Our body cools itself by producing sweat, an essential physiological process. However, excessive underarm sweat can cause discomfort and embarrassment for many people. This overproduction of sweat in the underarm region is associated with a condition known as axillary hyperhidrosis, a type of focal hyperhidrosis that primarily affects the sweat glands in the armpits. This article sheds light on underarm sweat, its causes and various hyperhidrosis treatment options.

What Causes Underarm Sweat?

The underarm region contains a high concentration of two types of sweat glands – eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands, scattered across the body, produce clear, odorless sweat primarily composed of water and salt. In contrast, the apocrine glands located in the armpits and groin produce a thicker sweat that produces a characteristic odor when broken down by bacteria on the skin’s surface.

Several factors affect the amount of sweat produced in the underarms:

• Physical Activity: Exercise, exertion, or any strenuous physical activity can lead to increased sweat production.
• Emotional Stress: Anxiety, stress, and emotional triggers are known to stimulate sweat production, particularly in the underarms.
• Temperature: Warmer temperatures or a hot environment can stimulate the body’s sweat glands, leading to increased underarm sweat.
• Diet: Certain types of food and beverages, such as caffeine and spicy foods, can also trigger excessive sweat production.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperhidrosis, hormonal disorders, infections, or certain medications can lead to excessive underarm sweat.

Dealing with Excessive Underarm Sweat

An appropriate diagnosis is essential for dealing with excessive underarm sweat effectively. If conventional antiperspirants fail to control sweating, medical advice should be sought. The doctor may conduct various tests, including the iodine-starch test or thermoregulatory sweat test, to confirm the diagnosis of hyperhidrosis.

Once diagnosed, there are several hyperhidrosis treatment options available. These range from conservative measures to surgical interventions:

• Topical Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter or prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate can be used as the first line of treatment.
• Medications: Anticholinergic drugs can help reduce sweating.
• Iontophoresis: This non-invasive procedure uses water to conduct a mild electrical current through the skin’s surface.
• Botox Injections: Botox injections in the underarm area can temporarily block the nerves stimulating sweat production.
• MiraDry: MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that uses thermal energy to eliminate sweat glands in the underarm.
• Surgical Intervention: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical option when other treatments are unsuccessful. It involves interrupting the nerve signals triggering sweat production.

Conclusion

Excessive underarm sweat can be a source of significant discomfort and embarrassment, greatly impacting one’s quality of life. Fortunately, advances in medical science offer several hyperhidrosis treatment options to control this condition effectively. Remember, correct diagnosis and treatment selection are crucial for optimal results. Thus, it’s recommended to seek medical advice if conventional antiperspirants don’t control underarm sweat effectively.