Excessive Underarm Sweating: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Other Options for Managing Excessive Underarm Sweating

In addition to medical treatments, some lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your symptoms. While these methods may not eliminate sweating entirely, they can significantly improve your comfort and confidence in day-to-day life.

Use Antiperspirants

While some people with hyperhidrosis find antiperspirants aren’t quite enough on their own, antiperspirants are often the first line of defense against excessive sweating. Unlike deodorants, which mask odor, antiperspirants actively block underarm sweat production by forming a gel-like plug in the sweat glands. For best results:

• Choose clinical-strength antiperspirants with high concentrations of aluminum chloride or other active ingredients. These are more effective than standard over-the-counter options.

• Apply antiperspirant at night when your sweat glands are less active. This allows the product to fully absorb and block sweat production by morning.

• Reapply as directed, particularly after showering or exercising.

Aluminum chloride can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, look for antiperspirants labeled fragrance-free or designed for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Monitor Your Diet

Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate sweating, so identifying and avoiding your triggers can make a big difference. Consider these dietary adjustments:

• Limit spicy foods: Capsaicin (a chemical found in hot peppers) can make your body feel hot and stimulate sweat glands (your body’s attempt to cool back down).

• Cut back on caffeine: Caffeine is known to spike blood pressure and increase heart rate, causing your body to sweat.

• Cut back on alcohol: Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which results in a rise in body temperature. Additionally, if you are alcohol-dependent, alcohol withdrawal may cause excessive sweating.

• Focus on whole foods: Processed foods tend to be high in fat and sugar and low in fiber, making them difficult to process. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help minimize overall sweating.

If you suspect certain foods are causing you to sweat, try keeping a food diary to pinpoint specific triggers.

Choose the Right Clothing

Don’t underestimate the role wardrobe can play in managing underarm sweat. The right fabrics and styles can help you stay cool and minimize visible underarm sweat marks:

• Opt for breathable materials: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo allow air to circulate, keeping your skin drier.

• Wear moisture-wicking fabrics: These are especially helpful during workouts or hot weather, as they pull sweat away from the skin and dry quickly.

• Choose dark or patterned clothing: Sweat stains are less noticeable on dark colors or busy patterns than on light-colored, solid fabrics.

• Layer strategically: A light undershirt can absorb sweat before it reaches your outer clothing (particularly if it’s moisture-wicking).

Stay Hydrated 

Though possibly counterintuitive, drinking enough water is a surprisingly effective way to combat excessive sweating. When your body is well-hydrated, it can regulate its temperature more efficiently, reducing the need for sweat. In addition to carrying a reusable water bottle, avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages which can dehydrate you, and incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges into your diet.