It's estimated around five per cent of the population are affected by excessive sweating, and it normally occurs in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Hyperhidrosis aside, there are some other sweaty quirks: some folk sweat more in one armpit than the other, and some of us only perspire on our face. "There's several million sweat glands scattered though the skin's surface and every one of these are capable of producing sweat," explains Dr Lim. "However the density of glands may be higher in some areas than others." For instance you may have a higher proportion of sweat glands on the soles of your feet or in your right armpit than other parts of your body.

Noticed yellowish circles on your clothes? This is the fatty acids and proteins your body's perspiring, mixed with antiperspirant. And it's not actually sweat that smells - it's the bacteria on your body that reeks.

GOT THE SWEATS?
'''For symptom relief, Dr Ginni Mansberg recommends:
1. Judicious use of antiperspirant''' - this decreases the glands from sweating (check the label because "deodorant" means it only masks the odour). Look for aluminium chloride as the key ingredient and keep reapplying every few hours, not just after your morning shower.

2. Use cornstarch powder to keep you extra dry. You can buy plain old cornstarch from any supermarket, or pick up any organic baby powder that contains cornstarch instead of talc. Dust it on areas that get the sweats.'''''

3. Avoid foods that make you pong. Body odour is often related to what you eat, so steer clear of too much garlic or chilli. Hot and spicy foods also make you sweat more.'''

4. Wear cotton clothing, which helps your body breathe, and avoid artificial fibres like polyester. This can stick or cling to your skin, restricting airflow.

5. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, some drugs, such as aspirin and some antidepressants, can make you sweat more. But see your doctor before stopping any prescription medication.


PARALYSE YOUR PITS

A slightly more drastic solution to excessive sweating is Botox injections to block nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Effects start within a week and can last up to 12 months, says Claire O'Mara, a registered nurse at Sydney's Shape Clinic and MediSpa. According to the Australian Prescription Products Guide, side effects can include "increased sweating in other areas of the body, headaches and pain at the injection site". Shots cost from $750 to $1500, depending on the severity of your problem.

EXCLUDING THE NASTIES
If you've never had excessive sweating before and it comes on suddenly and you feel generally unwell, see your GP to rule out hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal glands). A thorough examination and some blood tests would diagnose these conditions, but both are extremely rare. So don't sweat over it.

Got the sweats? Let us know what really makes you sweat? A first date? A visit to your mother-in-law's? Share your story: