Sweaty armpits

What you can do for sweaty armpits

Avoid pungent foods such as onions, fish, garlic and spicy meals. These foods can be smelt in sweat and make it more noticeable.

Malt vinegar is an old-fashioned remedy that might be worth a try. Apply some to your armpits at night. Wash it off in the morning and then use your normal deodorant/antiperspirant.

Commercial antiperspirants. You have probably tried most commercial deodorants and antiperspirants, but check the labels and look for one with a different active ingredient. If you have heard a rumour about antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer, take a look at the section on antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Shave your armpits. Hair holds sweat and gives the bacteria more to work on.

20% aluminium chloride is the next thing to try if ordinary antiperspirants have not done the trick, but it can damage clothing. It can be bought from the pharmacist (ask for Drichlor, Anhydrol Forte, Odaban or Perspirex) and should be used as follows.

Before going to bed, wash and dry your armpits thoroughly. If you apply the solution to wet skin, a chemical reaction produces hydrochloric acid, which can irritate skin and tarnish jewellery. If necessary, use a hair dyer to ensure your skin is absolutely dry.
Apply the solution when you are lying down in bed. This sounds odd, but armpit sweating switches off when you lie flat, and the solution will be more effective if applied then. The solution works by passing into the openings of the sweat glands, causing them to swell up and block, but if sweat is pouring out of the glands when you apply the solution, it will not be able to get in.
It works best if the area is covered with plastic cling-film (food wrap). Unfortunately, the armpit is an awkward shape. Use tape (such as Micropore, which you can buy from a pharmacy) to hold the plastic wrap in place, then put on a tight-fitting T-shirt to help keep it in position.
Do not apply the solution directly after shaving, or the skin may become sore.
Wash off the solution in the morning, and do not reapply until bedtime.
If it proves effective reduce the application to every other night, and then to once or twice a week. Do not use it every day, because it can irritate the skin.
If it causes irritation, applying 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day for not more than 2 weeks can help.

What doctors can do for sweaty armpits

Iontophoresis is a treatment in which special spongy pads are applied to the armpit. These pads are moistened with tap water or a solution of glycopromium bromide, and are then connected to a small electric current from a special machine. Several treatments are needed initially, and sweating is then prevented or minimised for a variable time (maybe only a few days, but possibly several weeks). The treatment can then be repeated. Iontophoresis is available through some hospital dermatology (skin) or physiotherapy departments, and if it is successful you might wish to buy your own iontophopresis machine to use at home.

Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport) is a powerful poison, but injections of very tiny doses into the skin stop excessive sweating.

The injections are painful, but the pain is tolerable. Treatment takes about 30–45 minutes.
Botulinum toxin works by inactivating the nerves that trigger sweat-gland activity.
One treatment of about 12 tiny injections stops or substantially reduces armpit sweating for 2–8 months. After that, a repeat session will be needed.
This is a fairly new treatment, and is not available in all hospitals, but your doctor will be able to find out the location of the nearest specialist treatment centre.
It does not work for everyone, but about 9 out of 10 people respond (Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2005;43:77–80).
People who have had this treatment say that it greatly improves their quality of life (British Journal of Dermatology 2004;151:1115–22).
As you would expect, this treatment also reduces the smelliness of the armpits (Archives of Dermatology 2003;139:57–9).

A sympathectomy operation to destroy the sympathetic nerves that control sweating, often by keyhole surgery, is almost the last resort.

A general anaesthetic is required.
The sympathetic nerves lie in the chest just under the second, third and fourth ribs on each side. The surgeon operates through an incision in the chest wall and cuts the nerves or destroys them using an electrical current.
After the operation, you can return to a sedentary job after 1–2 weeks, and to a manual job after 2–3 weeks.
The immediate success rate is almost 80%, but after a few years only one-third of people who have had the operation are satisfied (Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2005;43:77–80).
The main drawback is that the body may compensate by increasing sweating elsewhere – usually the trunk, but sometimes the feet – so you may end up swapping sweaty armpits for a sweaty abdomen. This happens in between one-third and three-quarters of people who have had the operation. In 1 in 100, this ‘compensatory’ sweating is very severe, and they regret they had the operation. Unfortunately, the operation cannot be reversed.

Liposuction and subcutaneous curettage are methods of removing sweat glands from the deep layer of skin. They do not always work, and there may be bruising or scarring.

Surgical removal of some skin from the armpit is the final option. It can be dramatically effective, but can cause scarring so is rarely performed nowadays. Under a local anaesthetic, the surgeon removes a section of skin about 4 x 1.5 cm in size, taking away the most troublesome sweat glands.

Return to Sweating

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Thursday, June 10th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 23/07/2010 at 02:59:01 pm

I have a real bad problem with sweating its getting out of hand now I feel uncomfortable when im around this boy I like because I just pour out with it and im terrible when im nervous and the other day I was just a tiny bit cold and I had to change my top because it was soaked I cant go out anywhere without feeling embarresed, im actually happier now because im not the only one with this problem I just wish I could stop it :(

Posted by Candice on 14/07/2010 at 01:04:29 pm

I've tried everything. I've tried Drysol..and couldn't sleep due to the burning, and this was a month after using it. My Doctors won't refer me to a specialist because it's only my armpits, not my hands and feet. I can't lift my arms at work, or wear any t-shorts. I'm getting married in September and am TERRIFIED that I'll have pit stains on my wedding dress! I certainly did at our wedding social. How embarassing.

Posted by Really Embarrassed on 13/07/2010 at 11:39:53 am

I have a really bad problem with sweating, the boy I fancy, my best friend, and my teachers have all noticed it because our school uniform is red and the sweat really stands out. I dread going to school now and I can't forget about it because everyone points it out.

Posted by hog on 11/07/2010 at 06:18:48 am

ive been dealing with this problem since i was still in school and overtime i realised that the problem stems from psychological factor. i get really sweat when im around people i dont comfortable with which makes me nervous. when i feel comfortable and try to ignore this problem, guess what, no embarassing sweat patches! so just an advice, try to take ur mind out of it and you'll do fine. and try to feel comfortable around people, stop thinking too much. hope this helps. cheers

Posted by baby on 10/06/2010 at 03:50:20 pm

i have had this problem for going on a year,and im only 12 years old. i always wear a black shirt so nobody will notice, but it is very hard in school because we have a uniform. for me i wear a bigger clothes. i dont know what will work i have tryed many things. Pleas help!!!

Posted by PM on 08/06/2010 at 08:48:30 pm

Hello All. Please do not let this problem stop you - I have had this problem since high school which was almost 20 years ago. Sweaty armpits is extremely embarrassing when you are a teenager; however, there are more DIY treatments plus the internet that provides excessive information about this topic. Best advice to avoid Botox or surgery - keep your armpits clean and shaved regularly, use cornstarch (baby powder) under clean armpits and try the vinegar treatment nightly. It will not happen overnight but hopefully you will see results in 2-3 weeks. Also, monitor the food that you eat - minimize or eliminate processed foods, refined sugar, and so forth. Young ladies - you can camoflouge the sweat by wearing dark colors and camoflouge blends until you are able to control - also, try getting regular exercise 2-3 times a week. Hope this helps - I am very successful and I made it, sweaty armpits and all :)

Posted by Optional on 06/06/2010 at 11:44:54 am

my son sweats realy bad, he has used persoerex and still he seats but he to embarresed to go to docs.

Posted by Paul on 03/06/2010 at 09:04:56 am

Thanks for the succint article, it very clearly outlines the issues. I've had this condition since I was 21. I'm 29 now so I've had it for 8 years. I can honestly say it has had a profoundly negative effect on my life, reducing my confidence, making me very depressed, preventing me from taking up jobs where I would have to wear a shirt etc.. I also found it very hard to socialise and to meet new people where before I would have been much more outgoing. I found it too embarassing to go to the doctors about it after my first visit where the doctor prescribed beta blockers. ( The prevailing opinon at the time was that the condition was caused by a nervous disposition). According to the latest research I've read there is an element of genetic predisposition for this condition. This buoyed me no end as I had believed it was 'all in my heead' which was endlessly frustrating. I recently came to the conclusion that I was not going to let this rule my life, every person you come across has some form of flaw with their body that they are uncomfortable with, no matter how confident a persona they protray. I decided that this was mine and it shouldn't rule my life. (I'm blessed with a great circle of understanding friends btw which helped enormously) I only recently heard of this drichlor product and picked some up from the pharmacy the other day. I'm on my second day of use now and I can say that it has had a dramatic effect on my the problem there is already a very noticeable reduction in the amount I'm sweating from the underarms (which is my problem area). I would urge anyone with this problem to go to your GP and don't leave until you get some medical help, learn from my mistake and don't leave it as long as I did. The difference in your quality of life is profound when you finally realise that this is a medical condition that can be overcome and that it isn't going to be forever.

Posted by Optional on 02/06/2010 at 02:50:32 pm

somewhat helpful thanks

Posted by Kazzla on 02/06/2010 at 12:43:11 pm

...Well im getting realy upset because i Sweat ALOT under my arms and it shows through shirts, and iv had people laughing at me, and its almost impossible to hug a girl or be round one because i just feel realy embarressed... Please help me with advise... :'(

Posted by Megan Wiles on 15/05/2010 at 11:24:28 pm

I never use deodorant ever in my life, but they do not get sweaty when I go to bed.

Posted by Optional on 10/05/2010 at 06:42:48 pm

drysol really helped me with my problem. Its a liquid, all you do is apply it on at night time on clean and dry skin of course and you wash it off in the morning. You use your regular deodorant, you do this every second day and chances are youll never sweet again! you have to order it online or else youll need a prescription from your doctor. The website is: http://www.buydrysol.com/

Posted by Optional on 04/05/2010 at 09:26:55 pm

Dri Fit Tee shirts are great for helping out with sweat problems... Most all dri fit comes in a variety of attire (polos, tees, longsleeve) so you can wear them in any type setting. Don't sweat it, and forget it!

Posted by Option on 03/05/2010 at 08:23:31 pm

I get excessivly sweaty armpits and hands. It gets so bad to the point where i go home from school to change my shirt or even my sweater. My sweatstains are very noticable to others, and is extremly embarrassing. my hands also get so sweaty you can see it and they leave a wet mark on whatever i touch. please help me!!!!!

Posted by Optional on 29/04/2010 at 04:54:45 pm

sweating is very embarrasing,,i hate it bt i will try the malt vinegar..bt alot of ppl say that apple cider vingar works to

Posted by Adriana on 21/04/2010 at 08:29:14 pm

I have a really big problem with sweating. My hands, feet and armpit swet a lot and ALL THE TIME! It is really embarassing. I can't ware sandels, can't ware shirts that i like because of the problem. When i was in school i would get my homework all wet ppl would ask me why would i swet a lot? IT'S EMBARASSING! I have resorted to wearing big clothing to stop the swet. It is also a trouble at work, where I must wear a white shirt I have considered quitting and getting a job where a uniform is not necessary, however I am still asked frequently why I wear big clothes. I have tried all the strong anti-perspirants on the market and they have no effect. I was wondering whether the Botox injections would be suitable.PLEASE HELP ME!

Posted by Optional on 15/04/2010 at 04:35:56 pm

im getting tired of wearing a jacket in the hot tim e!!!!!!!!! what should i do to stop it. i was 11 years old when i started now im 12 years!

Posted by Optional on 13/04/2010 at 02:32:30 pm

hi people, ive started too have this problem,it started about 2 years ago i never ever sweat anywhere else apart from my armpits the thing is i never ever smell off sweat it is embarresin for me and i like too wear all these nice short sleaved tops but im too embarresed because i sweat.what should i do?

Posted by Hailey again on 10/04/2010 at 09:38:27 am

Posted by Anonymous on 09/02/2010 at 07:43:00 pm... I have the same exact problems! I am 13 now, i started sweating really bad this year 09-10. I have to do the same thing in P.E also!

Posted by Hailey on 10/04/2010 at 09:35:25 am

I'm in school and its so embarrassing, the sweating. I always wear jackets to hide it but it doesn't work! I only like to wear tank tops now because the sweating on short sleeves irritate me! I don't own one long sleeve shirt. I just want to be able to raise my hands in the air with no problem! HELP! what should I do?

Posted by fatima on 08/04/2010 at 08:27:35 am

please help me, my own sweating is getting out of hand. it is embarassing me too much by staining any cloth i put on

Posted by Ruby on 22/03/2010 at 01:27:04 pm

Thank you very much. I have heard the malt vinegar suggestion by several sights so thinki will stck to that. THe thing is my uncntolable sweating has come n very receently and its really bad, te thing is though, I am not hot when i sweat like this. I will mostlikely be cold and yet Ihave started to sweat like a pig

Posted by Optional on 20/03/2010 at 03:39:39 pm

Tnks 4 ur care bt i tend 2 sweat fast under my ampit what can i use pls.is embarassing!

