Excessive sweating almost never causes physical harm, but it can be an emotionally and socially unpleasant situation. The best treatment depends on the type of problem, which can be a sweat-soaked shirt, odor or yellowing stains under the armpits of the clothes. You can greatly reduce all of these uncomfortable situations with non-prescription products or by changing your habits. If you are unable to solve the problem despite all the proposed solutions, know that there are many other treatments that you can evaluate with your doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatments
Step 1. Shower or bathe regularly to reduce odor
If bacteria remain on the skin they can turn old sweat into an unpleasant stench in the armpits. Wash every day to get rid of sweat before it happens.
- In the last minute or two of the shower, try to use fresh or cold water. In this way you reduce the temperature of the skin and you will probably tend to sweat less, at least immediately.
- Pat your armpits dry with a soft towel. Scrubbing too hard can strain your skin and cause more sweating.
Step 2. Put on an antiperspirant deodorant
A normal one only hides the smell, but if you want to avoid impregnating your clothes, you have to use an antiperspirant product. Apply it just before going to sleep and immediately after getting up, or after drying off after you shower. The skin is usually fresh and dry in these moments, so the antiperspirant easily reaches the sweat glands and blocks their action.
- If your armpits are sweaty, dry them first with a hairdryer by setting the fresh air.
- Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which can create yellow spots in the armpits. If this happens, wash your clothing early so the stain can't stick to the fabric.
Step 3. Wear loose fitting clothing made of natural fabric
A light cotton t-shirt, for example, wicks moisture away from the skin. You might think that a garment that absorbs moisture is not exactly the best thing, but it is ideal, because it keeps you cool. A heavy or synthetic shirt retains heat, making you sweat more.
If you also sweat through these clothes, put on a light tank top
Step 4. Put on underarm pads
These cotton swabs are attached to the inside of the shirt sleeves and absorb sweat, so that the dress is less soaked. You can find these products in drugstores or supermarkets and are sold as "underarm tampons", "underarm tampons" or similar names.
Step 5. Sprinkle your armpits with baby powder
This powder absorbs moisture and prevents sweat from wetting clothing. It's not as effective as antiperspirant deodorant, but it won't stain clothes.
Talc has been partly related to cancer, but studies give mixed results. It is best to avoid inhaling it or applying it in the female groin area
Step 6. Drink enough water
Whenever you feel hot or thirsty, drink a glass of cool water. This lowers the core temperature, so the body doesn't have to lower it through sweating.
Step 7. Reduce the factors that cause sweat
Many people suffer from hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating - for genetic or hormonal reasons. Whatever the cause, some foods and substances can still aggravate the problem. Consider making the following lifestyle changes if they are part of your daily habits:
- Stop smoking or taking other forms of nicotine.
- Cut down on alcohol consumption.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks.
- Eat less spicy foods. Eat less garlic and onion, as these elements increase the smell of sweat.
- Talk to your doctor for alternative solutions if you think your sweat is caused by the medications you are taking. Medicines for blood pressure and diabetes can actually aggravate sweating, but avoid stopping therapy without your doctor's advice.
Step 8. Try drinking sage tea
It is a traditional remedy for excessive sweating, even if it has not been tested in any way and there are no scientific studies that attest to its effectiveness. If you want to try this solution, plan to drink it every day in the evening so that the heat of the tea doesn't cause too much sweat during the day.
- Consult your doctor before taking excessive doses of sage supplements, as they can have serious side effects. Moderate amounts of sage in the diet are mostly harmless, but this herb can harm people with diabetes, epilepsy, bleeding disorders or if they are allergic to the plant.
- There are many varieties of sage. In general, Salvia officinalis or Salvia lavandulifolia are used for this treatment.
Method 2 of 2: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Get a prescription for an antiperspirant product from your doctor
Prescribable ones are more effective than over-the-counter ones. They are typically only applied once or twice a day and in small amounts due to the more concentrated chemicals. When the product starts to work, simply reapply it once every week or two.
Keep in mind that this deodorant can irritate the skin. If necessary, see your doctor for a hydrocortisone lotion to soothe it
Step 2. Consider an iontophoresis device
It is a therapy that consists in wetting the area affected by abundant sweating in water and sending a mild electric current. While it's not entirely clear why it's effective, it's still a popular medical treatment. Better results are usually achieved for the hands and feet, but there are special armpit devices. Ask your doctor about this therapy or buy a less potent model that you can find at the pharmacy without a prescription. Initially, patients typically undergo treatment every day for several weeks and less frequently thereafter if it is effective.
- Tell your doctor beforehand if you can undergo treatment if you have a metal implant (such as a pacemaker or IUD), if you are pregnant, if you have heart arrhythmia, or if you have rashes in your armpits.
- This therapy can cause redness of the skin and, more rarely, blisters.
Step 3. Consider taking strong oral medications
There are several types of medicines that can reduce sweating, but be aware that they have serious side effects. In some cases, the dermatologist may recommend a Botox injection or other treatment before evaluating these drugs. The following are the two most common types of medicines for this problem:
- Anticholinergic drugs are effective in 50% of cases, but often cause unpleasant side effects such as confusion and constipation.
- Beta-blockers can reduce sweating, especially if it is caused by anxiety. All drugs of this type have serious side effects and cannot be taken by those suffering from asthma or major heart ailments. Any beta blocker can cause depression or dizziness, and some specific drugs can have other side effects.
Step 4. Ask a dermatologist to provide you with a more powerful cure
The following treatments should only be administered by an experienced dermatologist. In most cases, know that they are not covered by health care and the costs are entirely at your expense.
- An injection of Botox in the armpits can paralyze the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands and usually the effectiveness lasts a couple of months. You can do this underarm treatment when antiperspirants are not effective. The risks are really minimal if the procedure is done correctly, but they include life-threatening problems.
- Since 2012 there has also been a cure with a microwave device to remove sweat glands; it is a tool created by an American company, approved by the FDA and also widespread in Europe. Check with your doctor to find out if it is available in your area.
- In severe cases, the dermatologist can surgically remove some sweat glands and the nerves connected to them. Usually for the armpits, the most suitable intervention is liposuction. The risks are low, but there is the potential for serious complications.
Advice
- You can try both deodorants designed for men and women. If they work, you've already solved your problem.
- Always have a pack of paper tissues available. When needed, go to the bathroom and pat your armpits dry.
- Approach a fan when trying to cool off. The air flow evaporates the moisture from the skin and cools it quickly.
- If you shave or wax your armpits or your armpits are particularly sensitive, use a mild deodorant. The last thing you want to do is scratch your sore armpits, as friction causes skin stress.
Warnings
- Don't spray perfume or deodorant when you have sweaty armpits. Mixing smells creates a terrible stench, worse than before!
- If you've started sweating more and don't understand why, see a doctor. This is usually harmless, but sometimes it is a sign of some more serious problem.
- Some people shower using an antibacterial product to reduce the smell of sweat, but these are not always effective and they can also have unknown side effects.
