As the new academic year begins, teenagers and young adults in the UK are gearing up for the challenges of school and university life. While excitement fills the air, there's a hidden concern many students face—excessive sweating.
Whether it's the stress of new environments, anxiety about social situations, or just the physical exertion of everyday academic activities, sweating can become a significant issue. Left unmanaged it can lead to embarrassment, withdrawal, and a decrease in self-esteem. But it doesn't have to be this way. With the right strategies, products and support, students can face the new academic year with confidence.
Understanding Excessive Sweating in Teens and Young Adults
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a common condition that can start during adolescence. It affects approximately 4.8% of the world's population, 385 million people, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. This means it affects a great many teens, young adults and their parents. Hyperhidrosis often manifests as the underarm sweating, sweaty hands, sweaty, smelly feet, face and head sweating, back, chests and even the groin area. For students, this can mean noticeable sweat stains on clothes, slippery hands that make writing and typing difficult, and can leave you with a body odour problem despite good hygiene practices.
Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature, but for hyperhidrosis sufferers, the body's sweat glands are overactive, producing more sweat than necessary. This condition can be triggered by various factors including stress, anxiety, heat, or physical activity— all of which are part of a student’s daily life.
The Psychological Impact of Hyperhidrosis
Beyond the physical discomfort, excessive sweating can significantly impact a teenager's mental and emotional well-being. Social situations can become stressful, leading to anxiety about potential sweat marks and body odour. This can lead to avoiding social interactions, taking part less in sports, or even skipping lessons. Over time, these behaviours can erode self-esteem and contribute to a sense of isolation.
Imagine not being able to use a smartphone because your fingers are too wet for the screen to react to swiping. How about not playing tennis because the racket might slip out of your hand. You can’t join the dance class because you know the teacher will ask you to mop up the puddle around your feet. What about the anxiety of playing competitive basketball and having to wipe your hands on your shorts every time you think the ball will be passed to you. Finally, how about needing extra time on an exam paper because you constantly have to wipe your hands while writing. These are all stories concerned parents have shared with us before their children tried our clinically proven products.
One parent shared their experience on Trustpilot highlighting the struggles their daughter faced:
Practical Tips for Managing Excessive Sweating
- Daily Hygiene Routine: Encourage your child to maintain a consistent hygiene routine. We recommend using either our Deodorant Body Wash or our Natural Antibacterial Deodorant Soap. Follow a shower with a twice daily thin application of one of our clinical-strength antiperspirants. Use the infographic below to find the best solution.
- For additional peace of mind: Our triple absorbent sweat pads are a must for many of our customers. They are discrete yet extremely effective at absorbing sweat, keeping underarms dry and odour free. Your child won’t even know they are wearing them.
- For sweaty feet: Try our silver socks, in calf or ankle length, they are an insurance policy for dry feet. Slip them on after a thin layer of our Feet Antiperspirant has been applied to the sole of the foot.
- On the go, discreet sweat protection: We love our Spray Antiperspirant for those niggly areas like the creases of your arms, your back, between your toes, your scalp, forehead or top lip. A light spray between lessons and your child won’t need to keep a towel in their bag.
- Pen size convenience: For sweat and body odour control in a pen size tube, we recommend our most popular antiperspirant, Extreme On The Go. These 10ml tubes can easily fit in a pocket or pencil case.
- Iontophoresis Treatment: For persistent cases, iontophoresis is an effective treatment option that can be done at home. It involves using a device that passes a mild electrical current through water to reduce sweating of the underarms, hands and feet. Many teens and parents have found this method helpful in managing symptoms. Iontophoresis treatment is an option recommended by the NHS. Sweat Guard® Iontophoresis Machines are clinically proven, CE marked registered medical devices, UK and EU approved safe to use at home.
The Role of School and University Support
Schools and universities can play a crucial role in supporting students with hyperhidrosis. Encourage your child to speak with their teachers or university staff about their condition. Simple steps to support, like allowing them to carry a spare set of clothes, providing access to a private space to freshen up, or understanding the need for breaks during exams can make a big difference. One parent shared on Trustpilot:
The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
It’s essential for parents to approach this issue with empathy. Teenage years are a time of heightened self-awareness, and concerns about appearance and acceptance are at the forefront. Acknowledging your child’s feelings and working together to find solutions can help them feel supported rather than embarrassed about their condition.
Another Trustpilot review highlighted this aspect:
Excessive sweating doesn’t have to be a barrier to your child’s success at school or university. With the right tools, strategies, and support, they can manage their symptoms effectively and focus on what truly matters—child to try out different solutions and remind them they’re not alone. Reach out to our UK based customer care team to discuss the solutions available. Many students face the same challenges, and with Sweat Guard® products, they can confidently tackle the new academic year head-on.
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of hyperhidrosis, you can help your child navigate this condition with greater ease and self-assurance.
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