Stains and marks on your clothing can make you self-conscious about underarm wetness. Sweating provides a valuable function for cooling off the body, but sometimes the body produces more perspiration than is actually needed. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, affects approximately three percent of people in the world, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Learning how to manage excessive underarm perspiration can help you feel more confident and can help you avoid throwing out clothing because of underarm stains.
Step 1
Wash your underarms at least once every day with an antibacterial soap. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin’s surface, odor can occur. Washing the underarms can keep simple underarm wetness from turning into odor.
Step 2
Wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton, wool or silk. These fabrics allow sweat to evaporate more quickly than manmade fabrics, such as nylon.
Step 3
Pick loose clothing that isn’t tight around the armpit area. Keep air circulating around the armpits to encourage evaporation.
Step 4
Use antiperspirant every day. Make sure you choose a product that contains both antiperspirant and deodorant and not just a deodorant. Deodorants only mask odor, while antiperspirant/deodorant products mask odor and control wetness.
Step 5
Apply antiperspirant at night and in the morning for maximum protection. Applying the product at bedtime allows the product to begin working at a time when sweating is minimal.
Step 6
Try stronger, clinical strength, over-the-counter antiperspirant/deodorant if regular strength products don’t help control wetness. You may need to try several brands before you find one that is effective for you.
Step 7
Ask your doctor about a prescription antiperspirant if over-the-counter versions aren’t helping. The International Hyperhidrosis Society reports that prescription antiperspirants are usually applied at night and must remain on the skin for six to eight hours to be effective.
Tips and Warnings
- Discuss other treatments with your doctor if underarm sweating is severe. Injections of the botulinum toxin A can temporarily stop sweating. Surgery is also available to cut nerves to sweat glands or remove sweat glands completely. Surgery can have unpleasant side effects, such as increased sweating in other areas of the body, and should only be considered if all other treatments are ineffective. Stress and anxiety can contribute to excessive underarm perspiration. If you think that stress may be a factor in sweating, try reducing stress by exercising or learn relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
- Prescription antiperspirants can irritate the skin, causing swollen, itchy or red areas under the arms. MayoClinic.com recommends washing off prescription antiperspirant in the morning to prevent this problem.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Antiperspirant
