By Maggie Hira
Excessive underarm sweating is medically referred to as axillary hyperhydrosis. Causes include stress and hormonal imbalances. Certain neurological diseases can also lead to excessive underarm sweating. Mild to moderate perspiration can usually be successfully treated with prescription or strong over-the-counter antiperspirants. However, severe underarm sweating that cannot be treated with topical antiperspirants requires a more drastic solution like surgery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need: Powerful antiperspirant, Baby powder, Strong antiperspirant
Step 1
First, try a heavy-duty antiperspirant containing 20 percent aluminum chloride. Odaban is one such antiperspirant known for its potency, and you can get it without a prescription. Other heavy-duty antiperspirants are available from your doctor with a prescription.
Step 2
Wash your underarms with a gentle soap cleanser, and pat dry. Don't shave before applying the product as it can be extremely painful and irritating to apply the anti-perspirant on recently-shaved skin. Wait at least 24 hours after you've shaved to apply.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of baby powder or talc to absorb excess moisture. Underarm skin must be absolutely dry before application of a powerful antiperspirant.
Step 4
Apply one or two sprays of the antiperspirant to your underarm area. If you have particularly sensitive skin, spray the antiperspirant onto a washcloth and dab your underarms. Use the product before bed, and leave on overnight.
Step 5
In the morning, wash and dry your underarms. Use the antiperspirant once or twice weekly to get rid of excessive underarm sweating.
Alternative Options
Step 1
Try Botox injections under your arms. This is an FDA-approved procedure when topical antiperspirants do not work. When injected into the underarm area, the botulinum toxin inhibits the release of sweat.
Step 2
Try Iontophoresis, which is the administration of mild electrical shocks to the underarm area to thicken the skin. The thickening of the skin prevents the release of perspiration to the surface.
Step 3
Undergo surgery. During the procedure, the underarm sweat glands are removed to get rid of excessive underarm sweating. This should only be done as a last resort.
Tips & Warnings
Don't use heavy-duty antiperspirant on broken or overly-sensitive skin. If irritation persists, discontinue use and contact your physician.
Recommended Read
If you'd like to learn more on how to stop sweating naturally, get a copy of an ebook titled 'Stop Sweating & Start Living'. This ebook is a complete guide on sweat prevention & cure written by Mike Ramsey, an ex-sufferer of excessive sweating. He explains his experience on excessive sweating & how he found the cure naturally without wasting money on surgery. Mike also explains the step by step guide on how to stop excessive sweating naturally in less than 2 weeks. To learn more, visit his website at www.preventsweating.com
