Sweating like a horse - Anyone else?

LeaKatIt · 05-04-2005, 08:34 AM

I'm so fed up with sweating.

I sweat all the time, day, night, hot, cold, winter, summer, it doesn't matter what the temperture is, I have always got soaking wet armpits.

It's so embarrising too, I mean I live in black and white to hid it, I can't even try to wear other colours, as I will have a pool under my arm five minutes after having put it on.

And then it's not even smelly, if you get what I mean, it's just wet and lot's too.

Does anyone else suffer from this problem? Any ideas how to stop it?
I've tried all deodorants possible, but no luck.

Thanks

lil lizzie · 05-04-2005, 12:07 PM

I too have problems with excessive sweating. Haven't found anything that works yet, it just seems like I don't even have to move and it just pours. It's not just my armpits either, my face gets really bad too. I've considered getting those injections that basically shut down the sweat glands in those areas. If I find out anything, I'll let you know.

LeaKatIt · 05-04-2005, 12:21 PM

So annoying isn't it!!!!

I don't actually sweat on my face, but on my head I do, which means my hair looks like it's always dirty, when I actually have to was it nearly every day....

Never heard about these injections though. Is there anyone on this board who has had them done?

Is sweating a symptom of PCO's?

Lfgd20 · 05-04-2005, 01:21 PM

IT SUCKS!! I work in a bank and they keep it so hot! It is so embarassing to wear anything but black, but I have to cycle through my wardrobe. If you find anything that works let me know!

DrewM · 05-04-2005, 02:02 PM

I found this article about it on WebMD. I don't know if this is what you guys have or not. Looks like there are medications to help, as well as Botox. Who knew?

Excessive Sweating: Embarrassing, Treatable

Nearly 8 Million Americans Affected, but Help Is Available

July 29, 2004 -- New research suggests nearly 8 million Americans -- almost 3% of the U.S. population -- routinely suffer from excessive sweating, a figure higher than previously believed.

"We're not talking about someone who gets a good sweat from a workout," says dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, of Saint Louis University, who conducted the study. "We're talking about a person who is sitting at their desk in a cool office, and going through their T-shirt, their shirt, and maybe even their jacket, with underarm sweat stains. Teenagers who are afraid to be called on in class because they are dripping in sweat. Babies who can't hold their bottles because they slip from the sweat in their palms."

They are victims of hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes them to sweat excessively on specific areas -- their underarms, face, palms, or the soles of their feet.

"I have women patients who only wear black because it's the only color that doesn't show the stains under their arms," says Heidi Waldorf, MD, director of laser and cosmetic surgery at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, who was not involved in Glaser's research but says it doesn't surprise her. She says that people who suffer from hyperhidrosis frequently carry numerous outfits to change into throughout the day.

"I hear the same stories over and over again," Waldorf tells WebMD. "It's an incredibly embarrassing condition, especially since we think of people who sweat profusely as being untrustworthy, devious, and anxious."

Many Affected, Few Seek Help

And apparently, it's a condition more common than previously believed, according to Glaser's research, published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In her study, she and her colleagues surveyed 150,000 households across the country. Nearly 3% of those surveyed -- some 6,800 people -- met the criteria for having the condition. She says some past research has estimated that less than 1% of the population has hyperhidrosis.

"I'm a little surprised at the high percentage of those affected," Glaser tells WebMD. "But what really surprised me is how many people -- approximately two in three -- had never spoken to a health professional about their condition, many thinking that nothing can be done about it."

But there are several medical and surgical treatments available, including Botox injections, which this month was approved by the FDA to treat "primary axillary hyperhidrosis" -- severe underarm sweating. That approval was based in part by another study by Glaser, expected to be published in coming months.

The 'Home-Run' Treatment

Botox, is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It blocks nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Despite the recent FDA approval, Botox injections have been used by dermatologists for about 10 years -- not only to treat underarm hyperhidrosis, but also that of the palms, soles, and face.

Other available treatments include:

Prescription antiperspirants, the typical first-line treatment. "They work but can cause skin irritation, redness, and stinging," says Glaser.

