Armpit odor occurs when sweat combines with bacteria on the skin, producing an unpleasant smell. Although antiperspirants and deodorants can temporarily reduce sweating and odor, you may be looking for a long-term solution if over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants don't relieve the strong odor. Several medical options are available to stop underarm perspiration. When you eliminate perspiration, odor does not occur.
Botulinum Injections
Botulinum toxin type A has several uses, including reducing frown lines and treating movement disorders and spasticity. The toxin also helps relieve excessive underarm perspiration, a condition that is called axillary hyperhidrosis. The botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking the secretion of chemicals in the nervous system responsible for turning on the sweat glands, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Doctors use fine needles to place the toxin in the skin near the sweat glands. Ice packs, nerve blocks or pain-killing creams may be applied to the underarm area before the procedure begins to relieve pain. Several injections may be needed to reach all of the sweat glands. The effects of the toxin will eventually wear off. To prevent sweating and odor, you must receive additional injections at intervals ranging from seven to 16 months, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Medication
Prescription anticholinergic oral medication may help if you suffer from excessive sweating and odor. This class of drugs works by preventing stimulation of the sweat glands, according to the National Institutes of Health. Side effects, such as dizziness, blurred vision, trouble urinating and dry mouth, may prevent some patients from continuing with the drug regimen. If you experience a problem with sweating and odor during stressful times, your doctor may recommend that you take a beta blocker or a benzodiazepine tranquilizer before you participte in a stressful activity.
Sweat Gland Removal
Removing the sweat glands stops the perspiration that causes odor. Doctors perform the procedure under local anesthetic. During sweat gland removal surgery, the physician will remove the glands by cutting or scraping them from the armpits. In some cases, the surgeon will remove a portion of skin because skin also may contain some sweat glands. Liposuction is another alternative for removing sweat glands. The International Hyperhidrosis Society reports that liposuction results seem comparable to other methods of sweat gland removal, although there are fewer long-term reports of results. Sweat reduction may not be immediate following liposuction, but the problem can diminish up to eight months after the procedure.
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