The Best Ways to Prevent & Control Underarm Sweating

Failure of an antiperspirant to protect against underarm wetness and odor can have embarrassing consequences. Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can occur as a result of several medical conditions or may have no apparent cause. Several treatments are available to reduce underarm sweating, allowing you to lead your life without worrying about stained clothes or unpleasant odors.

Antiperspirants

• When your usual antiperspirant fails, it may be time to try one of the stronger antiperspirants available in stores. These products are often advertised as "clinical strength" antiperspirants and are sold under such brand names as Secret, Dove, Maxim, Degree and Certain Dri. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, antiperspirants should be applied before bedtime because there is usually less sweating late in the day. Some manufacturers may recommend applying antiperspirants in the evening and morning. If over-the-counter antiperspirants don't solve your sweating problem, your doctor may write you a prescription for a stronger product. To avoid itching or redness with prescription antiperspirant use, the armpits should be washed six to eight hours after applying the product.

Medication

• Medication can help reduce sweating by preventing sweat gland stimulation. Drugs such as propantheline and glycopyrrolate are used to block the cholinergic receptors in sweat glands. Beta blockers may be useful in treating sweating due to stress. Improvement may be seen within two weeks after starting treatment, but long-term use of these medications is not recommended due to the side effects that the drugs may cause. Potential side effects include constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, dizziness, urinary retention, heart palpitations, confusion, diarrhea, loss of taste or trouble breathing.

Botox

• Botulinum toxin type A (botox) injections may prevent sweating if antiperspirants don't help resolve excessive sweating. A diluted concentration of botox is injected into the underarm area. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that triggers sweating. Multiple injections may be needed to treat all of the sweat glands. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), botox injections may be effective in preventing sweating for four to eight months.

Surgery

• Surgery to remove the sweat glands is an option if other treatment methods have failed. One potential complication of this surgery is compensatory sweating. Compensatory sweating is characterized by excessive sweating on other areas of the body, such as the face, legs, back, buttocks, face, abdomen or chest, after surgery. Compensatory sweating may also occur in people who opt for another surgical procedure called a sympathectomy. During this procedure, the nerve pathways associated with sweating are destroyed. According to the AAD, 80 percent of people who undergo sympathectomy suffer from compensatory sweating. This type of surgery is recommended only as a last resort because of the high incidence of compensatory sweating.

Prevention

• Antiperspirants work best when applied to clean, dry skin. Using an antibacterial soap will reduce the amount of bacteria under your arms. When bacteria mixes with sweat, odor results. Clothing made of cotton, silk, wool and other natural fabrics is the best choice if you have a problem with underarm sweating. These fabrics allow the skin to breathe, reducing sweating. If stress seems to make sweating worse, learning relaxation techniques or practicing meditation or yoga may help you reduce your stress level.