Treatment for sweating of armpits

Sweating of the armpits is known as axillary hyperhidrosis and it is estimated that around 5 percent of the population suffers from excessive sweating in the armpits. Most people experience sweating in the armpits during exercise and hot weather but some people sweat excessively to the point that it affects the way they live their lives.

Some people may think armpit sweating is part and parcel of daily life, but excessive sweating can be a real problem and it is worth visiting your doctor if it is getting you down. Your doctor may suggest a few changes to your lifestyle and habits, which may help to reduce the amount you sweat. These changes may include:

• Avoid wearing loose clothing made of light fabrics such as linen and cotton and avoid tight clothing made of man-made fibres.
• Use antiperspirant instead of deodorant.
• Wash frequently.
• Avoid triggers, for example spicy food and drinking alcohol.

Treatments for armpit sweating

There are various treatments that can be used for excessive armpit sweating. The first treatment will usually be strong antiperspirant, which will contain aluminium chloride, as aluminium chloride helps to block the sweat glands.

Botox is a very effective treatment for armpit sweating but the results are only temporary and repeat sessions will be required every 4-8 months.

Laser sweat ablation is a relatively new treatment, which involves using laser technology to destroy sweat glands in the armpits and this is a long-term cure for armpit sweating. Surgery can be done, but there is a high risk of compensatory sweating, which occurs when other areas of the body sweat to compensate for the lack of sweating in the treated area.