Sweat results when the body becomes overheated through exercise or exertion. Sweat also is produced when you become nervous or stressed. Sweat by itself is odorless. When it mixes with bacteria, however, a strong odor can ensue. For most people, home remedies cure the unpleasant smells. More drastic treatments are available for those who don't respond to over-the-counter remedies or lifestyle changes.
Step 1
Take a bath or shower every day to erase bacteria that forms in your armpits Underarm bacteria is especially stubborn because the area remains warm and dark most of the time, creating an environment in which bacteria thrive.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) deodorant or antiperspirant daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, products that contain aluminum-based materials clog the sweat pores in your underarms and prevent sweating that leads to odor. Deodorants, on the other hand, typically are alcohol-based and do not prevent perspiration but kill the bacteria that cause odors.
Step 3
Ask your doctor for a prescription antiperspirant if OTC treatments don't work. Aluminum chloride is available in brand-name products such as Xarac and Drysol. Prescription antiperspirants typically are applied at night before bed and washed off in the morning. They can cause skin irritation, however.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about receiving Botox injections in your armpits to reduce excessive sweating and underarm odor. According to the National Institutes of Health, botulinum toxin type A effectively blocks the nerves that cause sweating. The procedure is especially effective if you suffer from primary axillary hyperhidrosis, which is extreme underarm sweating.
Step 5
Consider surgery to turn off the sweat response in the glands under your arms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the procedure, called a thoracoscopic sympathectomy, is performed through a minor incision under each arm. The procedure typically is performed on an outpatient basis with little recovery time needed. The main risk of the remedy is that sweating may occur in another part of the body that previously stayed dry.
Tips and Warnings
- The prescription antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride may be required only for a few weeks until sweating becomes more manageable, according to the National Institutes of Health. After that, the medication will only be needed weekly to keep excessive sweating under control.
- Tell your doctor if you experience excessive sweating because it can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Some medical conditions that produce sweating include hyperthyroidism, cancer, lung disease, anxiety and tuberculosis.
Things You'll Need
- Deodorant or antiperspirant
- Prescription antiperspirant
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