Spring has sprung, which means summer sweat is not far behind. After the record-topping, thermometer-popping swelter of last year, it’s time to know the facts and fallacies about handling the heat. The Sweat Experts at the International Hyperhidrosis Society® are on-hand to debunk the myths and share the truth to help keep you cool throughout summer.

Myth #1: Antiperspirants are for sweaty underarms only.
Think outside the pits! You can glide, stick, spray, and roll-on antiperspriants nearly anywhere that sweating is a problem (think sweaty hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin). Just be smart and talk to your dermatologist first before applying an antiperspirant to sensitive areas and test the product on a small patch of skin first.

Myth #2: Sweaty people are out-of-shape, nervous or have hygiene issues.
Don’t judge the sweat! The average person has 2 to 4 million sweat glands -- essential to human survival since they work as the body’s coolant, protecting it from overheating. Athletes actually sweat more than other people because their bodies have become very efficient at keeping cool.

Myth #3: You should ditch the stick because antiperspirants can cause breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Don’t be an April fool! There is no scientific evidence to support either claim. In fact, the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association have refuted the rumor that antiperspirants (specifically the aluminum salts used as active ingredients) are linked to cancer or Alzheimer’s. Cut dietary salt to avoid health risks.

Myth #4: Like caffeine, antiperspirants are best used in the morning.
Skip the bedtime espresso but DO use your antiperspirant in the p.m. as well as the a.m. Sweat production is at its lowest at night, giving the active ingredients in antiperspirants a better chance to get into your pores and block perspiration in the morning when you really get moving.

Myth #5: Surgery is the only way to stop excessive sweating.
Ouch! Not only is this untrue, it’s a tragic myth. Side effects of ETS surgery (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy) can create issues worse than the original sweat problem. For 90% of patients, post-surgery ‘compensatory’ sweating on the back, chest, abdomen, legs, face, and buttocks doesn’t go away. Try clinical strength antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, liposuction, or the electromagnetic treatment, miraDry, before turning to surgery.

Truth: Excessive sweating is a treatable skin disease affecting nearly 367 million people worldwide. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a real and recognized medical condition that causes people to sweat 4 or 5 times more than normal. It can disrupt all aspects of a person's life, from career choices and recreational activities to relationships, emotional well-being, and self-image. But there is help, support and effective treatment. Explore our website further to learn more, find a hyperhidrosis doctor, or download information for you or that sweaty someone you love.

About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
IHHS is an independent non-profit organization committed to reducing the symptoms, anxiety and social stigma associated with the excessive sweating condition of approximately 367 million affected children, teens and adults worldwide.