With summer comes heat, and with heat comes sweat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sweating is your body’s built-in cooling system. Sweat evaporates, cooling down your skin and the tissues underneath.
While it’s totally normal, it can become overwhelming during heat waves, especially for those with hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what’s needed for temperature regulation.
If you live with hyperhidrosis, you know how challenging summer can be. But whether you sweat a little or a lot, one of the simplest tools to help manage the heat is also the most accessible: water.
Here’s how to use water smartly this summer to stay cool, hydrated, and in control of your sweat.
Hydrate more than you think you need
Eight glasses of water a day isn’t just a nice suggestion. It’s essential in the heat. When you sweat, your body loses fluids fast. Medical experts list the benefits of drinking enough water, such as keeping your body temperature in check and avoiding dehydration-related symptoms like dizziness and overheating.
Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Staying well-hydrated can also help reduce the intensity of sweating episodes, as your body becomes more efficient at regulating its temperature.
Use misters and DIY cooling hacks
Portable misters and cooling fans can be game-changers for staying fresh on the go. These devices combine fine mist with airflow, speeding up evaporation and creating an instant cooling effect on your skin.
No gear? No problem. A spray bottle and a handheld fan do the trick. Mist your face, neck, or wrists and fan yourself for quick relief. It may not be fancy, but it works.
Shower strategically
A cold shower is one of the fastest ways to reset your internal thermostat. Try starting and ending your day with a cool rinse to lower your body temperature and reduce sweating triggers. If a full shower isn’t an option, a damp towel pressed to your neck or arms, or splashing cold water on your face, can still make a noticeable difference.
Go for a dip
Water-based activities like swimming or heading to the beach are not just fun, they’re functional. Submerging your body in water helps bring down your core temperature, which can help prevent sweating spikes caused by overheating. Simply sitting with your feet in a cool pool or even at a splash pad can help keep your whole body cooler.
Freeze it
Ice packs and thermal water bottles are underrated summer tools. Store a reusable cold compress in your freezer for quick relief from overheating. Carrying a thermos filled with ice-cold water also keeps you hydrated and helps you feel refreshed when you’re on the move.
Try tap water iontophoresis
Here’s something that’s cool in a different way: tap water iontophoresis. This is a science-backed treatment specifically for people with hyperhidrosis, especially those dealing with sweaty hands, feet, or underarms. It works by sending a mild electrical current through tap water using a specialized device, like Dermadry. This reduces sweating, offering long-term relief after regular use.
While iontophoresis doesn’t cool your body like a cold drink or a shower, it helps you feel more comfortable and confident by significantly reducing the excessive sweating that can make summer outings stressful.
Stay Cool, Stay in Control
Summer should be about fun, not frustration over too much sweating. Whether you're managing hyperhidrosis or just trying to beat the heat, water is your best friend—from what you drink to how you cool off. Combine hydration with practical tools like cooling sprays, cold compresses, and targeted treatments like iontophoresis to take charge of your summer and your sweat.
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