Medications such as antidepressants, tranquilizers, and a type of high blood pressure medication known as calcium channel blockers. These drugs, which have a "drying" effect, are primarily used to control sweating caused by stressful situations.

Surgery to either remove the sweat glands or sever nerves leading to them. But in the procedure to remove underarm sweat glands, range of motion problems of the arm are a common side effect, says Glaser.

"But with Botox, you hit a home run every time," says Glaser, vice chairwoman of the department of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Waldorf agrees and tells WebMD that Botox injections are even used "cosmetically" in people who don't have hyperhidrosis but want to ensure they don't sweat during special occasions.

"Let's say you're making an important presentation or it's your wedding and you are concerned about sweating too much. You get an injection," she says. "Even celebrities are getting Botox injection in the weeks before the Academy Awards because they know they'll be on stage in expensive dresses."

Are You at Risk?

The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is not completely understood. "We've determined that these patients have sweat glands that are normal in size, number, and function," Glaser tells WebMD. "What seems to be driving this is that signals from the brain cause these people to sweat excessively, not because of heat or from exercise, when it's not necessary to control that much to maintain normal body temperature."

The condition affects men and women equally and has no geographic influence -- those in colder climates are as prone as those in hotter areas. It does seem to run in families, with about half of patients reporting a similarly afflicted relative, says Glaser. It typically first appears following puberty and rarely affects infants.

"What separates hyperhidrosis from other sweating is its excessiveness and the fact that it is localized to specific areas," says Glaser. "With menopause, you may sweat all over. With hyperhidrosis, you only sweat in your underarms or palms or soles or face, either an individual or some combination of those specific areas."

And unlike the sweating that may accompany social anxiety disorder, hyperhidrosis often occurs in "calm," everyday situations -- although it can be aggravated by stressful events.

"It's not a subtle thing, and most people with it know they have it," adds Waldorf. "This research shows what we've suspected -- that it is more common than some believed. Hopefully, people with this disease will also learn that it can be effectively treated."

jennthediva · 05-04-2005, 02:56 PM

This is another post I'm so grateful for, I'm so embarassed that I have the same problem. I've tried that Certain Dri, it's a different type of deodorant that you only put on at night, and that doesn't wash off when you bathe. It doesn't work for me!
I'm thinking about asking my doctor. This is only started about a year ago, so the 70 pounds I gained, I'm not sure if that's a factor. I've had that weight for about 8 years now, and it just started.

twiggy · 05-04-2005, 03:57 PM

I have had this issue since I was a teenager. Always sweating, primarily under my arms. I hated it with a passion. My endo told me that excessive sweating is a sign of elevated testosterone in females.

Anyhow, I discovered an anti-perspirant that you can order off the web that stopped my underarm sweating completely. I have been usig it for at least 4 years and I love it. It is called Maxim. It can irritate your skin when you put it on, but to me it has been well worth it.

Here is a link:

http://www.stopsweat.com/index.html

It is well worth the money.

Little_Lady · 05-04-2005, 06:35 PM

I sweat all over..my face, my palms/soles, my back gets really bad. Really embarrassing when it soaks thru my shirt. It doesn't matter what temperature it is, I'm always warmer than anyone else. Causes arguments in my office at work! If u read some of my other posts ive complained about this a lot! I've tried roll-on treatments from the doctor to block the sweat pores etc but they havent worked. I personally believe it is part of PCOS. Its a horrible thing to have to live with. I hope u find something that helps!

winnie0366 · 05-05-2005, 03:32 AM

My entire life I've had sweaty hands/feet. I go through shoes like you wouldn't believe! If I had a choice between being completely healed from PCOS, or being completely healed from hyperhidrosis (assuming they are unrelated) I would choose to be sweat-free. I tried CertainDri on my palms: the liquid that dripped to the front of my hands has changed my skin there (mind you, this was one week's worth of treatment two years ago). Now my skin is irratated, red, dry and burns when exposed to hot water. Sweaty on one side, 90 year-old looking on the other side. It's hard not to be bitter...

