Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

At the end of the work day I always seem to find pit stains in my shirt. Co-workers who have noticed my sweating problem divert their eyes when they see me look in their direction. I know they're trying to be polite but I need help and no one seems to want to address the issue. Will you, please?

Signed,

Sweaty Pits

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Dear S.P.,

You have a problem that I'm sure many can identify with, although each person's situation is different. Some medical literature suggests that your condition (affectionately referred to as "Axillary Hyperhidrosis") is a genetic predisposition that would require botox or laser treatment for successful results. Others argue that by just switching your deodorant to one of these antiperspirants you could save yourself from an unnecessary procedure.

I would suggest consulting a dermatologist before making any drastic decisions, although there are a few lifestyle adjustments that you could introduce into your daily routine that may get the proverbial antiperspirant ball rolling and minimize where you fall on the sweat spectrum.

It's true what they say: you are what you eat, but even more, you sweat what you consume. Food high in fat, spicy dishes, lack of exercise or not drinking the daily recommended amount of water could all have a hand in your problem. Even alcohol and cigarettes can contribute to overactive sweat glands.

One tip would be to shave under your arms to allow your antiperspirant to adhere directly to the skin. Another would be to wear shirts that don't have high arm holes to give yourself added room to aerate. Wearing a crew neck undershirt, or dress shields, could also help minimize the appearance of stains by absorbing moisture.

There are a number of options to choose from and many can be combined and tailored to produce the best results for you. Just because life can be the pits sometimes doesn't mean it has to show.

Need help getting rid of the stains left behind on your shirts? No sweat.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com