How to Get Rid of Underarm Wetness

Overview

Sweating is your body's built-in air-conditioning mechanism and normally is a response to warm conditions. Some people sweat much more than normal and do so for no apparent reason. Their shirts become visibly soaked with underarm sweat even when they are not hot. The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis, and it is caused by overactive sweat glands. Antiperspirant is sufficient to control most cases of underarm wetness. When antiperspirant is not enough, underarm sweat pads, lifestyle changes and even surgery are options.

Step 1

Apply an over-the-counter antiperspirant to reduce sweating. If an over-the-counter antiperspirant is not effective, see a doctor about getting a prescription-strength aluminum chloride--based antiperspirant. Strong prescription antiperspirants can cause underarm irritation. To reduce irritation, apply the antiperspirant at night before bed and wash it off in the morning. The aluminum chloride blocks the pores and will still be effective in the morning after it has been washed off.

Step 2

Wear underarm sweat pads to soak up underarm wetness, which prevents sweat from visibly showing through clothes. Underarm sweat pads are available in both disposable and reusable versions.

Step 3

Practice stress reduction techniques if underarm sweat is stress related. Listen to classical music, practice deep breathing exercises or do other activities that you find stress relieving. If you are unable to relieve stress at home, see a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you learn how to react to stress triggers or may prescribe anti-anxiety medications.

Step 4

Keep a daily food and sweat diary to identify foods or drinks that increase your sweating. Caffeine and spicy foods are sweat triggers for some people. In your food diary, mark down the foods and drinks that you consume at each meal and note the severity of your underarm sweat. After two weeks of keeping your food and sweat diary, review your entries to see if you can identify a trigger food or drink item. Eliminate any trigger foods or drinks from your diet.

Step 5

Visit a dermatologist to discuss having Botox injected in your underarms to temporarily reduce or stop underarm sweating. Botox temporarily paralyzes the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.