For years, I had no idea that my excessive sweating did NOT mean something was wrong with me and/or my body. I had NO idea that I was not the only one who produced more sweat sitting on the couch watching TV than a marathon runner giving it their all on an 85 degree day. I have to say, I am quite happy this is a belief that came crashing down when I was officially diagnosed with Hyperhidrosis, which is so graciously defined as “abnormally excessive sweating that’s not necessarily related to heat or exercise,” (thanks google).
I emphasize the word ‘abnormally’ because it’s the only word my eyes read and my mind focused on – it was the only word in that entire sentence that felt like it meant anything. Yeah, I knew that I wasn’t the only one suffering with this, I knew it had a name, but now I also knew it was abnormal. Which, naturally, my brain interpreted as “I’m a freak.”
Here’s the kicker though – I remember reading somewhere (though specifically where I can’t recall) that the severe form of hyperhidrosis is characterized by having multiple “episodes” a week. Well shit. I have multiple episodes a day.
“I must be a super freak.”
I seriously thought some part of me was broken and that this was something I’d have to be mortifyingly embarrassed about for the rest of my life. Well, I wish I could tell you that is no longer the case, but I would be lying. It still happens, e’ry dang day. To be totally honest, I still don’t know if it will ever be resolved, though I keep my hope close.
Most of the treatments for hyperhidrosis, especially in it’s severe form, are drastic. I mean removing your sweat glands by various semi-barbaric methods drastic. For real guys, one option is to have surgery to remove your sweat glands – called “thoracic sympathectomy,” another (my personal fave) is using microwave energy to permanently kill the sweat glands (are you kidding me?!). Botox and lasers are also options…
Now, I’m sure these methods have really helped turn some people’s lives around – because believe it or not, hyperhidrosis is debilitating and demoralizing. However, for me, that all sounds horrifying and like someone got a little too medical-instrument happy.
So I decided to embark on a journey of my own to do what I can.
Starting with deodorant.
I have probably tried upwards of 20 different deodorants or antiperspirants over the years, some working better than others and some just being downright awful. The mission feels like it has been never ending. On the contrary, I feel like I have learned A LOT about deodorant.
Here are my tips and tricks –
Pay attention to the label, and the ingredients on said label. I’m not going to act like I know everything about how harmful some of these chemicals and toxins can be, but what I do know is they certainly didn’t help my cause. In fact, when I was trying & using some of the strongest antiperspirants I could get without a prescription, I felt like it got worse. I’ve since come to believe that the insertion of many harmful, foreign substances into my body was only irritating the situation further. I was sweating more.
[ Insert all natural deodorant ]
G A M E C H A N G E R
It doesn’t decrease the amount I sweat “abnormally” but it has not once made it worse like many of the harsher ones have. AND all the essential oils they use instead of fragrance makes it smell way better, in my opinion.
Next up, white deodorant is not your friend!
You don’t want to have to discover the dried white sweat streaks down the underside of your arms (all the way to your elbows) because a coworker pointed it out after lifting your arms high and wide above your head.
This next one may not be true for everyone – but I’ve found that when you’ve reached my level, there is no difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. The only thing that matters is finding one you don’t have to carry around with you and secretly reapply during the day – finding a deodorant that is one and done in the morning and no matter how much you drown your armpits, you still smell like a freakin’ flower by the time your day ends.
Finally, get right with the fact that you will have to experiment. You will have to buy deodorants from a variety of price ranges, brands, scents, etc. to figure out what works for you. It can be very frustrating and disheartening if you don’t acknowledge that your armpits require a little extra attention.
Two brands I have found & really like –
Pure Haven and Each and Every.
Both are beautifully and naturally made with ingredients that won’t reek havoc on your already struggling sweat glands. They smell wonderful and in my case, I rarely have to reapply throughout the day (only if it’s been a particularly bad day for the pits).
At the end of the day, there is no secret sauce – no one right deodorant. Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s sweat glands have a life of their own – so treat them accordingly. But if I could really push one thing – the more natural the better.
