Sweaty Underarms
Sweaty Underarms - Not Always Easy To Deal With
Axillary Hyperhidrosis - Somewhere between 1% and 2% of our population suffers from sweaty underarms, a condition known as Axillary Hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive moisture or sweating, and Axillary refers to the underarm region. Those who suffer from this disorder, sometimes sweat excessively on the palms or their hands and soles of their feet as well. This condition is known as Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis. Of course different people perspire differently, in terms of degree, but the condition of Axillary Hyperhidrosis, while not harmful medically, or in terms of ones general health, can definitely have social implications.
Those who have sweaty underarms may have to change shirts or underwear several times a day and can suffer embarrassment for sometimes very visible rings beneath the armpits. Not only are their social implications, but constant laundering, or rotting of fabric if the shirt or undergarment is not washed promptly, can be costly. There is not really an easy cure for this situation, primarily because people respond differently to available treatments, and a few don't respond at all. In some cases, a simple deodorant may be all someone needs, and it may simply be a matter of trying several brands to see which work the best.
Symptomatic Of Another Disorder - The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is often unknown. It is not usually associated with any particular disease or disorder, as otherwise perfectly healthy individuals may suffer from sweaty underarms. Emotion can play a role. Many of us have experienced sweaty palms or underarms when in a stressful situation, and at times the weather can seem to be a factor as well. In most cases though, emotion or the climate have little effect on when those afflicted with underarm sweating will experience the problem.
The worst thing one can do about the situation is to do nothing, and simply try to live with it. Granted, there are a few for which no approach to treating the condition will seem to work, but most respond positively to one treatment or another. A program of treatment is often an incremental approach, trying first one thing, and then going on to stronger medications and possibly surgery.
Over The Counter Products - In milder cases, choosing the right deodorant may either resolve the problem or at least make it tolerable. These are the over the counter products, and there are a number of home remedies as well. Looking at what various people afflicted with the disorder have to say, it's apparent that what works for one person often doesn't work for another. There's no silver bullet.
Aluminum Chloride - The closest thing to a silver bullet may be aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hexahydrate. This chemical compound serves to block the sweat pores, at least to the point where sweating occurs on a more normal basis. Aluminum chloride seems to work for a majority of those afflicted, but a significant percentage of those who try it find it irritates their skin to the point that the itching can be worse than the sweating.
Zap - The next stage involves the passing of electric currents through the armpit area. This is neither a mild version of electrocution, nor shock therapy. The current is quite low and not painful, if felt at all. The procedure is called iontophoresis, and is very often quite effective though it may have to be repeated periodically. It is certainly worth looking into. It is not harmful nor has it any significant side effects.
Botox Injections - Botox (botulinum toxin) may be prescribed as a treatment. Botox can be very effective but can have some undesirable side effects. The FDA has approved Botox injections for use in treating sweaty underarms, though not for sweaty palms or soles. Great care must be taken to ensure a proper dosage is given. The injections can be uncomfortable, and are rather costly, but often give up to 6 months relief. Oral medications are also available, but are usually not recommended. While some are effective, the side effects are sometimes worse than the problem the medication is designed to resolve.
The Surgical Options - The last resort for some people suffering from sweaty underarms is surgery. The surgical procedure used is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, ETS for short. This surgical procedure is designed to interrupt the sympathetic nerves which cause the sweating, basically by destroying a portion of the nerve supply to the sweat glands. The process is effective, risky, and costly, and is usually not recommended except in very extreme cases. The primary side effect is one called compensatory sweating. The body still feels a need to sweat, so will do so somewhere else rather than the armpits. If this side effect occurs, the problem has just been shifted from one part of the body to another. Lung and nervous system problems can also arise as a result of this type of surgical procedure.
If you suffer from sweaty underarms, the first thing is to resolve to do something about it, and don't just accept it. Then proceed through the incremental steps outlined above. At some point, if you are in the majority of patients, you'll find a treatment that resolves the problem.