Excessive sweating disorder affects 2.8% of U.S. population; deodorants and antiperspirants contain toxic chemicals

There's nothing wrong with sweating in the first place. Only 2.8% of the population sweats so much that it's a huge problem. For the rest of us, there's a natural alternative to overpriced brand-name deodorants: baking soda and corn starch. Plus, if you stop eating the standard American diet of processed foods, red meat and soft drinks, you won't stink, either.

• ST. LOUIS -- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects a much larger proportion of the U.S. population than previously reported, according to new research.
• Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University, said that an estimated 7.8 million people in the United States suffer from hyperhidrosis.
• Glaser conducted a national survey of 150,000 households to determine the prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the United States population and assess the impact of sweating on those affected by axillary hyperhidrosis.
• Results will be published July 28 in the August issue of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
• People suffering from hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating on the underarms, palms of hands, soles of feet and the face, to name a few places.
• Cold, wet handshakes, soiled or damaged shirts, papers and shoes are just some of the symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
• Anxiety and stress often accompany hyperhidrosis, as well.
• "The results suggest that in axillary hyperhidrosis, sweating often impedes normal daily activities and can result in occupational, emotional, psychological, social and physical impairment in a substantial proportion of individuals," Glaser said.
• Prior to this survey, there was very little research available regarding the prevalence or impact of hyperhidrosis.
• * The prevalence rates were significantly higher among people 25-64, which is the prime working-age population.
• * Females are far more likely to discuss their condition with a health care professional (47.5 percent of women versus 28.6 percent of men.)
• This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Saint Louis University.