None of us escapes the dog days without perspiring. But if you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis (aka excessive sweating), the heat and humidity can make things feel a whole lot worse. Whether you're constantly worried about visible sweat marks, soaked shirts, or slippery palms, the struggle is real — and frustrating.
Fortunately, you’re not stuck suffering through sweaty summers forever. With the right approach and a little help from our modern treatments, you can take control of your symptoms and enjoy the sunshine.
Here, Dr. Chinyere Orafu and our team of experts at the Ohio Laser & Wellness Center explore what causes hyperhidrosis, why summer makes it more intense, and how to keep things under control.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes your sweat glands to go into overdrive, even when you're not overheated, stressed, or exercising.
What causes hyperhidrosis? You can usually blame your nervous system for the excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis typically stems from faulty nerve signals that set off sweat glands and make them overproduce.
Secondary hyperhidrosis can be the result of medical conditions such as menopause, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Certain medications for pain relief, antidepressants, diabetes, and hormonal medications can also be the culprit.
It most commonly affects the:
While it’s not a health threat, it can seriously impact your quality of life, causing social anxiety, wardrobe challenges, and constant discomfort. And when temperatures rise, the symptoms usually do, too.
Warmer weather triggers sweating, which is your body’s natural cooling system. But when you have hyperhidrosis, that switch is already stuck in the on position. So, the extra heat and humidity can produce a waterfall of sweat, especially in areas like your underarms or hands.
Tight clothes, synthetic fabrics, and outdoor activities don’t help either. But with a few simple adjustments and long-term solutions, you can minimize the effects and avoid embarrassing flare-ups.
Here’s how to keep cool when the weather’s against you.
Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing from natural cotton or linen fabrics. Loose-fitting clothes allow better airflow, helping to evaporate sweat and keep your skin dry. Bonus tip: Stick to light colors to reflect heat, and avoid dark colors that absorb heat (and make sweat stains more noticeable).
Look for deodorants and antiperspirants labeled “clinical strength” or “prescription-strength.” These products contain higher concentrations of aluminum chloride, which blocks sweat glands more effectively than regular versions.
Most people don’t realize that you should apply an antiperspirant at night, not just in the morning, to let it fully absorb while you sleep.
You can also talk to your primary care provider about prescription-strength products to take it further.
Alcohol-based body wipes or sweat-absorbing cloths can help you freshen up quickly throughout the day. Keep a handful in your car, bag, or desk drawer.
We recommend cooling towels, portable fans, and cold water to help lower your body temperature. The cooler you stay, the less likely your sweat glands are to kick into overdrive.
If drugstore antiperspirants aren’t cutting it and your best efforts to stay cool have fallen short, it may be time to explore longer-lasting solutions.
You may not consider a medspa as a stop to less sweating, but we can help quite a bit.
Many don’t know that Botox® injections can reduce the amount of sweating in those with hyperhidrosis. It works by blocking those rogue nerve signals that tell sweat glands to become active.
Talk to us about how we can use our most popular cosmetic treatments to help you tackle other frustrating issues.
If you’re avoiding summer events, feeling self-conscious, or constantly battling sweat stains despite your best efforts, it’s time to speak to a specialist. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that you deserve relief from.
Our expert can help you explore treatment options based on your needs, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms.
Let’s talk and see what our injectable treatments can do for you. Book your consultation over the phone or online at our Dover or Canton, Ohio, office today.
