Sweat Sucks
Dear Abs:
I sweat a lot. I’m kind of overweight, which probably makes me sweat more – but I’m working on that. Still, I sweat under my arms, on my face, my head and all down my arms and feet and it’s become embarrassing to me.
I really need help because it’s not funny!!
DV, aged 13
Birmingham
Dear DV,
There is no one on planet earth who hasn’t been humiliated by his own underarm wetness or pit stains. At least that’s true in America where we seem to sell more antiperspirants than in any other country. And all of us have watched others suffer this humiliation, like in a classroom. Who among us hasn’t watched someone raise his hand, exposing his drippy pit while he endures the shame of it? But your problem may be different. People who perspire excessively might have a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. Fortunately, it’s usually controllable. The first treatment is simple, and you can do it at home. After you bathe, dry yourself very well. Then, when you apply your antiperspirant under your arms, also apply it on your forehead, legs, arms or any other place you perspire. Antiperspirants work there, too and aren’t harmful.
If that doesn’t work, there are fairly simple treatments that a doctor can prescribe.