Underarm sweating causes embarrassment and stained clothes. While everyone sweats, some people produce much more underarm perspiration than others. Chances are the more anxious you become about the problem, the more you are likely to sweat. Sweat production increases if you are exercising or are too warm, but can also occur if you are nervous, stressed or anxious, according to the Mayo Clinic. Home remedies and medical treatments can reduce and prevent persistent underarm sweating and odor.
Step 1
Choose an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate if excessive sweating is a problem. The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends using antiperspirants that contain between 10 to 15 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Antiperspirants marketed as "clinical strength" usually contain higher amounts of this chemical.
Step 2
Use antiperspirant in the morning and evening. Applying antiperspirant at night when the body is cooler and less prone to sweating can help reduce sweating the next day. Using antiperspirant at night also increases effectiveness because nighttime application allows aluminum chloride hexahydrate to remain on your skin for six to eight hours before protection is needed.
Step 3
Wear clothing made of cotton or other natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe. When the skin remains cooler, perspiration is more likely to evaporate from the skin's surface. Moisture-wicking clothing can help reduce perspiration when you exercise.
Step 4
Bathe daily to reduce odor caused by perspiration. Carry baby wipes with you to clean your skin should odor develop. Reapply antiperspirant after using the wipes.
Step 5
Use talcum powder under your arms to help absorb excess moisture.
Step 6
Learn relaxation techniques if stress or anxiety contributes to excessive sweating. Meditation, biofeedback, exercise and yoga can help reduce your stress level, making excessive perspiration less of a problem.
Step 7
Try stronger prescription antiperspirants if over-the-counter products don't work. Prescription antiperspirants may cause skin irritation initially. If irritation occurs, your doctor may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream.
Step 8
Discuss other options with your doctor if a prescription antiperspirant doesn't reduce underarm sweating. Other options to reduce sweating include botulinum toxin injections into the sweat glands, oral medication and removal of the sweat glands.
Tips and Warnings
- Buy underarm liners to reduce the appearance of sweat marks on your clothing. These liners are placed in the armpits of shirts and absorb sweat. Liners are available in washable or disposable varieties. Use anti-bacterial soap when you shower or bathe. Perspiration odor develops when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin. Select an antiperspirant/deodorant combination, rather than a deodorant. Deodorants only mask odors and don't prevent perspiration.
Things You'll Need
- Antiperspirant
- Natural-fiber clothing
- Baby wipes
- Talcum powder
- Prescription antiperspirants
- Underarm liners
