Sweat it out!

Botox is not the only remedy to excessive sweat and body odour

As if the Indian heat is not enough, some people are unfortunate to have overactive sweat glands. Apart from the discomfort that hyperhidrosis causes, body odour is the other brutal outcome of profuse sweating. Just ask stars who routinely get photographed with embarrassing sweat patches - like Cameron Diaz, Christy Turlington and Ashley Benson.

Every year, several people seek permanent solutions to contain body odour associated with sweat that refuses to be contained with the use of anti-perspirants and deodorants. A very widely used remedy is a small dose of purified botulinum toxin – popularly known as Botox. Even though Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating its effects last only for about six months. Below are a few non-Botox options for treating sweaty odour.

While Botox is a number one choice for underarms, one of the lesser known treatments for sweaty hand and feet is Iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a technique that is often used on people who've tried milder prescriptions like anti-perspirants and have failed to achieve any results. patients sit with both hands or both feet, or one hand and one foot, immersed in shallow trays filled with tap water for a short period of time (20 to 40 minutes) while the device sends a small electrical current through the water. The process is normally repeated three times per week until the desired results are achieved. Once satisfactory dryness has been reached, patients are switched to a maintenance schedule, usually once per week. To maintain sweat-relief, iontophoresis treatments need to be conducted regularly and before sweating begins to return.

Even though excessive sweating gives you an unkempt appearance, sweat by itself doesn't generate body odour. It is when this sweat comes in contact with bacteria that the odour problem occurs. This is why you must have observed that the initial bout of sweating immediately after bathing doesn't cause body odour.

Keep your armpits clean and free of hair. Use anti-bacterial soap once a day to thoroughly cleanse yourself. Dry yourself well with a clean towel. Change your upper body clothing twice a day, if possible.

Certain ingredients and food items make you perspire more. For example, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also unplug your sweat ducts. At the same time, consumption of certain food elements like onions can pass off their pungent smell into the sweat. It is advisable to drink a lot of water and fruit juices to counter the effect of these foods.

The writer is a consultant dermatologist.