Hyperhidrosis is a condition wherein a person sweats excessively without any physical exertion or heat triggering it, and profuse and constant sweating disrupts one’s daily life. Treatments for this condition include prescription-strength antiperspirants, but severe hyperhidrosis is treated with surgical procedures to either remove the sweat glands or cut off the nerves that signal them. Certain simple lifestyle tips are supplemental and supportive of treatment for hyperhidrosis.

1. Stay hydrated
Excessive sweating can make a person lose a lot of water content, which, in turn, can cause other health issues. So, it’s recommended to keep drinking enough water to replenish the body. Sweating also causes electrolyte loss, which can be replenished with foods and drinks like coconut water.

2. Clothing
Excessive sweating is not directly caused by clothing, but wearing the right clothing is one of the important lifestyle tips for managing hyperhidrosis. Clothing that lets more air circulate will help keep the body cooler, and natural fibers like linen and cotton work best at wicking away sweat. Synthetic fibers restrict airflow and are less breathable, but high-tech clothing options designed with man-made fibers and materials efficiently wick away sweat. Similarly, socks designed for athletes are better at absorbing excess moisture.
Besides, darker shades of clothing make sweat marks less obvious, and it is also a good idea to wear an inner layer of clothing that is highly absorbent, like shirt or dress shields. Breathable workout clothing and shoes are also available to withstand heavy sweating.

3. Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants help reduce sweating and ease the associated discomfort. When using prescription-strength antiperspirants, it’s best to apply it before going to bed as the body absorbs it better overnight. Some even use a warm hair dryer on the area of application to help it “stick” better.

4. Destress
Stress may not be the cause of hyperhidrosis, but it can sure worsen it. Effective stress management methods in the form of meditation or taking up hobbies are helpful lifestyle tips for hyperhidrosis for every individual. One can cope with stress through exercise, listening to music, or anything else that interests them to lower the triggers for sweating. Exercise may seem counterintuitive for a sweating issue, but it lifts mood and helps deal with stress.

5. Avoid any triggers
It is nearly impossible for hyperhidrosis patients to control sweating, but maintaining a diary may help pinpoint the triggers for severe episodes. Identifying the things that trigger or aggravate hyperhidrosis episodes can help an individual avoid them to manage the condition and lower the frequency of episodes.

In severe cases of hyperhidrosis, these simple lifestyle tips for managing the condition may not be enough. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for oral medications, therapies, and surgical procedures to treat the condition.