Excessive Sweating In Men: What To Do About It

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Sander van de BaardmanBy Sander - The Beardmen
Updated on 12 Aug 2023

Sweating is a normal body process aimed at keeping your body temperature constant. In heat, (physical) exertion and stress, sweating is therefore logical. When you suffer from excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, you sweat more than necessary to protect your body from overheating. Sweat patches and unpleasant odors can make you feel insecure. As a man, what can you do about excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating: What are the causes?

Excessive sweating can have several causes. Heredity can play a role. It can also have medical causes. For example, obesity, metabolic problems, infections and certain medications can cause excessive sweating.

What can you do about excessive sweating?

Even when excessive sweating is caused by something beyond your control, there are several things you can do to reduce this problem. I have listed the most important ones below.

1. Shave your armpits

Shaving your armpits won’t make you sweat less, but it will reduce the retention of sweat odor. This is because bacteria from sweat love armpit hair. They find a place to multiply, with all the consequences that entails. Shaving your underarm hair means a more limited breeding ground for bacteria and thus less sweat odor.

Shaving your underarms is best done with a bodygroom (avoid using an electric shaver or trimmer, as this causes irritation). This device is designed to optimally protect your skin and prevent irritation. 

Read also: armpit hair shaving: to do or not to do?

2. Use a perfume or deodorant

Well, it seems like an open door, but it should not be missing from the list. Deodorant is essential in fighting sweat odor. Make sure you shower before applying deodorant. Even better than a deodorant is a preodorant.

Where ordinary deodorants mask perspiration odor, a preodorant knows how to prevent it. The preodorant is vegan and contains no aluminum or parabens.

3. Make sure you have the right body temperature

Under normal circumstances, your body temperature is around 37 degrees. There are several ways to prevent large fluctuations. Among other things, is by drinking enough water. A good fluid balance ensures that your body can cool down better when needed. Furthermore, it is important to wear breathable clothing.

Do you feel hot? Then take a cold shower or run cold water over the inside of your wrists. Avoid spicy foods and try to plan several, small meals in a day instead of eating a few large meals.

4. Don’t dress too hot

Dress more airily when weather conditions require it. Natural fabrics like cotton, silk and linen are absolute must-haves when you suffer from excessive sweating. Light wools and cottons also serve you. Tight clothing and synthetic fabrics such as nylon and acrylic should be avoided

By making the right clothing choices, you can avoid not only unpleasant sweat odors, but unattractive-looking sweat patches. Do you feel you can’t escape those sweat patches? Then wear mostly dark clothes, in which they are much less noticeable.

When should you consult your doctor?

Excessive sweating is an annoying problem, but by no means always a cause for concern. Often there is no specific cause, but hyperhidrosis is hereditary. In some cases, however, it is advisable to consult your doctor. This applies when:

  • You continue to sweat just as heavily even with the above tips
  • You are already using an anti-perspirant, but it is not working
  • You sweat a lot, especially at night
  • You sweat all over your body instead of just in areas such as armpits, groin, hands and feet
  • You develop other symptoms along with the sweating
  • You sweat significantly more on one side of your body than the other

Conclusion: As A Man, How Do You Treat Excessive Sweating?

Excessive sweating can be reduced or even eliminated by shaving your armpits, using the right deodorant, not dressing too warmly and doing things to control your body temperature. Can’t get rid of sweating with my tips? If so, consult your doctor.