Although it almost never harms the body physically, the social and emotional problems caused by excessive sweating can be quite serious. The recommended treatment is determined by your problem: wet, smelly, or yellowing clothes in the armpits. You can reduce the problem using over-the-counter medications and by changing your lifestyle. If that doesn't work, there are many other treatments you can consult with your doctor.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatment
Step 1. Take a shower regularly to reduce body odor
Bacteria on the surface of the skin can make sweat smell bad. So, take a shower every day to get rid of sweat and prevent this from happening.
- Try splashing cold water at the end of your shower. Splashing cold water will lower the body's surface temperature so you don't sweat quickly.
- Pat your armpits dry with a clean towel. Rubbing the towel vigorously can irritate your skin and trigger more sweat.
Step 2. Use an antiperspirant deodorant
Ordinary deodorant is only able to disguise the smell. Meanwhile, to prevent your clothes from getting wet with sweat, you need an antiperspirant. Use this product right before going to bed and getting up in the morning, or after drying off after a shower. Your skin is usually cold and dry during this time. So, antiperspirants can reach and close the sweat glands easily.
- If your underarms are wet, dry them first with a hairdryer on low.
- Most antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds which can leave a yellowish stain on the underarms. Before the stain sinks in, wash your clothes immediately.
Step 3. Wear loose clothing made of natural materials
A light cotton t-shirt, for example, will absorb moisture from your skin. Allowing clothes to absorb moisture may sound strange, but it can cool your skin. On the other hand, thick or synthetic T-shirts will make your body hot and sweaty.
If after wearing loose clothing made of natural materials you still sweat, wear a light undershirt as well
Step 4. Put on a sweat absorbent pad
These cotton pads can be glued to the inside of the shirt and absorb sweat so it doesn't seep out of the clothes. Look for products sold as "underarm shields," "armpit guards," or the like at a pharmacy.
Step 5. Sprinkle baby powder on your armpits
Baby powder (talc powder) can absorb moisture, preventing clothes from getting wet with sweat. While generally not as effective as antiperspirant deodorants, they do not stain clothes.
Talcum powder was associated with cancer. However, studies provide mixed results. However, you should not inhale or sprinkle the powder on a woman's groin area
Step 6. Drink enough water
Whenever you feel hot or thirsty, drink a glass of cold water. Intake of water will lower the body's internal temperature thereby preventing sweating.
Step 7. Reduce sweat triggers
Many people suffer from hyperhidrosis, or genetic or hormonal excessive sweating. Whatever the cause, certain foods or compounds can make this problem worse. So, consider making the following changes if you're used to doing them on a daily basis:
- Quit smoking or using other nicotine-containing substances.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Stop caffeine intake.
- Reduce your intake of spicy food. Reduce the intake of garlic and onions too because both can make your sweat smell even more.
- Talk to your doctor about other drug options if you suspect it is causing sweating. Blood pressure and diabetes medications can cause this side effect. However, do not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor.
Step 8. Drink sage tea
Sage tea is a natural treatment for excessive sweating. However, this efficacy has not been tested in scientific research. If you want to try it, drink sage tea every afternoon so that the hot temperature of the tea doesn't trigger you to sweat during the day.
- Consult your doctor first before using large doses of sage supplements because of the serious side effects. Sage contained in food is not harmful, but can cause problems in people with diabetes, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, or those who are allergic to this plant.
- There are many types of sage. For the treatment of excessive sweating, generally used Salvia officinalis or Salvia lavendulaefolia.
Method 2 of 2: Medical Treatment
Step 1. Purchase a prescription-dose antiperspirant
Your doctor can prescribe stronger, non-over-the-counter antiperspirants. These products are usually only used once or twice a day in small amounts due to their higher chemical content. After the effect, you only need to use it again once a week or two.
This product may irritate the skin. If necessary, ask your doctor for hydrocortisone lotion to soothe the skin
Step 2. Consider the use of an iontophoresis apparatus
The trick is to soak the sweaty body part in water that is electrified. Although the mechanism of its effect is still unclear, this medical treatment is quite widely used. This option is generally more effective for dealing with sweat on the feet or hands. However, special tools for the armpits are also available. Ask your doctor for this treatment, or buy a simpler iontophoresis kit. Patients generally try this treatment daily for a few weeks, then reduce the frequency if effective.
- Consult your doctor first if you have metal implants in your body (such as a pacemaker or IUD), if you are pregnant, have ever had a heart arrhythmia, or if you have a rash on your armpits.
- This treatment can cause your skin to turn red, and, although rarely, cause blisters.
Step 3. Consider the use of strong oral medications
There are several types of drugs that can reduce sweating, but have serious side effects. In some cases, a dermatologist may recommend Botox injections or other treatments before considering taking this medication. The following are two of the most commonly used oral treatments:
- Anticholinergic drugs are effective in treating about 50% of cases, but often cause disturbing side effects such as confusion and constipation.
- Beta-blockers can reduce sweating, especially if they are triggered by anxiety. All drugs of this class have serious side effects and should not be used by people with asthma and most people with heart disease. All beta-blocking drugs can cause depression or dizziness, and certain medications may have other side effects.
Step 4. Consult a stronger treatment with a dermatologist
The following treatments should only be performed by an experienced dermatologist. In most cases, the cost of this procedure is also not covered by health insurance.
- Botox injection in the armpit can paralyze the nerve endings that send signals to the sweat glands, usually within a few months. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has authorized this treatment for the armpits if the use of antiperspirants is not beneficial. If done correctly, the risk of this action is very low, but includes problems that threaten safety.
- A microwave treatment to remove sweat glands was recently approved by the FDA. So, it may not be available worldwide yet.
- In severe cases, the dermatologist may remove part of the sweat glands or the nerves that connect to them through surgery. Liposuction is the type of surgery usually recommended for the armpits. The risk is low, but there is a chance that this action will cause serious problems.
Tips
- You can try deodorant products that are intended for women and men. If it's effective, who cares?
- Bring tissue in small packs. When needed, go to the bathroom and pat your sweat dry.
- Sit near a fan to cool off. The airflow will evaporate the water from the skin and cool your body quickly.
- If your armpit hair has just been shaved/plucked, use a mild deodorant for sensitive skin. Do not get your armpit skin scratched because friction will cause skin irritation.
- Don't spend time outdoors wearing a thick jacket. Just wear a loose top. Avoid white because it will make sweat stains visible.
Warning
- Do not spray perfume when your armpits smell. The combination of smells will make your body odor worse!
- If you're sweating a lot and don't know why, see a doctor. Most cases of excessive sweating are harmless, but sometimes it may signal a more serious problem.
- Some people use antibacterial soap in the shower to reduce body odor. Whereas according to the FDA, these products may be ineffective and have unknown side effects.
