Planning a summer wardrobe isn't always fun for those who worry about their noticeable perspiration.

According to the Certain Dri Perspiration Poll*, 45 percent of American adults report perspiration is either "sometimes" or "often" a problem for them, and 42 percent of this group said they worry about having body odor. In addition, 18 percent (nearly 18 million) also indicated that excessive perspiration has ruined some of their clothes.

"For the millions of people with this condition, or, those who feel their perspiration is a problem, the summer months and the skin-bearing wardrobes that come along with the season are a dreaded time," explains David Bank, M.D., dermatologist and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY.

Our bodies - particularly in hot weather - can lose up to a quart of fluid per day, but this is just the average for those individuals who have "normal" perspiration, says Bank. Someone with excessive underarm perspiration, or axillary hyperhidrosis, as it's called medically, will perspire even more.

While there are several options to treat hyperhidrosis, including surgery or Botox injections to the underarm area, Bank recommends that most people start with the least invasive and least expensive options first. Here is what he suggests:

  -- Hang Loose: Wear loose fitting clothes to allow air to circulate around
     the body, allowing perspiration to evaporate. Tight-fitting clothes
     cause sweat to be trapped in a film on the skin, which can result in
     body odor or noticeable perspiration stains.
  -- Go Natural: Wear natural fibers next to the skin, such as cotton, which
     allow the skin to breathe. Avoid synthetic man-made fibers, such as
     nylon or spandex that limit ventilation and actually trap moisture.
  -- Powder's a Plus: Apply a cornstarch-based body powder to help keep skin
     dryer throughout the day.
  -- Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: Curb the waterworks while you sleep. Look
     for Certain Dri(R) Anti-Perspirant Roll-On with 12 percent aluminum
     chloride, which is the same active ingredient in prescription-strength
     antiperspirants, but in a gentler, non-alcohol formula. It is
     clinically tested and dermatologist-recommended as the most effective
     solution for excessive underarm perspiration, as well as for
     occasional, excessive perspiration due to stress, heat, sports,
     occupation, etc.
  -- Chill Out: Consider relaxation techniques, such as yoga. This can help
     to control the stress that can also trigger perspiration. "Many times
     people who suffer from excessive perspiration also worry about it so
     much that they create a spiral effect. Suffering from excessive
     perspiration can be a debilitating condition on an emotional, social
     and functional level," says Bank.
  -- Eat and Drink Right: For some, certain foods and beverages can
     exacerbate an excessive perspiration problem and also cause increased
     body odor, such as drinks that contain caffeine or foods that contain
     high amounts of garlic or onions.  Also, make sure to drink a lot of
     water to keep the body hydrated, since those with excessive
     perspiration are at greater risk for dehydration, which can be
     dangerous in hot weather.

So that excessive perspiration sufferers don't have to be hung up on their wardrobe, they can now enter for a chance to win the Certain Dri "Don't Let Perspiration Rule Your Wardrobe" Sweepstakes. Visit http://www.certaindri.com/ or http://www.certaindriteen.com/ for details on how you can win a $1,000 shopping spree or learn more about Certain Dri products.

Certain Dri is sold over-the-counter in mass-market retail, supermarkets and drug stores nationwide and retails for approximately $5.50.

* Survey Methodology:

Harris Interactive(R) fielded the study from February 28 - March 2, 2006, via its QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service, interviewing a nationwide sample of 2,099 U.S. adults.

Source: Certain Dri

Web site:
http://www.certaindri.com/
http://www.certaindriteen.com/