The 8 Most Popular Treatments for Underarm Sweat

Let's Be Real for a Minute...

Are you embarrassed or concerned about armpit sweat for no reason or sweat soaking through your shirt? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place.  

Listen, I get it! I know first-hand what it’s like to awkwardly keep your arms glued to your sides because you are afraid your coworkers will catch a glimpse, or whiff, of your pit stains. 

 The sweat struggle is real. 

 You Aren't Alone!

We aren’t alone in it, though. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, there are 365 million of us! Excessive armpit sweat can cause embarrassment and anxiety, and the stress caused by worrying about sweating too much can actually make us sweat more! Although it may seem like a lose-lose type of situation, there are ways to manage it.  

I’m confident I have tried almost all of the treatments for underarm sweat known to man; some were good, some not-so-good. If you are looking at how to manage underarm sweat naturally or test out topical products and medical options, I’ve compiled a helpful list of options for you. 

 Here are the 8 most popular treatments for underarm sweat:

 1. Using an antiperspirant/sweat blocker

There are several products that block sweat, like Sweat Block and Carpe. As the name suggests, these block your sweat glands with aluminum salts. You apply these aluminum salts, and when you start to sweat, a plug is created. It doesn’t stop you from sweating; it just stops the sweat from coming out of the area you blocked. You have sweat glands all over your body, so blocking them in your armpits could just create more sweat somewhere else. It’s not an ideal solution, in my opinion. Some of these products can be applied with a lotion as well. 

2. Getting acupuncture

Originating from Ancient Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is said to effectively treat a range of health conditions. If you aren’t familiar with it, this is when tiny, thin needs are strategically put into different parts of the body. Where they go depends on the condition being treated. Several studies have found acupuncture to effectively treat hyperhidrosis with no known cause. This is a great option for those looking to stop sweat naturally. 

 3. Taking vitamins 

My armpits sweat for no reason which makes it hard to pin-point a cause and an effective treatment.  Because of this, I tried various vitamins and supplements. There isn’t much scientific research to back this, but I thought why not give it a try. From what I had read, Vitamin B, C, and D could help balance toxins and hormones that could be contributing. 

4. Avoiding triggers

Easier said than done, I know, but there are some triggers like food and activities that can be avoided. Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and a diet with high quantities of fat and meat can increase sweat in some people. If you sweat a lot when your heart rate increases and during exercise, try to manage your heart rate. For example, although it would be good exercise and beneficial to your health, taking the 5 flights of stairs to your office could trigger serious sweating. While at work, opt for the elevator and try to stay cool. 

 5. Getting Botox

Botox is often suggested when antiperspirants aren’t strong enough. Unlike some herbal remedies marketed for hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating, Botox has been FDA-approved for this specific purpose. Botox can be an effective treatment for underarm sweat as it blocks the nerves that activate your sweat glands. Essentially, the overactive nerves in your underarm become paralyzed. This option isn’t for everyone. Treatment costs about $1000 on average and lasts from just 4 months to a year, and then you would need to have it done again. Note: Many people who try this option report that they experience increased sweating in another part of their body after they receive this treatment. A common example is increased sweating on your back instead of under your arms. Try to talk to people who have had this procedure to find out their experience if you are looking into this option.

6. Wearing clothes that block sweat stains and odors

When you think of the most embarrassing part of underarm sweat, what is it? Where do you feel most uncomfortable, and why? We are often so anxious about our excessive underarm sweat because we are afraid our friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers at the gym will see our growing wet patches. Wearing clothes that will prevent this from happening, so no one will know you are sweating, removes this concern entirely! This means you can go to the gym, play tennis or enjoy a round of golf, and you won’t have to keep your arms glued to your sides.  And this is where Elizabeth Reagan comes in! Finally a brand of clothes, not undergarments, that have built in protection.  So be sure to sign up for our email list so you can be the first to know when we launch! 

7. Sipping herbal teas

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries and can be quite powerful for certain conditions. Because of this, they can also have serious side effects, and you should always speak with your doctor before testing out a new herbal remedy. There has been some research done on different herbs and their ability to treat hyperhidrosis. Sage was found to constrict sweat glands, aloe vera lowers body temperature, and witch hazel shrinks pores. The quantities and methods of application aren’t widely researched. However, some supplements are floating around the internet containing these herbs and are marketed specifically as a treatment for underarm sweat. Just remember, the FDA does not approve these supplements, so there is some risk involved. 

8. Undergoing surgery

As you can imagine, this is a last-resort treatment option. The surgery to treat hyperhidrosis is called Sympathectomy, which is the removal of the sweat glands from the underarms. Undergoing surgery always comes with a long list of risks and side-effects and very accessible to many people. Same note here as with Botox. Many people find they experience increased sweating in another area of their body so get some feedback from others if considering this option.

Often we search for treatment, hoping to find a cure, but for many, there isn’t a cure that will stop our armpits from sweating. There are, however, ways to manage it and reduce the emotional distress and social impairment excessive sweating can cause. With the many options, I have tried, hiding it with activewear that uses cutting-edge innovation to hide the appearance and smell of underarm sweat has worked best!

What have you tried? I’d love to hear what has and hasn’t worked for you. Leave a comment and let me know below!