Sweat is the body's natural way of cooling itself. However, the overproduction of sweat, especially in the armpits, can be an inconvenient and, in some cases, embarrassing problem. Depending on the severity of the situation, a few different treatment options are available to help reduce the amount of underarm sweat you experience.
Step 1
Try an over-the-counter antiperspirant. If a basic antiperspirant is not enough to keep your underarms dry, try a clinical-strength brand. Clinical-strength antiperspirants are available alongside traditional deodorants and antiperspirants at your local grocery or drug store. They cost significantly more than regular products, but provide added protection with active ingredients such as aluminum chloride to block sweat production in the armpits.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about prescription products. When the active ingredients in a clinical-strength over-the-counter antiperspirant are not enough to stop sweat, your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength antiperspirant with higher levels of the active ingredients found in other antiperspirant products. It is important to follow your doctor's directions closely when applying a prescription product, as skin irritation can be more common.
Step 3
Try Botox injections. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, Botox injections can help relieve excess sweating when the botulinum toxin is injected into the underarms. The toxin then influences the chemicals that activate the sweat glands, causing the glands not to be activated. The treatment was approved by the FDA in 2004, and continues to be a popular option for stopping underarm sweat.
Step 4
Lose excess weight. Obesity can contribute to excess sweating. Thick layers of fat can prevent the body from being able to cool itself correctly. To make up the difference, the body may sweat more in an effort to keep the body temperature under control. Losing weight can lessen the thickness of fat around the body, allowing you to stay cooler without sweating as much.
