Sweat reduction at Skin Medical

• Heat and humidity: The higher the temperature and humidity, the more you sweat.
• Genetics:Everybody sweats, but how much can often be linked to genes. In particular, how likely you are to have overactive sweat glands is often linked to family history.
• Stress and anxiety:Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger the body’s sweat response. Unfortunately, this can also become a vicious cycle as concerns about visible sweat stains or body odour can make sweating worse.
• Clothing choice:Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing can trap heat and moisture, causing more pronounced sweating.
• Hormonal changes:Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can trigger increased sweating.
• Age:Sweating patterns can change with age, and some individuals may experience increased sweating as they get older.
• Diet:A high-salt diet, caffeine and spicy foods can increase sweating, as can smoking and significant alcohol consumption. 
• Weight gain/loss:Overweight people are more prone to sweating because their bodies generate more heat, which then requires more cooling.
• Medications:A side effect of some antidepressants and blood pressure medications can cause excessive sweating.
• Medical conditions:Excessive sweating can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism or diabetes.

• Visible wetness:One of the most noticeable signs of sweaty armpits is visible wetness on clothing under the arms. This can occur during the day or night.
• Sweat stains:Dampness on clothes can lead to yellow or discoloured stains in the armpit area over time. Most apparent on light-coloured clothing, these are often difficult to remove and may mean clothes have to be replaced sooner than expected.
• Frequent showering:People who sweat excessively may need to shower or wash the underarms more than once a day, to maintain good personal hygiene.
• Odour:Excessive armpit sweating creates an environment for bacteria to thrive which are the cause of odour.
• Skin irritation:Excessive moisture can also trigger redness, itching and chafing around the armpits, which may cause rashes and discomfort.
• Embarrassment:Sweating can make people self conscious in social situations and often feel the need to check their armpits regularly for marks.
• Clothing changes:A need to change clothing during the day due to wetness or odour is a sign of excessive sweating.
• Avoidance of certain activities:Avoiding activities such as exercise, stressful occasions, or social events due to concerns about sweaty armpits would also indicate there is a problem that needs addressing.
• Frequent sweating:When is sweat production considered more than ‘normal’? The individual should consider if they tend to sweat when not physically active or exposed to hot conditions. This may suggest excessive or uncontrolled sweating.

• Botulinum toxin injections: The injection of toxin under the arms is not a common procedure everyone is aware of, but it is a successful medical treatment to temporarily block sweat gland activity.
• Iontophoresis: This non-invasive procedure involves a device that delivers a mild electrical current to the skin to block sweat gland function. A medical practitioner will provide more information. 
• Lifestyle changes: The wearing of loose, breathable clothing that minimises friction is a simple way to manage sweaty armpits, especially in hot weather. Pure cotton is a good choice of fabric. Stress-level management is recommended to avoid stress-related sweating and prescription oral medications can be obtained for excessive sweating should they be needed.
• Home use devices: Electrical iontophoresis devices are available for use at home to control excessive sweating, but their effectiveness is open to question. Professional treatments or advice are likely to yield much better results.
• Where medical issues may be a factor: Excessive sweating is not usually a sign of a severe medical issue, but if an individual is significantly affected by persistent sweating they are advised to consult a healthcare professional. Some conditions, for example diabetes, can cause excessive sweating.
• Surgery: For the most severe cases of excessive sweating where other treatments have not proved successful, the surgical removal of sweat glands may be considered. The medical practitioner will advise.

A prescription-strength antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride may prove more effective than ordinary antiperspirant products for patients experiencing excessive sweating. The use of absorbent powders or antiperspirant wipes can also help keep the underarm dry, especially for busy people.