Posted by Anonymous on 09/02/2010 at 07:43:00 pm

I have a really bad sweat problem. I take a shower every day in the morning before I leave the house to go to school and have found that this doesn't work. I have tried using various types of deodorant, none being effective whatsoever.. apart from one which was no use really because teh smell of the deodorant was very noticeable. Also every time I have P.E. I have to make sure I don't raise my arms up too high, so that peopel don't notice my sweat patches. It's so embarrassing and has had a serious toll on my social life. I'm 15 and have had this problem ever since being 13 or so. I don't know what to resort to next?

Posted by Rik on 23/01/2010 at 01:48:00 am

First, thanks for the first balanced, no-nonsense writeup on this topic. I am 44 years old and have suffered arm sweat since early teenage years. I have read a lot of the comments and recognize myself here. To the young people reading this, PLEASE don't let this condition stop you from reaching your full potential. If you were in a survival environment, the last thing on your mind would be sweat. You will also notice that the more distracted you are about other, more pressing issues, the less you will sweat. I recommend creating a personal "body environment" that minimizes the personal awareness concerns that trigger the sweating. Besides the tips and tricks on this web site, there are under garments specifically designed for us. I would follow all the recommendations on this site, related to clothing. Just knowing that your sweat won't show, will stop it in many cases. Personally, I have periods of more sweating. These can last for weeks followed by weeks of no problems at all (almost). I have also learnt to relax and not let perspiration bother me much. That will limit it too. I do a lot of networking events and that can trigger sweating. If I wear loose fitting clothes and a dress jacket, it simply won't show and I can manage. I am in pursuit of solutions and have been off and on for my whole adult life. I have actually just ordered some white shirts that have armpit protection. I have not received them yet, so we will see.

Posted by Anonymous on 31/12/2009 at 12:55:00 am

I have a really big problem with sweating and have done for about 3 years. It is really embarassing and I have resorted to wearing mens tshirts so as to stop sweat patches being visible. It is also a trouble at work, where I must wear a white shirt I have considered quitting and getting a job where a uniform is not necessary, however I am still asked frequently why I wear guys clothes. I have tried all the strong anti-perspirants on the market and they have little effect. I was wondering whether the Botox injections would be suitable, however I don't know if I could get them being just 15years old?

Posted by Anonymous on 15/12/2009 at 05:38:00 pm

I tried lots of treatments for severe underarm sweating. The only thing that works for me is the Botox. I would recommend that anyone suffering badly sees thier GP about getting Botox. It really has changed my life. The discomfort of the treatment is far out wieghed by the benefits!!

Posted by ysm on 07/12/2009 at 01:48:00 am

since i was 13,my armpits start sweating and smell.Then i thought shave the hairs can be help,but it even worst then before.beside my skin become black as well.when i feel nerves,it sweat much more.if i take the Botox injection,can it help my skin back to normal colour or have any medical that can help for my skin?

Posted by Anonymous on 05/12/2009 at 10:31:00 am

i have a similar problem, spoke to my gp and within 2 months was booked in for the botox injections which i had yesterday. i know they take around a week to kick in so fingers crossed

Posted by KissKiss on 16/10/2009 at 03:08:00 pm

I have had the problem of sweaty armpits for at least a year now. It makes it really difficult in my everyday life. I feel really embaressed about it and often find myself wearing black which is depressing because im a naturally bubbly person. I know i need to go to the doctors but im worried about what the cause of it might be.

Posted by Anonymous on 10/10/2009 at 12:54:00 pm

armpithair

Posted by Anonymous on 29/09/2009 at 08:00:00 pm

I'm a 13 year old girl from the UK and I have a problem with sweating. I have to wear my jumper all the time in school so people wont notice. It is really getting my down because no one else seems to have this problem. I've tried lots of things but nothing works. Please help - what should I do ? Thanks, Girl,13,UK

Posted by Anonymous on 18/09/2009 at 11:31:00 pm

hi im a 15 year girl who has had a sweaty armpit problem. i have tried everything but nothing seems to work. its very embarrasing espcially in school because kids would tell ill why are you sweating. i pretend i dont hear them and leave. its very hard to deal with. i try talk it over with my mom but she can not help no matter what i do it just doesn't seem to work. any recommendations? what shall i do? :(