy a few other downsides of excessive sweating that aren’t directly related to your body: your clothes.
Removing Sweat Stains from clothing
It’s not just the smell that can linger. Sweat can also leave yellow, unsightly stains on your clothing – especially lighter colours. These can be even more noticeable when it comes to armpit stains. Although inconvenient, it is possible to remove these without ruining your favourite garments.
Your first option is to look at the stain removers on sale at your local stores. Brands may vary, however the overall concept is the same. Stain removers are usually sold as either a powder (to be mixed with your regular detergent) or a spray, which is to be applied directly on to the stains to soak before washing.
But with the eco-friendly green lifestyle becoming more commonplace, you may want to consider a more natural, homemade solution that can remove the stains with as few chemicals as possible. Below is a quick, easy to make solution that will remove those yellow patches for good.
Ingredients:
· One cup of vinegar.
· One half cup of baking soda.
· One tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.
· One tablespoon of salt.
How to mix the solution:
· Firstly, place the item of clothing in a bowl or bucket filled with clean water.
· Add the vinegar, and let it soak for around twenty minutes.
· Then, blend the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and salt in a separate bowl. As you mix them, they will begin to form a paste.
· Remove the clothing item from the bowl and wring it until damp.
· Lay it on a flat surface before applying the paste directly on to the stained area. The solution will begin to lift the stain. Once applied, leave once again for around twenty minutes.
· Finally, put the clothing in a regular machine wash and dry as normal. The stains should be drastically reduced, if not gone completely!
Additionally, making your own is cost effective, saving you money if you frequently suffer from sweat stains.
Removing the Smell of Sweat
Removing the smell of sweat from your clothes can be a little more tricky than removing the stains. Unwanted smells often tend to linger, especially if you wear the item regularly. Sometimes no matter how much you wash the item, it will still remain.
This is especially the case with lycra, spandex, or other materials associated with gym wear. These materials repel water, so can be difficult to effectively wash the smell from.
Regardless of the material you’re dealing with, there are ways to ensure the smell is removed for the long term.
· Give the fabric conditioner a miss. While it may make your clothes feel softer, it is prone to creating a ‘barrier’ around the fabric, which can lock in the smells you’d rather get rid of.
· It’s also advisable to cut back on the amount of detergent you use. This may sound backwards, but it’s true! The detergent can build up on your clothing, which can result in further smells and a spread of bacteria.
· Avoid leaving dirty clothes on the floor or thrown in a laundry bag for days. This will encourage bacteria to grow and make the smell linger for longer. Be sure to wash clothing as soon as possible to remove the smell effectively.
· In a rush? While it can’t replace the laundry process completely, putting your clothing in the freezer will allow the cold air to eliminate the odor.
Conclusion
After learning about hyperhidrosis, considering the available remedies and finding helpful ways to cope will the condition in the mean time, you’ll soon find yourself feeling confident, uplifted and happy in your body without excessive sweating to contend with.