Excessive sweating, medically termed hyperhidrosis, occurs because of a malfunction with a person's sweat glands. Sweat is the body's way of reducing its temperature. Besides the underarms, excessive sweating may occur on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Stress, anxiety, warm environments and physical activity can make the condition worse. A variety of home remedies and treatments may decrease sweating. If sweating profusely is not controlled by at home measures, patients may choose to see a medical professional for more treatment options.
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants plug sweat glands found in the underarm area and keep underarms dry. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests using an antiperspirant containing 10 to 15 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate. The university reminds patients that deodorants do not decrease sweating, but merely disguise underarm odors. Reapplying the antiperspirant through the day may be necessary for excessive underarm sweat. Patients suffering from hyperhidrosis may want to have extra antiperspirants available at work or in the car, if sweating becomes profuse. Antiperspirants may cause staining on shirts. To avoid stains, patients should apply the topical products and allow solution to dry before getting dressed. Patients should use roll on or stick antiperspirants instead of spray on forms, suggests MotherNature.com.
Dress Wisely
Patients who have a large amount of underarm sweat should avoid wearing synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and rayon, according to MotherNature. These fabrics will not absorb sweat or allow air circulation. Instead, fabrics such as light cottons and other natural fabrics allow cool air in and warm air out. Loose fabrics are recommended over tight, snug fitting clothing.
Cool Baths
Prior to an important event soaking in cool water will temporarily shrink underarm sweat glands and decrease sweating for up to three hours, advises MotherNature.com. Patients should soak in the tepid water for about 30 minutes for best results. Cool compresses applied to the underarm area for 10 to 20 minutes may also cool the body and stop the underarm sweating.
Relaxation Methods
Some people begin to sweat heavily in the underarm region when anxiety or nerves hit. Patients may implement relaxation techniques including breathing exercises, yoga or medication to decrease stress levels prior to an important event. Progressive relaxation may also help; patients focus on relaxing the entire body beginning from the face and working down to the toes, advises MotherNature.com. Muscles are tensed while the person inhales and relaxed while a person exhales.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperhidrosis
- Your Body: The Missing Manual; Mathew Macdonauld; 2009.
- MotherNature.com: Sweating
- Guide to Psychology: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
