Q.
I
sweat so much all the time. The wet marks under my arms is
embarrassing. Is this a physical or an emotional problem?
I have tried many deodorants. Help!.
A.
This is common problem for teens. We all sweat different amounts,
and the amount our sweat smells also differs. Certain materials
make you sweat more -- particularly artificial materials.
Try and wear only pure cotton clothes. Make sure that you
wash regularly to get rid of the sweat -- bathing or showering
twice a day helps. You say that you have many deodorants,
try one with an antiperspirant in it. The best ones for sweating
contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
Sweat
is part of our body's cooling mechanism. Water on your skin's
surface evaporates and helps you cool down. Sweat itself doesn't
actually smell, the odor is caused by the action of bacteria.
Profuse
sweating that occurs at times other than in hot conditions
or after exercise is sometimes due to a disorder called hyperhidrosis.
This disorder is marked by perspiration produced in abundant
among by overactive sweat glands. When you're a teenager it
is not uncommon for hormones to be causing overactive sweat
glands. However, there could be other causes like hyperhidrosis.
Excessive
sweating may be all over the body or be limited to certain
areas of the body. This condition affects both men and women
and usually begins during childhood or at puberty, but improves
spontaneously for many people in their twenties. (I know I
had it too when I was about 14 - 16).
The hyperhidrosis
itself can cause anxiety or distress for people who have it,
which leads to additional sweating. Make an appointment with
a health care provider to make sure that what you have is
primary hyperhidrosis (rather than an underlying condition
that causes profuse perspiration, known an secondary hyperhidrosis,
which would require treating the underlying condition first,
often resolving the abundant sweating as well). Take this
opportunity to get more information and to discuss your treatment
options and their possible side effects.
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Q.
I have
a really bad sweating problem.
I always have clammy hands and feet. What can I do? It's very
embarrassing and I know people notice, I am afraid to touch
anyone because of my sweaty hands. Help!
A.
Sometimes
clammy hands and feet are genetic. Carrying a small container
of corn starch or baby powder with you and applying it after
washing your hands may work for you. I know this is hard for
guys, you can keep it in your backpack. If the perspiration
persists, see a health care provider to see if you have hyperhidrosis,
or excessive sweating of the palms of your hands and feet.
There are treatment options that may help dry your hands and
feet and leave you feeling more comfortable too.
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Q.
Does chocolate causes acne? My mom says yes, but my science
teacher says NO!
A.
There is no scientific proof
that chocolate causes acne. I repeat, there is no relationship
between zits and chocolate! So, enjoy some chocolate, AND
look elsewhere for what causes acne. Check out the acne
article, I think it will clear some things up for you.
No pun
intended.
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Q.
Is
smokeless tobacco safer than cigarettes?
A.
NO WAY! It’s true that
many people think smokeless tobacco (also known as chewing
tobacco or snuff) isn’t as bad as cigarettes. One study
quoted said that 77 percent of kids thought cigarette smoking
was very harmful, but only 40 percent thought smokeless tobacco
was harmful.
The
truth is that smokeless tobacco
use is connected with all sorts of problems. Smokeless tobacco
can cause bleeding gums and sores of the mouth that never
heal. Eventually you may end up with cancer of the tongue
or salivary glands. Tobacco is tobacco: it all contains nicotine,
and nicotine is very addictive! It stains your teeth a yellowish-brown
color. It gives you bad breath. It can make you dizzy, give
you the hiccups, even make you throw up. (Definitely NOT cool!)
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Q.
I
have asthma and am athletic. Can I take my medications & play
sports? I have heard that asthma medications are not allowed
for sports participation.
A.
It’s
very important for athletes with asthma
to take their asthma medications. Confusion developed because
of a medication called ephedrine. This is a stimulant drug
that can also help asthma. Stimulant drugs (like ephedrine,
amphetamines, and caffeine) give the athlete an unfair advantage
and are not allowed in Olympic and other competition. These
drugs have a number of side effects, including increased aggressiveness,
higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of fluids,
and anxiety.
FYI,
Olympic officials have limited the amount of caffeine they
will allow their athletes to take. Some athletes find that
too much coffee will cause increased urination and may lead
to dehydration. If
you have any question about your asthma and medications, speak
to your health care provider who prescribed them.