There is a Drionic machine available for in-home use. I haven't purchased it myself, but perhaps it would aid in your research.

www.drionic.com

And try:

www.excessive-sweating.net

Lfgd20 · 05-05-2005, 04:30 AM

Certain Dri and others like it haven't worked for me. I am constantly in arguements at work regarding heat. They keep it so dang hot and unless they want me showing up to the bank in shorts and a tank (which they don't...I am sure!!) I gotta have it cooler. Or get my sweat glands fixed

Kir · 05-05-2005, 05:50 AM

I have the same problem!

It was so embarrasing in High school cos we had to wear a uniform that was rather tight under the arms, my sweat marks would eventually spread from my pits to the middle of my breasts!!

I eventually used to stick a pad on the inside of my school dress, that helped for a few hours then the rest of the day I would wear my black school jersey (every day, all year, in scortching South Africa!)
I know a jersey in summer isn't the best idea, but i figured I'm sweating anyway, jersey on or of so I may as well hide it as best I could.
I have found that Mitchum deo works a bit, and since I've been on Cypromil (anti-dep) it seems to have gotten better. I never told anybody how bad it was (even in mid winter, with me shivering away, I'm sweating) so I'm glad to find I'm not the only one! When you mention sweat people assume you stink, thing is mine doesn't, I'm clean, and deoderised, just wet!!
When I met my DB I was dreading having to explain it at some stage, But he was so understanding and wonderful, I think the fact that he makes me so relaxed and confident makes me sweat a little less to!

Maybe this is another PCOS thing that we didn't know about?

LeaKatIt · 05-05-2005, 08:57 AM

Kirsty,

I went through exactly the same thing at school, we had green shirts so you can imagine what patches I had, and as I said before it's never smelly, just lots of wetness.
I've also recevied comments in the past, whilst growing up, from boys who didn't understand how hard it was for me already without their comments.

It's just the worst, especially in winter, when I have to put on about 20 layers because it's so cold outside, yet when I take them off at least 4 of them are soaking wet

In the end i've just got used to it.....

lil lizzie · 05-05-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leakat

It's just the worst, especially in winter, when I have to put on about 20 layers because it's so cold outside, yet when I take them off at least 4 of them are soaking wet

In the end i've just got used to it.....

Exactly!! As much as it sucks, I've just learned to deal with it. I think I'll just keep working on the weight factor, and if it hasn't at least calmed down, I might just go get Botox injections. Man that sounds weird! Anyone have any idea how much those suckers cost?

luv
amber

winnie0366 · 05-07-2005, 01:43 AM

Weight has had no bearing on my sweating capabilities. Dating was horrid as you can only take a boy skating (for the cold factor) for so long. I hated having to hold hands in church with a stranger (still do) and the thought of having to shake someone's hand leaves me absolutely panicked (I hate job interviews). I quit going to a support group because we had to hold hands at the end and say a brief prayer. I hate smearing ink on paper! But my biggest err is people who walk around saying, "I'm so cold" -even when it's 80+ degrees outside! I live in Florida so that just adds salt to the wounds!

Here's my coping "solution":
1) I decided to call my sweaty hands my Super Power. My husband loves getting back rubs from me and animals love being held by me because of the heat factor
2) Whenever I am forced to shake/hold someone's hand, I tell them gently, "I'm terribly sorry but I'm just getting over a cold" or "I'm sorry, but I just sneezed and haven't washed my hands yet."

That last one may sound gross, but most people seem to appreciate the "thoughtfulness"; and I'd rather sound gross than die one more embarrassing death because of my sweaty palms!

ada80 · 05-07-2005, 11:24 PM

hi i just want you guys to i have the same problem and i had no insurance so i ordered a product called drysol from a canada website, it helped for a while and then it went back to the same old thing,anyhow i went to a dermatologist about a month and half ago and she gave me the generic form of drysol its only available by rx it is called aluminum chloride (hexahydrate) 20 % i hope this helps.