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Original poster

Sweating - It is starting to rule my life

28 replies

IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 22:42

I cannot remember exactly when, but i think it has been a few years ago now, I noticed that I sweat alot more and that I start to smell sweaty after only minutes fo the sweating starting.

It has got worse and is starting to effect my whole life. I start a new job on Friday in what will be a warm environment and I am dreading it because being in a normal environment where I am not even hot makes me sweat.

I know you can get those really strong deoderants and I have tried a couple but they give me awful rashes and i end up having to wash it off and stop using it.

Also, as if having sweaty arm pits wasn't bad enough, I also have the same problem in my groin area and the back of my legs . If I sit down for any length of time then I can garuntee that I will feel wet when I stand up.

I just don't know what to do. Is there any ilnesses or anything which make people sweat more or am I just a freak ?

I try so hard to be clean and presentable and yet I often end up smelling like a blokes changing room within a couple of hours.

For example. I had a bath earlier, got dry and applied deoderant. Since then all I have done is sat on sofa and watch tv. I have on clean cotton pj's.
I got up to come on here and my armpits were sweaty and smell so now i will have to have another wash before bed

OP posts:
shellye · 07/01/2009 22:48

Go to the GP and get a referral to a consultant who does Botox injections. Botox is not just for cosmetic reasons, it can help in this too.

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 22:48

I did think about that but they can't botox my groin can they ??

My gp is a bit crap and always makes me feel like I am wasting her time tbh so i doubt she'd refer me anyway.

OP posts:
princessmel · 07/01/2009 22:50

Deffo go to your gp.

This sounds miserable

princessmel · 07/01/2009 22:51

And if they are no help, book an appointment with a different one.

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 22:52

Have been panicking all day as to which style of uniform to ask for at work. I have the choice of a dress or a tunic and trousers.

At the moment I am thinking I will be cooler in a dress even with tights.

I don't know anyone else who sweats like this and smells with it. My friend sweats alot but doesn't get smelly.

OP posts:
shellye · 07/01/2009 22:52

Be bold. She can't really refuse you. Its not something she can really treat.

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 22:53

Thanks

Being bold is not something I am good at tbh, but will have to try.

OP posts:
Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 22:54

Ah ha, think i just found the reason for the smelly bit anyway.

'Finally, in some areas such as the underarm and the groin, there is found a special sweat gland called the apocrine gland, which secretes a very thick type of sweat that has a large amount of fatty chemicals in it. These chemicals can be broken down by bacteria on the surface of the skin to create the smelly chemicals that are mostly responsible for body odor.'

Found that on a site about sweating.

OP posts:
shellye · 07/01/2009 22:56

You are not a freak by the way. Its more common than you think. Tights will make you sweat more. Can you wear stockings? Does anyone still wear stockings????

frumpygrumpy · 07/01/2009 22:57

A colleague of my mum had this. She suffered miserably and one day, my mum was nominated to speak to her about it as everyone had noticed. She was a little upset but pleased to talk about it. And it helped her go to the doctors. I can't remember what was done but I do remember it was easy and simple and she changed straight away.

Don't suffer. Treatment will be swift and I am sure your doctor will be empathetic. If he/she isn't then don't take no for an answer, change to one who is. xxxx

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:00

Thanks

I have to wear the dress/tights combo on my first shift as they haven't yet given me a uniform so I am borrowing my mums. Will see how I get on and then decide which is likely to be best.

I hope to god that noone has ever noticed but I guess they may have. I mentioned it to my mum a while ago and she said that she had never thought i smelt at all so thats good.

Does your diet have any effect on sweating ?

OP posts:
frumpygrumpy · 07/01/2009 23:08

I have a feeling diet must have a bearing on it.

Remember the thread on here about someone sweating a strong curry smell.....turns out she'd had fenugreek in her meal the night before and it had changed her sweat.......

Sweetheart, go for it. You'll be so glad when its sorted and it can be sorted.

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:09

I can only find links to diet where they mention eating spicey food, which I don't eat, well not often anyway.

I will try and make myself go and see my gp next week. I have to do something.

OP posts:
frumpygrumpy · 07/01/2009 23:10

I just took a look at your profile. Can I swap you the sweating for my skin! I am almost 36 and still suffer from hideous spots. Your skin is porcelain!

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:10

I was wondering if a high sugar diet would contribute as I think mine is probably quite high in sugar.

OP posts:
frumpygrumpy · 07/01/2009 23:10

Do. You'll wonder why you waited. You really will. Please report back, I want to check up on you

frumpygrumpy · 07/01/2009 23:12

whats your thyroid like?

shellye · 07/01/2009 23:13

Can you get a friend to go with you, boost your confidence? The food thing is about eating high volumes and often of spicy food.

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:16

LOL Frumpy and thanks for the link.

I had my thyroid checked last year. I was convinced it was over active but apparently not.

OP posts:
shellye · 07/01/2009 23:16

Do you have health insurance? Can you pay for an initial consultation with a consultant who can then offer the treatment on the NHS.

Ruby2shoes · 07/01/2009 23:18

If you look online there are various anti persperants for heavy sweating - you have to let them dry before dressing. Boots/superdrug or supermarket do Triple dry and Mitchum, the roll-ons and cream ones work best - forget sprays. Or ask in the chemist dep. But they must dry properly for it to work. A hair dryer under the arms helps to dry it faster after applying!

Was the rash under your arms ?- had you shaved just before applying? Also you have to dry thoroughly before applying them as any dampness can cause chaffing which then can cause irritation and rash before it has a chance to dry properly which it cant if it is diluted with left over bath/shower water.

Also it may be anxiety accerberated - the more you think about and worry about it the more you sweat so you get a vicious circle.

Def go to a different GP and things can be done for it - please dont just put up with it as its more common than you realise.

I never admit to anyone in RL that I use a heavy duty BO Basher and just thinking about sweating makes me sweat - but I have found that if I can get my anxiety about it down then that in turn helps. (and I apply them morning and night even though some say once every 24 hours!)

Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:19

No unfortunatly I don't.

I did find a list of placesdoctors that do treatment for this though.

OP posts:
Original poster
IllegallyBrunette · 07/01/2009 23:21

Thanks Ruby. I have tried all of those deoderants you mention. Have just found a new one though that I have not yet tried so will be giving that a go.

I do dry under my arms properly but tbh they always seem to be slightly damp/sticky, just never 100% dry. Will try the hairdryer trick though.

OP posts:
Ruby2shoes · 07/01/2009 23:29

The drying is what seems to make the difference for me - I dry with a towel like crazy but try not to rub too hard as if its a bit sore that can cause a rash - then blow dry before and after applying. Dont burn yourself though - pit burn - not good!!

Do tell what is the new one out of interest as I am alternating the two I mentioned.

CatchaStar · 07/01/2009 23:32

Hello.

You have much sympathy from me. I'm only 21 and have had this problem, minus the smell since I was about 12. It's made for a slighty embarassing teenage life. Lots of black worn lol!

I do sweat more than the average person under my arms. I use a Driclor roll on that can be bought from boots but it can be irritating, so I don't use it very often.

I'm never dry under my arms, and it is always on my mind. It's horrible!