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Brides & Grooms : It’s Your Time to Shine but NOT with Sweat!
International Hyperhidrosis Society and SweatHelp.org have Tips for Down-the-Aisle Dry Confidence
Philadelphia – February 8, 2007 – Sweating shouldn’t ruin any bride or groom’s perfect day or perfect outfit. To help happy couples have the same dry confidence as Hollywood stars on the red carpet, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (online at www.SweatHelp.org) is sharing wedding preparation secrets from stylists “in the know.” Whether sweating causes occasional discomfort or near-constant embarrassment, there are treatments and techniques to limit and stop sweating. No sweat, no worries – just a beautiful, confident bride and a handsome, self-assured groom.
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a medical condition characterized by extreme sweating above and beyond what’s considered necessary to regulate temperature or normal as a reaction to stress. Three percent of the population suffers from excessive sweating. That means that with an estimated 2,290,500 weddings to be held in the United States in 2007, approximately 137,400 brides and grooms will walk down the aisle this year worrying about perspiration stains on formal wear, sweat dripping down their faces during toasts and photographs, clammy hands when greeting guests and damp feet that slip out of dress shoes. Doesn’t sound picture perfect, does it?
Fortunately, the International Hyperhidrosis Society and its world experts in sweat have perspiration management and camouflage tips to help brides and grooms to feel dry and confident on their wedding day as well as during important events before and afterwards. Whether a bride or groom suffers from hyperhidrosis or is just concerned with extra sweat caused by nervousness or summer heat, these techniques will enable him or her to dress up and step out with aplomb.
* Nearly all brides know to book their beauty appointments early and begin shopping for dresses even earlier, so too should brides and grooms seek skin and sweat care in advance. According to Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Saint Louis School of Medicine, the optimal time for a bride or groom to seek treatment for a sweating problem is 8 to 10 weeks prior to the big day. “With this lead time,” says Dr. Glaser, “we have time to evaluate the problem, determine the best treatment, provide treatment, and make sure it works so that the bride or groom doesn’t have to stress about sweat anymore.”
* For many, the most sure-fire sweat treatment will be Botox injections. That’s right; Botox is not just for cosmetic enhancement of the face, it’s now also widely used to control sweating of the underarms, hands, feet, forehead, and other body areas. In Hollywood, before big awards shows such as the Oscars, many celebrities receive Botox injections to protect their gowns and tuxedo shirts from sweat stains. Botox is so effective that even brides and grooms who never thought they were Botox-types may want to consider it for their “big day.” Again, talk to a dermatologist 8 to 10 weeks prior to your wedding day to see if Botox is right for you. “I would give a bride or groom Botox treatment 4 to 6 weeks prior to the wedding day and then have him or her follow-up with me 1 to 2 weeks after treatment,” says Dr. Glaser. “The follow-up is important because it enables me to ‘touch-up’ any sweating areas that may have been missed during the first round of injections and really ensure that my patients is getting the treatment’s full benefit.”
* Apply antiperspirant to underarms once in the morning and again prior to bedtime; application twice daily—and especially before bedtime—has been shown to be more effective. Antiperspirants may be used on hands and feet as well as on underarms. Gently massaging them into the skin may be useful. Begin these new antiperspirant practices as soon as possible to help get sweat under control for engagement parties, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and all those other pre-wedding functions. * Consider using a stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Secret Clinical Strength, Certain-Dri, or B+Drier.
* There are sure to be delicious goodies at wedding-related functions but remember to steer clear of sweat-inducing spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Keeping your system clean and healthy will help you to stay clear-headed, confident, and aroma-free and will also help to minimize your sweating. Toast your health, your loving partner, and yourself with cool sparkling water whenever possible.
* Good news for brides and grooms: white and black solid colors are the best at hiding sweat marks and they are always in style for weddings.
* Choose your wedding dress or suit for fun and fashion but also for functionality. Wear under layers made of natural fabrics that offer more air circulation around the body and wick away moisture. Brides, if possible, avoid panty hose which can feel hot and induce sweating -- and save the fancy lingerie for the wedding night.
* Wearing a hip wedding dress with sleeves? Then dress shields (small pads that go in your armpits to absorb sweat) may be an option. And yes, although they are called “dress shields” they work wonders in men’s shirts, too. In fact, dress shields may be a nervous groom’s best friend (next to his best man, of course).
* Keep your feet cool and dry even in sexy sandals, heels, and other wedding shoes by using sweat-absorbing and wicking insoles such as Summer Soles (available for men and women at www.summersoles.com.) Fun new colors and patterns won’t cramp your wedding style and will probably find their way into your honeymoon wardrobe, too.
* Keep a handkerchief in your purse or pocket to absorb extra sweat on your palms prior to holding hands, shaking hands, or slow dancing. You could also ask your maid-of-honor or best man to keep extra dry handkerchiefs on hand for you.
* Keep a travel-sized antiperspirant in your pocket or purse for quick application prior to making your grand entrance. Again, keeping antiperspirant handy is a great job for trusted bridesmaids and groomsmen.
* Participate in regular stress-relieving activities in advance of the big day, such as meditation, yoga or other exercises. Practicing yoga and meditation together is a great way for couples to share intimacy, especially during the stressful wedding planning season. Many yoga studios even offer couple’s yoga. Dance lessons can also help couples to feel confident (and therefore less likely to sweat) during that all-important first dance at the reception.
About Botox for Hyperhidrosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 2004 and since then numerous clinical studies have found that Botox treatment is safe and effective against sweating and consistently results in meaningful, long-lasting improvements in symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life. Results usually last 7 months or longer — which means that both before and after the wedding, newlyweds can hold hands, toast their loved ones, dance, and snuggle in dry confidence. For more information on Botox treatments and to find a dermatologist familiar with hyperhidrosis, use the Physician Finder on the IHHS Web site at www.SweatHelp.org.
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
The International Hyperhidrosis Society is a non-profit organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. The Society promotes research and conducts education on the physiological effects of hyperhidrosis, raises awareness about its emotional and economic impact and advocates for patient access to effective treatments. The International Hyperhidrosis Society is composed of members from all over the world, making it a true international network for people who treat or suffer from hyperhidrosis.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Web site, SweatHelp.org, includes a Physician Finder to help anyone with excessive sweating to find medical help, information on additional treatment options, and a comprehensive collection of insurance and reimbursement tools, including downloadable forms, which can help sufferers work with their physicians and health insurance plans to get the correct coverage for necessary treatments. There are practical tips to make the most out of appointments with physicians and information on clinical trials and a free newsletter that will keep everyone current on hyperhidrosis news and medical breakthroughs. A self assessment tool is also available to help people determine how much sweat is too much. And because hyperhidrosis usually starts in the teen years, IHHS has created an online teen forum to help teenagers learn how to cope with the condition and find effective solutions.
To view the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s tips for limiting sweating during the holidays and during job interviews and other career-related events, visit the Society’s press releases online at: http://www.sweathelp.org/English/CMN_News_IHHS.asp?Nav=MP
http://www.sweathelp.org/English/CMN_News_IHHS.asp?Nav=MP
Lisa Pieretti
ljp@SweatHelp.org
215-351-9050
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