How To Stop Excessive Underarm Sweating

By: Andrea Miller

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Whether you are in the office or on a date, it's important to know how to stop excessive underarm sweating. Sweating is a natural and healthy way for your body to cool itself and release toxins. While it's normal to sweat a lot while exercising, feeling nervous or anxious, or spending time outdoors in hot weather, excessive underarm sweating can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem.

Follow these tips to curb excessive underarm sweating:

  1. Experiment with antiperspirant and deodorant. If you are just using deodorant and your sweating becomes excessive, try a formula that is also an antiperspirant. This may help curb excess sweating. If over-the-counter brands don't work, talk to your doctor about aluminum chloride antiperspirants, which are available with a prescription.
  2. Stay clean. To sweat less, bathe daily and make sure your underarms are completely dry before you get dressed.
  3. Wear natural fibers. Cotton, wool and silk all help your skin breathe, which may stop excessive sweating. 
  4. Control stress. Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga can minimize the stress that can cause excessive underarm sweating.
  5. Watch what you eat. Avoid caffeinated beverages and strong-smelling or spicy foods such as garlic and onions to help decrease your underarmsweating.
  6. If sweating gets out of hand, contact your doctor. You may have a medical problem if you suddenly begin sweating more than usual, it disrupts your daily life, you are sweating at night for no apparent reason, or you notice that your body odor smells different or is much stronger than usual.
Posted on: Oct. 18, 2010