Sweating in my scrubs... yuck

[RunninNurse]

Alright, my fellow nursing people, I need your expertise. I have a dilemma of sweaty sorts.

I'm a sweaty, sweaty person. Ever since puberty I've been plagued with an excessive sweat problem in the armpit areas that has caused a lot of embarrassment and severely limited my wardrobe options. I like to compare my sweating to that of a large hairy Russian man in Florida during a heat wave. Yep, it's that bad.

For the past few quarters of nursing school I've been suffering in royal blue scrubs that show every water drop with spot light brilliance. Since there's no option for different scrubs, I need some advice on how to curb the sweat mark notability.

Has anyone found a particular type of shirt to wear under their scrubs that's amazing at wicking moisture, without redistributing it onto the scrubs? I've considered Under Armor, but recently heard it's not that great if you're a super sweater. Anyone else have this problem and have any found ingenious ideas?

By the way, I'm not looking for medical advice here. I know I can probably find a pharmaceutical cure for this problem, but since I cannot afford even the cheapest insurance right now... it's not on the table as an option. And yes, I've tried every type of deodorant known to man kind.

[loriangel14, RN]

Have you discussed your condition with your doctor?

[RunninNurse]

So, as I wrote in my original post I cannot go to the doctor for this. I do not have health insurance because I cannot afford even the cheapest offering for it right now. While I'd love to get a prescription for this problem, it's either choosing between groceries for the month or going to the doctor. And when this isn't a medical necessity... groceries win.

[sMoLsNurse]

So, as I wrote in my original post I cannot go to the doctor for this. I do not have health insurance because I cannot afford even the cheapest offering for it right now. While I'd love to get a prescription for this problem, it's either choosing between groceries for the month or going to the doctor. And when this isn't a medical necessity... groceries win.

Well, try the Dove Clinical Protection. If that doesn't work I don't know what else to say if you don't have insurance. I guess just be sweaty

[NurseKayti]

Have you tried applying milk of magnesia on your skin where you sweat the most? I've heard that works for some people. You might need to reapply it through the day though.

[liketheairport]

I use Secret or Degree Clinical Protection. Oddly, I rarely sweat anywhere but in my armpits, even during exercise. (Of course, it may have something to do with my temperature being 97.2 - 97.4 always.)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Mitchum Antiperspirant is OTC. The key to any antiperspirant (not deodorant!) is to have it onboard hours before you need it and use it every single day, because it actually interacts at the subcutaneous level and takes awhile to accumulate. Apply before bed after shower every night. Also works well for palms and feet.

Can't you see your college health staff?

And you'll have to have health insurance soon, so then you can ask your primary care to help you out.

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

Drysol. It's a prescription but works well. Good luck.

[lthomas91]

There's something called Certain Dri available OTC. They have both deodorant and roll on. The roll on works GREAT for me. It's available in most of the retail stores. It's not that expensive. Under $5 I believe. You put it on at night and you can use your regular deodorant for daytime. Def give it a try if you haven't. This has done wonders for me.

[emde]

I have the same problem. I sweat from my armpits even when it is cool. I started using Certain Dri deodorant, and it has been working. I still sweat, but it is not too bad. I feel much better!! You can get it online for less than $5.

[ComeTogether, LPN]

I have hyperhidrosis as well and literally have to wear a towel around my neck to sop up the sweat. Sweaty armpits are the least of my worries. I literally drip on people, its that bad. I have multiple people a day ask me if I've taken a shower because you can actually ring out my hair. I haven't found a solution, but I thought id tell you you aren't alone.

On a side note, it really doesn't bother me. I just make a joke about it and most everyone knows its due to how fast i move around and my condition.

[caliotter3]

When I was entering puberty eons ago and started to sweat profusely, they had what was called dress shields that my mom got for me. You pinned them in place. I haven't seen dress shields anywhere in decades. Guess they have fallen out of "fashion".

[RunninNurse]

Yeah, I've tried every deodorant around. I'm at the point where I need alternative options just to keep the sweat marks at bay. I'm more looking for clothing ideas, not deodorant.