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Treatments for underarm excessive sweating
Why do we sweat?
Sweat is produced by glands in the dermis of the skin and helps control body temperature by evaporating to keep the skin cool.
What is excess sweating?
Sweating normally increases with varies factors such as higher environmental temperatures, exercise or stress. In some people excessive and uncontrolled sweating occurs all the time due to a condition called hyperhidrosis. For more information see hyperhidrosis
What about antiperspirants?
For excess underarm sweating the first thing to try are antiperspirants. The normal antiperspirants are generally ineffective and it is usually necessary to try a medical grade product such as DRICLOR (Aluminum Chloride).
How is DRICLOR used?
Driclor comes in a roller ball applicator. Treatment consists of applying the medication onto the skin and leaving it overnight and washing it off again in the morning. The skin must be dry and clean upon application. If the skin is moist, severe skin irritation may occur.
These antiperspirants must not be applied to broken, irritated or recently shaved skin. It may cause irritation which can be alleviated by the use of weak, corticosteroid cream. Avoid contact with eyes, clothing and polished metal surfaces.
What about surgery?
Surgery has been tried including a procedure called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy which surgically disrupts the nerves causing sweating. It has become unpopular due to its cost, downtime and risk of compensatory sweating of untreated areas such as the face or chest.
What about microinjection treatment?
The most popular longer term treatment option for excess underarm sweating is the use of a series of tiny microinjections of a solution that blocks the sweat glands from producing sweat.
Why is it popular?
It is a simple non-surgical solution to help people sweat at a normal rate for as long as 6-12 months (average 7.5 months) before needing further treatment. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and involves a series of tiny injections into the skin. There is no downtime and people can continue their normal daily activities straight away.
Is it safe?
Yes. The protein based product that is used is the same that is used for anti-wrinkle treatments and has been used safely for over 20 years in millions of patients.
