How Do We Prevent Perspiration?

Exercise causes sweating but excessive sweating can be a problem.

Perspiration is your body's way of regulating its temperature and responding to stress. People tend to sweat more in hot weather, during exercising or if they are nervous. While perspiring is a normal body function, it can be embarrassing in certain situations. There are a few steps you can take to prevent or reduce excessive sweating.

Instructions

1. Use an over-the-counter antiperspirant to discourage sweating. Apply the antiperspirant at nights under your arms, palms, feet and any other part of your body that sweats. If an over-the-counter antiperspirant isn't strong enough, ask your doctor to prescribe aluminum chloride.

2. Alter your diet. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and soda because they might increase perspiration. Limit your intake of food with strong odors such as garlic and onion.

3. Practise meditation or yoga for relaxation purposes. Sweating often occurs when the body is stressed. Learn how to relax to reduce perspiration.

4. Take daily baths or showers with an antibacterial soap to reduce the bacteria on your skin. Dry your feet carefully because microorganisms can live in the damp spaces between your toes.

5. Wear clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool or silk to allow your skin to breathe. If you sweat a lot during exercise, wear high-tech fabrics that draw moisture away from your skin.

6. Change your shoes and socks daily. Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row because shoes might not dry overnight. Choose wool or cotton socks and change them once or twice a day. In addition, let your feet breathe by occasionally going barefoot or wearing sandals.

References

• Medline Plus: Sweating
• Mayo Clinic: Sweating and Body Odor