Sweating Too Much? Home Solutions That Actually Work

Antiperspirants

Unlike deodorants, which at best curb odor-causing bacteria and thus combat odor formation without affecting the amount of sweat produced, antiperspirants target the sweating itself. They constrict the sweat gland ducts, reducing sweat production. Even basic antiperspirants available at drugstores do this to some extent – but for hyperhidrosis, stronger, specialized antiperspirants are needed.

Antiperspirants are most commonly available as roll-ons or sprays, but also as creams or powders. For optimal effectiveness, they should be applied at night rather than in the morning, so they aren't immediately washed away by sweat, but instead can work during the low-sweat period at night. SweatStop antiperspirants come in various strengths. They are applied to well-dried skin in the evening after showering. Regular application every few days is necessary for lasting effect. You can find more information about antiperspirants here.

Medical Antiperspirants

There are also medical antiperspirants like SweatStop® IXAL, which can be used against hyperhidrosis. It controls sweating.

Shirts

To alleviate the effects of excessive sweating on the body or under the arms, special functional shirts can be helpful. While they don't reduce sweat production itself, they absorb sweat and transport it away from the body to the outside. There, it evaporates quickly, so they dry fast. They are made from skin-friendly material that's also tolerated by sensitive, sweat-irritated skin. Additionally, the material should be antibacterial. These shirts are often very helpful because they break the 'sweating-sweat stains-shame and stress-even more sweating' cycle. The skin's environment is also significantly improved by reduced moisture, making secondary problems like fungal infections or inflammations easier to manage. These shirts are usually sportily cut. Wearing functional shirts can be easily combined with other gentle treatments like antiperspirants or iontophoresis.

Armpit Pads

Armpit pads provide a similar effect to functional shirts, but their effect is limited to axillary sweating. Armpit pads absorb sweat and wick it away from the skin. This prevents a moist, unhealthy skin climate. Also, unsightly sweat stains don't appear on clothing as quickly. This protects the skin and makes it easier to combat sweat-related inflammations and fungal infections of the skin. Plus, the wearer can move in public without embarrassment. Keep in mind that the absorbency of armpit pads is limited. Depending on the intensity of sweating, they need to be replaced after a while. Armpit pads are available both disposable, usually made of absorbent fleece with a skin-friendly covering, and reusable and washable. Armpit pads are either worn in special underwear with pockets, or they need to be attached. This is usually done with either straps or adhesive strips.

Armpit pads don't reduce the amount of sweat, but they help lessen the effects. They can be easily combined with treatments like antiperspirants or iontophoresis.

Iontophoresis

Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) is a direct current therapy for treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) on the hands, feet, armpits, face, and head (palmar, plantar, axillary, and facial hyperhidrosis).

Iontophoresis, or more precisely tap water iontophoresis, is a physical treatment method originally developed for hyperhidrosis on the hands or feet. Today, however, suitable electrodes are also available for the face, armpits, and torso. In this procedure, tap water is electrically split, usually by direct current. This exposes the nerves to weak electrical impulses, which calms the nerves and thus reduces sweat production.

In tap water iontophoresis, two basins are filled with water and each is fitted with an electrical conductor. The hands or feet are then immersed in the water bath and exposed to a weak direct current; they are the electrical conductor that closes the circuit through the body. When used on the armpits, sponge pouches moistened with water are used instead of water basins.

A weaker current usually brings satisfactory results quickly; excessive currents are not necessary.

Treatment is initially daily and, after the effect kicks in, every 1-3 days and lasts 20 minutes. Initial treatment successes usually occur after just a few applications.

It's believed that the resulting protons accumulate in the sweat gland ducts, reducing sweat secretion. Iontophoresis is applied three times a week or even daily for ten to fifteen minutes at the beginning of treatment until the effect occurs. Later, to maintain the effect, the treatment should be performed twice a week. Due to the flowing current, iontophoresis is not suitable for people with pacemakers or other implanted metals (copper IUD, piercings…). Metal jewelry should also be removed during treatment.

Iontophoresis is also said to be helpful against the recurrence of healed eczema caused by sweat. It shouldn't be combined with antiperspirants but can be supplemented by functional shirts, socks, or armpit pads.

Powders

Foot powders have proven effective for feet. They are either sprinkled into socks or shoes or applied directly to the feet. They absorb moisture and thus ensure a pleasant skin climate. They also make it difficult for bacteria and prevent the spread of fungi that damage the skin. Many foot powders also contain antiperspirants, thus further inhibiting sweat production.

Foot powders with antiperspirants should be used in the evening; other foot powders can simply be applied to shoes or socks in the morning.

Insoles

Various types of insoles can also help alleviate the effects of hyperhidrosis on the feet. Insoles with activated carbon, for example, absorb a lot of liquid and thus help keep stressed soles drier. Activated carbon also has antibacterial properties and can thus slow down the decomposition process of sweat. For mild hyperhidrosis, cedarwood insoles can be helpful, as cedarwood also has antibacterial properties and spreads a pleasant odor. Cinnamon also has some antibacterial effects, which is why it's also found in foot powders and insoles.

Cotton insoles have the advantage that they can absorb a lot of liquid and can then be washed at bacteria-killing 60 degrees in the washing machine. Insoles can be easily combined with antiperspirants or iontophoresis.

Socks

Those who suffer from excessive sweating on their feet know from experience that they must pay special attention to the right shoes and socks. Breathable materials are preferred as they counteract sweating somewhat and at least don't promote it. This means that socks made from natural materials or functional socks are better than socks made from synthetic fibers. Cotton socks often have the additional advantage that they can be washed at 60 degrees, which prevents bacterial colonization. Special functional socks have, for example, a plush sole that can absorb a lot of moisture, or spun-in silver or copper threads that have antibacterial properties and thus counteract the decomposition of sweat and foot odor.

Functional socks can be perfectly combined with antiperspirants or iontophoresis.

Erstmals publiziert am: 12.05.2011

Aktualisiert: 27.05.2025