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Sweating We are sweating more through deodorants elsewhere
Those who sweat heavily in summer often like to go to the deodorant to avoid unpleasant odors and sweat stains. However, sufferers often hear criticism and the warning that it produces more sweat on other parts of the body than usual. But is this theory correct? Or is this a myth from medicine? In an interview with the news agency "dpa" dermatologist Maja Hofmann provides information.
Affected want to form a sweat barrier by deodorant
Heavy sweating quickly becomes a nuisance for those affected. Especially on hot summer days, sweat flows quickly, forming large dark spots under the armpits and an unpleasant odor. In order to avoid embarrassing moments and stay as long as possible "dry", lots of deodorant are often sprayed into the underarm area - in the hope of being able to form a "barrier" against the annoying sweat. "But do I sweat on other body parts more?" Many ask. Because the warning is often heard that the sweat is unstoppable, but instead occurs increasingly in other areas such as hands, feet or back.
Do deodorants work sweat-inducing on other body parts? (Image: fpic / fotolia.com) Sweat regulates the heat balance
But is that true? "Yes," says Maja Hofmann from the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Charité Berlin opposite the "dpa". According to the expert there would be "compensatory sweating". However, this only occurs when large amounts of aluminum chloride-containing deodorants are applied and the areas are thereby "paralyzed". Because "sweat is there to regulate the heat balance and seeks his way in the case of the case."
Aluminum salts reduce sweat production
Who on the other hand does not exaggerate when deodorising would, according to Maja Hofmann from the compensatory sweating hardly get something. The same applies if "normal" deodorants are used, since these would normally contain no aluminum chloride or only a small proportion of three to five percent, explains Hofmann further. However, if sweating is more pronounced, sufferers usually can not avoid the so-called "antiperspirant". Because these contain aluminum salts, which ensure that the sweat glands at least temporarily constrict, whereby the sweat production is reduced and unpleasant odors are prevented.
Do not use antiperspirant directly after underarm shave
But the funds are controversial and many consumers fear that the aluminum enters the body via the deodorant and there can lead to long-term damage. In addition, the substances have been suspected for years to promote cancer and Alzheimer's. But there is still uncertainty about possible long-term consequences on the part of science. However, experts repeatedly advise against prolonged and frequent use in order to avoid health risks. In addition, the special deodorant should not be applied directly after the underarm shave, as the strained skin could get too much harmful aluminum into the body.
Even if the skin under the arms is injured or attacked for other reasons, it is better to use a deodorant without aluminum salts. As a side effect antiperspirants often cause burning or tingling of the skin and itching, less often there is also slight inflammation. As a rule, the skin irritations are stronger the higher the proportion of aluminum chloride is. Experts therefore recommend using non-alcoholic medications to avoid irritating the skin.
Use of Botox and medications for pathological hyperhidrosis
However, in some cases sweating is so pronounced that antiperspirants are no longer sufficient. In this case, physicians speak of a "hyperhidrosis" that can affect only certain areas (such as the hands, armpits, feet), but also the whole body (generalized hyperhidrosis). Excessive sweating is treated with a variety of methods, ranging from Botox injections to medications (anticholinergics) to surgical procedures.
Homeopathic treatment for sweaty feet
Naturopathy also offers numerous approaches and procedures to treat hyperhidrosis and sweaty feet. For example, Bach flowers or a foot bath made of oak bark are possible. For this 500g oak bark are boiled in five liters of water for 15 to 20 minutes and poured. After cooling, the feet are bathed in it for about a quarter of an hour. For very bad-smelling acid sweat, the homeopathic remedy Silicea can help, but for extremely stinking foot sweat, Acidum Butyricum is more likely. (No)