Perspiration, a natural human function, helps keep the body cool. Most people experience heavier perspiration while exercising, in warm temperatures, or in times of anger, fear, nervousness or embarrassment. In some cases, excessive sweating occurs uncontrollably even without these triggers. This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, appears in individuals with overactive sweat glands. Several treatments for normal underarm perspiration and excessive sweating are available over-the-counter or with a doctor's prescription.
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants, which are astringent substances applied to the skin to reduce perspiration, block the sweat ducts and prevent sweat from reaching the skin's surface. Many commercial deodorants also contain antiperspirants to help reduce normal underarm perspiration. The active ingredients in these products include aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium. These substances appear in varying strengths in different formulations. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, however, products containing 10 to 15 percent aluminum chloride are the first line of defense for treating underarm perspiration. In cases of excessive sweating, individuals may require a higher dosage of aluminum chloride or chlorohydrate. A doctor can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant when necessary.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription medications may also help alleviate underarm perspiration, but doctors typically reserve drugs for treating severe or excessive sweating. Anticholinergics, or drugs that inhibit nerve impulses from neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, help prevent the stimulation of the sweat glands. Although they may provide benefit in some cases, these drugs may not work for everyone. Side effects of anticholinergics include difficulty urinating, dry mouth and dizziness. Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers or benzodiazepines to help reduce excessive perspiration caused by stress.
Electricity
Since the early 1950s, doctors have used a process known as iontophoresis to treat underarm perspiration and excessive sweating from other areas of the body. During iontophoresis, the patient places the affected area into water and an electrical current passes through the water into the skin. The procedure lasts about 10 to 20 minutes and patients may require several treatments before they see results. According to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, doctors do not understand exactly how the treatment works, but they believe that it somehow plugs the sweat glands to temporarily prevent perspiration. In rare cases, side effects such as skin blistering and cracking may occur.
Botox Injections
When topical treatments do not yield results, your physician may suggest a Botox injection. Botox is most frequently used as a cosmetic procedure to help reduce lines and wrinkles in the face. In the case of excessive sweating, a doctor injects the substance into the underarm to temporarily block the production of sweat glands. Pregnant or nursing women, individuals under 18 years of age, or people suffering from muscle and nerve disorders, bleeding problems or difficulty breathing should avoid Botox injections. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, Botox treatment may cause side effects, including dry mouth, irritation, headache, neck pain, tiredness, vision problems and allergic reactions.
