When armpit perspiration is a problem, possibly causing embarrassment, social anxiety and strong body odor, the culprit is usually a condition called hyperhidrosis. Considered rare, excessive sweating affects almost 3 percent of adults in the United States, according to the MayoClinic.com.
There are two classifications of hyperhidrosis: primary hyperhidrosis is the condition itself, while secondary hyperhidrosis is associated with an underlying medical problem. Secondary hyperhidrosis must be resolved via diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. There are a few specific ways to remedy primary hyperhidrosis, which work for people who simply experience excessive underarm sweating.
Step 1
Put on a clinical-strength, over-the-counter antiperspirant containing 10 percent to 15 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate, as recommended by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, or IHS. These products are most effective when used before bed, washed off in the morning, and reapplied in the morning. If you prefer to use them only once a day, though, they are more effective when applied at night, advises IHS. Your doctor can also prescribe prescription antiperspirants.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about oral medications that can help prevent excessive armpit perspiration. Anticholinergics interfere with the nerve impulses that trigger sweating; clonidine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can also limit perspiration, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Consult your doctor about botulinum toxin, better known as botox, injections to stop your armpit sweating. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved botox injections as a treatment for axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis in 2004, notes IHS. Localized injections effectively but temporarily turn off sweat glands. Botox is injected just under the surface of the skin, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes. There are generally no significant preparation or recovery requirements, but always follow your doctor's instructions.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about iontophoresis treatments. The target area--in your case, the underarms--is dampened, and a mild electrical current is administered and gradually increased until you feel tingling, explains the National Institutes of Health. Iontophoresis temporarily shuts down the sweat glands. Ongoing treatment sessions are needed, with each one taking about 15 minutes.
Step 5
Inquire about an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy if no other methods successfully stop your excess armpit perspiration. This is a surgical procedure performed through an incision in the chest, which permanently interrupts the sympathetic nerve chain that runs alongside the backbone, explains the New York Presbyterian Hospital. The operation usually takes about an hour, requires no in-patient care and is credited with a 98 percent success rate for treatment of excessive sweating.
Tips and Warnings
- Deodorants alone do nothing to stop sweating; they simply reduce odor-causing bacteria, reminds IHS. Look for antiperspirants that contain deodorant if you have underarm odor.
- Only apply aluminum chloride hexahydrate antiperspirants to thoroughly dried skin. Don't use them on skin with an open wound. Wait at least 24 hours after shaving to apply these antiperspirants, cautions IHS.
Things You'll Need
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate antiperspirant
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