Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Medical Minute - Stinky

Last week’s article about how to treat stinky feet was received with great appreciation. I was walking through Old Town Temecula and I cannot tell you how many sandal-clad people ran up to thank me, some weeping with joy.

So, this week we will continue the treatment for the olfactory assaulted by exploring excessive sweating, known in the medical business as hyperhydrosis.

The unfortunate cause of excessive sweating is often just luck of the genes – you come from a family of sweaty folks. There are a few other conditions that may make this condition worse: obesity, inactivity and nervousness. This nervousness is often compounded by the sweating, making matters worse.

So what do we do about this odorous nuisance? Two things; treat the cause and the symptoms. Try to stay calm; my brother Jason can control sweating by sheer will. This just goes to show being cool is often a state of mind.

Another treatment is strong antiperspirant-deodorant (the really strong stuff can only be obtained through prescription). Basically, you put this on for 12 hours and it shuts down the sweat glands. It can cause a rash, but this is often better then rings around the armpits.

There is a more invasive and permanent treatment – you can Botox the offending glands. It’s drastic but it works.

If you have problems with moist palms, keep a handkerchief in your pocket. For whole-body sweat you can use corn starch – just apply to the offending body part.

Now, this would not be fair if we did not at least address the odorous-proud. If this is you and your natural odor is worn like a badge of honor, then garlic will add a certain extra funk to your sweet pungent mojo. You go, hipster!

Physician Assistant Steven J. Schutz owns Temecula 24-hour Urgent Care. For information, call (951) 308-4451.

 

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