Excessive sweating is known medically as hyperhidrosis. Excessive underarm sweat can be inconvenient and embarrassing when it soaks clothing, ultimately causing yellow stains. Sweating is an important natural process that helps the body rid itself of toxins, so some sweating is a good thing. Those who suffer from excessive underarm perspiration, however, can take certain steps to reduce the amount of sweating they experience.
Step 1
Use a prescription antiperspirant. For moderate to severe cases of underarm perspiration, a physician may recommend a prescription-grade antiperspirant which contains aluminum chloride. Orysol and Xerac are two commonly prescribed antiperspirants. Prescription antiperspirants are applied at night to the underarm area. Some patients experience side effects such as red, swollen or itchy skin. For this reason, some physicians advise their patients to wash off the antiperspirant in the morning.
Step 2
Take an anticholinergic medication prescribed by a physician. Glycopyrolate, sold as Robinul and Robinul Forte, is an anticholinergic drug that blocks acetycholine, a chemical that stimulates the sweat glands. Patients should be advised that it may take up to two weeks to see results. Common side effects of anticholinergic drugs include dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, urinary retention, loss of taste, dizziness and confusion.
Step 3
Visit a dermatologist for iontophoresis treatment. During this procedure, a battery-powered device is used to apply an electric current to the armpits for 15 to 30 minutes while the patient is immersed in water. This procedure temporarily blocks the sweat glands. For full effectiveness, iontophoresis is performed daily for two weeks, and can be done at home under the guidance and supervision of a physician.
Step 4
Visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for Botox injections. Botox injected into the sweat glands blocks nerves that trigger sweat glands. Multiple injections are required to see moderate results. However, MayoClinic.com warns that results may only last four months.
Step 5
Visit a plastic surgeon for a surgical consultation. In extreme cases of underarm perspiration, the sweat glands may be removed. A full examination must be performed to substantiate the removal of the sweat glands.
Things You'll Need
- Clinical or prescription antiperspirant
- Anticholinergic medication
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