How to Eliminate Perspiration

Perspiration is a natural reaction caused by strenuous activity, stress or an increase in your body's temperature. When you body's temperature rises, your eccrine glands release fluid to cool down to a regular temperature, which ranges between 95.3 and 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit. While mild perspiration is natural, excessive sweating causes body odor due to bacteria on the skin and creates often embarrassing sweat stains in the armpit area of your clothing. Persistent excessive sweating is often an indication of an underlying health problem and requires a proper diagnosis by a health professional.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter antiperspirant
• Powder
• Prescription antiperspirant (aluminum chloride)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your skin with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove surface bacteria and cool the skin. Overheated skin produces perspiration when it is overheated, but daily washing when your skin is warm to the touch helps eliminate perspiration.

• 2

  Apply baby powder to your body. The crotch, underarms and feet are prone to sweating due to a lack of ventilation, but baby powder absorbs moisture to prevent sweating. A thin layer of baby powder is enough to eliminate perspiration and must be reapplied after bathing.

• 3

  Use antiperspirant after bathing. Over-the-counter antiperspirants block your pores from producing sweat, which helps eliminate perspiration. Use as directed per the antiperspirant label to prevent skin irritation.

• 4

  Purchase a prescription antiperspirant. In an extreme case, your dermatologist may prescribe an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride to stop perspiration from occurring. Apply the medicated cream under your arms and other commonly sweaty areas in the evening. Discontinue use and contact your doctor if the skin becomes itchy or inflamed while using the medication.

• 5

  Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic that causes you to lose moisture and results in sweating. Switch from coffee to herbal teas, water or caffeine-free soda to reduce sweating.