Coping With Anxiety Symptoms: Sweating

Self Help Strategies

• Choose fabrics according to your needs. Natural fibers are a good choice, but may absorb the sweat and feel damp. Polyester fabrics can trap heat inside, however, the fabric will not look wilted from sweating. Wear loose clothing to help keep you cool and wear layers of clothing in the cold weather so you can remove top layers in warmer environments. Silk clothing is probably not a good choice, as it will easily stain from the sweat. 
• Keep your environment cool. Keep a small fan on your desk at work or keep a small battery operated fan with you. 
• Keep a bottle of Febreeze with you to freshen clothes after sweating. 
• Shower daily, using an antibacterial soap. 
• Use sweat shields (or dress shields) to help hid underarm sweating and to help keep your clothes dry. 
• Incorporate relaxing techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. 
• Avoid foods and drinks that may trigger sweating, such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. Pay attention to what you are eating to see if there are additional foods/drinks that may be triggering sweating. 
• Try different antiperspirants available on the market to see what works best for you. Be sure to use an antiperspirant and not a deodorant (which stops odor but not perspiration). 
• Be prepared by keeping moist wipes, extra clothing, and a bottle of antiperspirant with you at all times. 

The most important way to combat excessive sweating from anxiety, however, is to make sure you receive treatment for anxiety and follow your treatment plan. Many people find that, as they continue therapy and learn to control anxiety, the sweating will be greatly reduced.

Sources:

"Hyperhidrosis Treatment", 2009, Author Unknown, Mayo Clinic

"Excessive Sweating or Hyperhidrosis", 2009, Author Unknown, Chiltern Medical Clinic

"Sweating", Updated 2007, April 6, MedlinePlus, A service of U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health