Excessive sweating from the armpit region is called axillary hyperhidrosis. The tell tale wet patches under the arm can cause people much embarrassment and social anxiety. The good news is that sweaty armpits can be treated and there is a variety of ways to get rid of this condition.
There are two groups of axillary hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is the easier of the two to treat since it is due to overactive sweat glands which are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. This is what the vast majority of people will suffer from that have sweaty armpits.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is can be much harder to treat due to the cause usually being an underlining medical problem. Since it could be due to a medical problem such as, diabetes, you will need to seek medical help as quickly as possible.
So how do you know which type of hyperhidrosis you have? See your doctor! You need to rule out a serious medical condition before you go about treating your sweaty armpits. If you have been given the all clear on secondary hyperhidrosis then there are many different ways in which you can put an end to your sweaty armpits nightmare.
Here are a few tips that can help relieve and get rid of this sweaty condition:
Tip 1 – Avoid “Stinky” Foods
Do your best to avoid foods that contain many spices such as Indian food. Stop eating pungent foods like onions and garlic. Also consider avoiding fish. Monitor over a week or two week period of time to see if this makes any difference to not only the smell but the excess flow of sweat. These foods can typically cause your sweat to be stronger and also they can make you sweat more in troublesome areas. So avoid them and see if there are any changes to your condition.
Tip 2 – Get Out The Razor
Another way to combat sweaty armpits are to shave the armpit region. This area can be a prime breading ground for bacteria to thrive and multiply. So cut them down to size by shaving your armpits and see if this makes a difference in the smell.
Tip 3 – Go Back To The Basics
If you have tried commercial antiperspirants before and they have not worked, then try to mix up different brands. Check the labels of the different antiperspirants and deodorants and try different combinations of active ingredients. You may find plenty that does not work in the slightest but one that works great. This can take a bit of experimenting but stick at it.
Tip 4 – Electrocute Yourself
This is a fairly cheap treatment (compared to surgery) using a machine called a Iontophoresis. This works by using a small electrical current to introduce a solution called glycopromium bromide into the affected area. This stops sweating in the area that you treat. You will need to have several treatments and each treatment will go for about a hour to a hour and a half. Results can last from anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Speak to your doctor about using this method for treating sweaty armpits.
Tip 5 – Try Something Different
If ordinary commercial antiperspirants and deodorants have not worked for you then go to your pharmacist and get 20% aluminum chloride. Follow the directions and use it only at night and wash off every morning otherwise it will stain your clothes. Some people swear by this solution, while others find it a complete waste of time. Test it out and see for yourself.