We understand that there are moments in social settings when the last thing you want is to be sweating.

The medical term for excessive sweating, especially in areas like the underarms, face, scalp, hands, and feet, is hyperhidrosis. Johns Hopkins Medicine mentions that individuals dealing with this issue often feel “social isolation and a tendency to withdraw from interactions” to avoid physical contact, as well as shying away from dating, business engagements, or social gatherings due to “concerns about body odor and wet clothing.”

It’s important to note that sweating is a natural bodily function, and there’s no need to feel ashamed about it. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this condition if it’s affecting you.

“People who are distressed by excessive sweating and body odor should recognize that these experiences are quite common and manageable,” explains Dr. Joel E. Kopelman, a plastic surgeon who frequently works with patients seeking solutions to their sweating issues.

If you’re looking to reduce the amount you sweat, here’s what medical experts advise.

What causes excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating is a typical reaction when your body needs to cool down, and it can often be a normal response to physical activities like exercise, heat exposure, or changes associated with puberty or menopause, as noted by Stanford Medicine.

Dr. Kopelman adds that “overactive sweat glands” can also lead to excessive sweating. Various factors, including genetics, stress, and hormonal shifts, can influence your sweating levels. Certain medications may additionally affect how much you sweat.

However, other instances of sweating might signal an underlying issue in your body. If you find yourself sweating heavily without a clear cause, experts recommend seeking advice from a healthcare professional.

“It’s normal to sweat during physical exertion, in hot environments, or when experiencing stress,” explains Dr. Kopelman. “Nevertheless, if you find yourself sweating excessively without these triggers, it could be a sign of hyperhidrosis or other health concerns.”

Excessive sweating can sometimes result from medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, or anxiety, according to Stanford Medicine.

Ways to manage excessive sweating

If you want to lessen your sweating, Dr. Kopelman recommends trying several approaches, such as opting for a stronger antiperspirant, wearing lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton, and managing stress effectively.

If these methods don’t yield results, you might consider consulting a healthcare provider to discuss potential treatments, including prescription medications, Botox (which can effectively minimize sweating in the underarms and palms by blocking the nerves stimulating sweat glands), and other options for severe cases of hyperhidrosis.

Keep in mind that sweating serves a vital purpose in helping to cool your body, so the goal shouldn’t be to eliminate sweating entirely.

“Reducing sweating is generally safe, particularly if it’s causing discomfort or social anxiety. However, completely prohibiting the body’s natural cooling method is not recommended,” Dr. Kopelman notes. “Treatments like Botox focus on specific areas and do not interfere with the body’s overall temperature regulation.”