Excessive Underarm Sweating, Its Causes, Symptoms and Cures

Armpit sweating is also called axillary hyperhidrosis. It can be a very embarrassing disease to have, because it prohibits you from engaging in any type of physical activity. It will also taint your clothes, letting everybody else know that you have a certain condition that you can't be proud of.

Everybody sweats in their armpits. This is normal, especially during the hotter weather or when exercising in the gym. If your underarms sweat without provocation, then it may be the time when the problem becomes too apparent.
A lot of people see axillary hyperhidrosis as a health concern that can otherwise affect one's work, activities, and daily living. It can also infringe on one's social and interpersonal relations.

People with this problem can also wear limited types and colors of shirts and clothes. As much as possible, they are only advised to wear light colored shirts with fabrics that will not reveal the sweat marks under their arms.

The bigger concern related to axillary hyperhidrosis could probably be odor problems. Since sweat is the favorite breeding ground of bacteria, it is common for people with this problem to develop body odor as well.

Causes

Axillary hyperhidrosis can be genetic. It is a disease that can be passed on from one generation to another. However, improper hygiene may also trigger the problem in some cases. If you fail to observe proper body cleanliness such as not taking a bath and washing your underarms regularly, then you're more likely to develop axillary hyperhidrosis with body odor. In some cases, the actual cause of this condition is yet to be discovered by medical researchers.

Symptoms

The wet marks on your shirt will be the tell-tale sign that you are suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis. There may or may not be odor in your sweat. After all, sweat on its own is odorless. Sweat may contain small amounts of salt and other solutes. However, they don't necessarily produce odor. What actually bring a foul smell to sweat is the bacteria that combine with it.

Cure

Right now, there are many antiperspirants and deodorants available in the market. They have varying effectiveness. You can try all of them and see which one solves the problem best. If over-the-counter medications don't prove to be good for you, you can ask the help of a dermatologist to write you a prescription for a stronger antiperspirant cream. Of course, you would have to follow the strict instructions that would come along with it.

Aluminum chloride diluted in ethyl alcohol is a very good home remedy for axillary sweating. This solution, including all other topical remedies, is best applied at night before going to bed. Never apply it on open wounds or after shaving your underarms, as this can cause skin rashes and inflammation.

There are also oral medications that can help address the situation, although using these remedies requires the guidance of your doctor as well. These drugs may have side effects that could otherwise deter your health or may come in the way of other medications. Extreme cases of axillary hyperhidrosis can be cured with surgery.