Teens, adults, men and women can all be affected by excessive sweating, and many find that it takes over their lives. According to P & G research, 18 per cent of women consider themselves heavy sweaters. Dermatologist Dr. Vince Bertucci treats several patients who suffer from excessive sweating.

“In my practice, I see both men and women who suffer from heavy sweating. The impact it has on their lives in relationships, careers, reputation and overall emotional well-being is significant. For example, there is the teenage student with excessive sweating who will only sit at the back of the class in school for fear that others will notice the rings under her arms if she raises her hand to answer a question. Or worse, the teen who suffers academically because she becomes introverted and won't participate in class discussions.

Even for adults, this condition can be devastating. The female salesperson who suffers from excessive sweating won't be as effective if she is worrying about whether she wore enough layers and the right colour to hide her profuse sweating.”

While it may not seem like a big deal to some, excessive sweating is actually a medical condition.

“Individuals who sweat beyond what is required to maintain normal core body temperature, suffer from hyperhidrosis. The sweat glands are activated by nerves, which can respond to a variety of triggers including messages from the brain that the body is too hot, hormonal fluctuations, emotions and physical activity. In people who have excessive sweating, the sweat glands overreact to both mental and physical stimuli and are just generally overactive. Making the right diagnosis is key when treating excessive sweating.

Most individuals suffer from what we call Primary hyperhidrosis, meaning that there is no known underlying disorder. Rarely, however, there may be an underlying cause such as a thyroid or neurological problem. It's important to see a physician trained in the management of hyperhidrosis when sweating doesn't respond to standard over-the-counter remedies or if there are any other symptoms associated with it.”

Treating excessive sweating:

There are several treatments to excessive sweating, ranging from over-the-counter options to even surgery.

“Treatments start with over-the-counter antiperspirants for individuals with mild to moderate hyperhidrosis. I recommend trying a non-irritating effective product like Secret Clinical Strength which is now available in Canada.

For those with very heavy sweating, there are multiple options available. I would often consider Botox® injections as the treatment of choice when antiperspirants don't work. Alternatives also include oral medications known as anticholinergics, iontophoresis, or even surgery, amongst others. With the help of a hyperhidrosis expert, affected individuals can find the solution that best fits their needs.”

When it comes to applying an at-home remedy, Dr. Bertucci prefers antiperspirants to deodorants. “Whereas a deodorant helps with only odour, an antiperspirant helps fight both odour and excessive sweating. Antiperspirants work by forming plugs in the sweat ducts just below the surface of the skin, thus helping to reduce the flow of perspiration. By applying the antiperspirant at night when the rate of sweating is lower, the plug will stay in place longer without being washed away by sweat.” Dr. Bertucci says antiperspirants should be reapplied daily.