How to deal with excessive sweating as half of Brits admit it makes them self-conscious
While most of us have experienced a bout of excessive sweating at some point - when we're nervous, stuck on a packed train or going on a date - for some, battling perspiration is something of a daily struggle that is only exacerbated during hot weather.
It's little wonder, therefore, that more than half of us (46%) admit that sweating makes us feel self conscious, with it appearing as one of our top five insecurities, alongside body odour and our appearance.
Read more: UK heatwave: When is it too hot to work? Can offices and schools close? - Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read
Turns out Londoners are the most self-conscious when it comes to sweat, with 70% fearful of a sweaty tube ride.
Over a quarter of the UK (27%) also admit to sweating through their clothes at least once or twice a day, with the average Scot claiming to sweat through their clothes at least three times a day.
Benefits of sweating
We might stress about the amount we sweat but there are actually some plus points to the bodily function.
“Sweating is a natural process with a range of great advantages," explains Joanne Ward, commercial manager for Bionsen, who commissioned the survey. "The central purpose of sweating is to regulate your body’s temperature, as moisture evaporates from your skin, it cools your body down.
"It can also help improve your appearance, as it washes away any impurities that may be blocking your pores, resulting in your skin being hydrated and cleansed, giving you a clean healthy glow.
"Sweating also benefits your body and mind, helping to aid muscle recovery and strengthening your cardiovascular system, alongside calming your mind and relieving stress," she adds.
Read more: What happens to your body when you get too hot? - Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read
What is excessive sweating?
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, as fancy as it sounds, simply refers to our body's tendency to sweat more than is generally required for cooling down.
"Imagine your body's air conditioning system, occasionally going into overdrive even when it's quite pleasant outside," explains Dr Joseph Ambani.
"It might be localised, such as in the palms, soles, or underarms, or it could be generalised."
Dr Ambani says this excess can be due to a myriad of reasons, including genetic factors or a specific type of overactive nerve, and it is way more common than you might think.
The NHS estimates that hyperhidrosis affects between 1-3 in every 100 people, making it a life-impacting issue for thousands in the UK.
Watch: Meet the personal trainer who only sweats on one side of her body due to rare condition
How to cope with hyperhidrosis
While sweating is perfectly normal, for those with hyperhidrosis, it can be a social, emotional and occupational burden.
The good news? There are practical ways to handle it.
"The first line of defence includes potent antiperspirants containing aluminium salts - kind of like a cork stopping the sweat from flooding out," explains Dr Ambani.
These prescription-strength antiperspirants help reduce sweating by temporarily blocking the sweat glands.
Regularly changing into fresh clothes, particularly those made of breathable fabrics, can also make a world of difference.
"In more severe cases, we can turn to medical treatments like iontophoresis, Botox, and even certain surgeries," he adds.
According to Dr Qian Xu, Founder and Medical Director at Skin Aesthetics botulinum toxin or botox as it's commonly known can be used effectively in the underarm area and also on the forehead to reduce excessive sweating.
"It works because the botox can act on the sweat glands to reduce the activity of those sweat glands," she adds.
"The botox is injected in a very different pattern and in very different doses. It is safe and doesn’t cause any muscle weakness at all as it is just injected in the skin to help with excessive sweating."
Dr Xu says botox can give relief from excessive sweating for up to six months or so.
Read more: Heatwave insomnia: 32 tips and tricks to help you sleep during hot weather, Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read
How to cope with thigh chafing or "chub rub"
While we're loving our legs being free of their usual denim, the hot weather brings something of an unwelcome irritation - thigh chafing, affectionately known as "chub rub". And boy is it sore!
"This uninvited guest often arrives when friction between thighs leads to skin irritation," Dr Ambami explains.
Contrary to some beliefs, "chub rub" doesn't choose based on body size or shape; it can happen to anyone.
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Thankfully, prevention is simpler than you might think. "Wearing moisture-wicking fabrics or form-fitting shorts beneath dresses can significantly reduce friction," Dr Ambami explains.
"Another great ally is anti-chafing balms or powders - they provide a protective barrier and soothe irritated skin."
