While most of us love summer, there are others who dread it. Why? Because they look like they’ve been swimming when they haven’t even been near the water. Or they walk around with their arms spread out, desperately hoping their underarms will dry in the imaginary breeze.

They’re also the ones who only wear black, black, and more black, so that when they do sweat, no-one can tell. Sound familiar? The good news is that excessive sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) is manageable.

“There’s no quantified amount of sweat that you have to expel for it to be considered hyperhidrosis,” says Dr Ginni Mansberg (drginni.com).
“Any amount of perspiring that makes you very uncomfortable isn’t normal, particularly when it’s out of context, like when you’re at work or not doing anything strenuous.

That’s when it becomes a problem and can be considered excessive.” While many things won’t work (exotic foods, vitamins and supplements), there are a few options that’ll allow you to get around without leaving a trail of sweat behind you...

Deodorant soaps

Dr Mansberg recommends using one of these special soaps every day to keep your sweating at bay. “Use an antibacterial soap or body wash [like Palmolive Gold or Dettol Sapoderm] and you’ll notice a big difference,” she says.

“Initially, people use them for a day, stop, and the sweat comes back. But if you use it every single day, you’ll get good results.” Think of it like brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t skip that for a whole day, right?

Botox

“Botox in your armpits, hands or feet works fantastically,” says Dr Mansberg. “Some people assume that Botox destroys the nerve endings – that’s untrue. Botox completely disappears from your system within three to six months.”

Liz Hele, a registered nurse and cosmetic injector from Esteem Day Spa (esteemdayspa.com.au), says Botox enters the sweat glands and blocks the release of the chemical that signals perspiration.

While it doesn’t come cheap (expect to pay around $1,200-$1,500 per session), it’s extremely effective. “It’s also very safe,” says Hele. “It’s been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for over 15 years now.

Just make sure you speak to an experienced practitioner for advice.”
No matter how serious your sweating, if it’s bugging you, see a GP. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. And, once you’re sweat-free, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner.

Antiperspirant

“Find the longest lasting antiperspirant,” says Dr Mansberg. “Many of them offer 48-hour protection, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.” If you can, opt for an antiperspirant over a plain old deodorant.

Antiperspirants contain aluminium, which temporarily blocks pores, meaning less sweat can come out. “Aluminium has a bad rap. Years ago, people said it caused brain damage and Alzheimer’s, but there’s absolutely no link.

You need antiperspirant with aluminium in it to keep you dry and smelling clean.” But what if you’re slathering it on without success? Up the ante with an extra-strength pharmacyonly formula like Driclor. Over time it can actually reduce the amount of sweat your glands pump out.