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Prom-Goers : It’s Your Time to Shine but NOT with Sweat!
Philadelphia – March 6, 2007 – Sweating shouldn’t ruin the perfect prom or perfect prom dress. To help prom kings and queens (and the rest of you, too) have the same dry confidence as Hollywood stars on the red carpet, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (online at www.SweatHelp.org) is sharing prom prep secrets from stylists “in the know.” Whether sweating causes occasional angst or near-constant horror, there are treatments and tricks to limit and stop sweating. No sweat, no worries… no curfew? (Sorry, we can’t solve ALL your prom probs.)
Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a medical problem characterized by extreme sweating above and beyond what’s considered necessary to regulate body temperature or normal as a reaction to stress. Three percent of people suffer from excessive sweating. To put this in perspective, consider this: Approximately 4 million prom dresses are sold in the United States each year. Three percent of 4 million is 120,000. Wow! That means that each year 120,000 totally hot prom dresses are potentially ruined by perspirations stains. Other humiliating sweaty prom moments might include: a sweaty face in photographs and ruined make-up, clammy hands during slow dancing, and damp feet that slip out of dress shoes. Doesn’t sound picture perfect, does it?
Fortunately, the International Hyperhidrosis Society and its world experts in sweat have perspiration management and camouflage tips to help this year’s prom goers to feel dry and confident, pre-party, after-party, and wherever the party goes next. Whether a prom gal or guy suffers from hyperhidrosis or is just concerned with extra sweat caused by nervousness or the heat of the moment, these techniques will enable him or her to glam up and step out in style.
* Most young women planning to go to prom start shopping for their dresses about 3 months prior to receiving the corsage and stepping into that limo. So too should prom goers seek skin and sweat care in advance. According to Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Saint Louis School of Medicine, the optimal time to seek treatment for a sweating problem is 8 to 10 weeks prior to the big event. “With this lead time,” says Dr. Glaser, “we have time to evaluate the problem, determine the best treatment, provide treatment, and make sure it works so that the prom guest doesn’t have to stress about sweat anymore.”
* For many, the most sure-fire sweat treatment will be Botox injections. That’s right; Botox is not just for wrinkles anymore, it’s now also widely used to control sweating of the underarms, hands, feet, forehead, and other body areas. In Hollywood, before big awards shows such as the Oscars, many celebrities receive Botox injections to protect their gowns and tuxedo shirts from sweat stains. Botox is so effective that even teenagers who never thought they were Botox-types may want to consider it for their “big day.” Again, talk to a dermatologist 8 to 10 weeks prior to your prom to see if Botox is right for you. “I would give a teenager Botox treatment 4 to 6 weeks prior to the prom and then have him or her follow-up with me 1 to 2 weeks after treatment,” says Dr. Glaser. “The follow-up is important because it enables me to ‘touch-up’ any sweating areas that may have been missed during the first round of injections and really ensure that my patient is getting the treatment’s full benefit.”
* Apply antiperspirant to underarms once in the morning and again prior to bedtime; application twice daily—and especially before bedtime—has been shown to be more effective. Antiperspirants may be used on hands and feet as well as on underarms. Gently massaging them into the skin may be useful. Begin this new antiperspirant gig as soon as possible to help get sweat under control for spring parties and pre-prom functions.
* Consider using a stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Secret Clinical Strength, PerspireX, Certain-Dri, or B+Drier.
* There are sure to be delicious munchies at prom-related functions but remember to steer clear of sweat-inducing spicy foods, caffeinated beverages (that’s right, no Red Bull), and alcohol (but you’re underage, so you’re not drinking anyway, right?) Keeping your system clean and healthy will help you to stay clear-headed, confident, and aroma-free and will also help to minimize your sweating. Toast your health, your date, and yourself with cool sparkling water whenever possible.
* Good news for prom girls and guys: white and black solid colors are the best at hiding sweat marks and they are always in style.
* Choose your prom dress or tux for fun and fashion but also for functionality. Wear under layers made of natural fabrics that offer more air circulation around the body and wick away moisture. Girlfriends, if possible, avoid panty hose which can feel hot and induce sweating.
* Wearing a hip style with sleeves? Then dress shields (small pads that go in your armpits to absorb sweat) may be an option. And yes, although they are called “dress shields” they work wonders in guy’s shirts, too. In fact, dress shields may be a nervous prom king’s best friend.
* Keep your feet cool and dry even in sexy sandals, heels, and other prom shoes by using sweat-absorbing and wicking insoles such as Summer Soles (available for men and women at www.summersoles.com.) Fun new colors and patterns won’t cramp your style and will probably find their way into your whole wardrobe.
* Keep a handkerchief in your cute new bag or pocket to absorb extra sweat on your palms prior to holding hands or slow dancing.
* Keep a travel-sized antiperspirant in your pocket or purse for quick application prior to making your grand entrance.
* Participate in regular stress-relieving activities in advance of prom, such as meditation, yoga or other exercises. Practicing yoga and meditation with your date is a great way to get cozy and have fun together. You can buy a couple’s yoga DVD and practice in your basement or living room.
About Botox for Hyperhidrosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 2004 and since then numerous clinical studies have found that Botox treatment is safe and effective against sweating and consistently results in meaningful, long-lasting improvements in symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life. Results usually last 7 months or longer — which means that both before and after the prom, teens can hold hands, dance, and have fun in dry confidence. For more information on Botox treatments and to find a dermatologist familiar with hyperhidrosis, use the Physician Finder on the IHHS Web site at www.SweatHelp.org.
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
The International Hyperhidrosis Society is a non-profit organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. The Society promotes research and conducts education on the physiological effects of hyperhidrosis, raises awareness about its emotional and economic impact and advocates for patient access to effective treatments. The International Hyperhidrosis Society is composed of members from all over the world, making it a true international network for people who treat or suffer from hyperhidrosis.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Web site, SweatHelp.org, includes a Physician Finder to help anyone with excessive sweating to find medical help, information on additional treatment options, and a comprehensive collection of insurance and reimbursement tools, including downloadable forms, which can help sufferers work with their physicians and health insurance plans to get the correct coverage for necessary treatments. There are practical tips to make the most out of appointments with physicians and information on clinical trials and a free newsletter that will keep everyone current on hyperhidrosis news and medical breakthroughs. A self assessment tool is also available to help people determine how much sweat is too much. And because hyperhidrosis usually starts in the teen years, IHHS has created an online teen forum to help teenagers learn how to cope with the condition and find effective solutions.
To view the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s tips for limiting sweating during the holidays and during job interviews and other career-related events, visit the Society’s press releases online at:
http://www.sweathelp.org/English/CMN_News_IHHS.asp?Nav=MP
Lisa Pieretti
ljp@SweatHelp.org
215-351-9050
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society:
The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS) is a non-profit organization promoting the awareness of and research into the condition of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Through their advocacy and programming, IHHS provides sufferers with access to treatment, and educates physicians about hyperhidrosis. Founded in 2003, the goal of IHHS is to improve the quality of life and diminish the suffering of those affected by this medical condition.
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