Best Treatments for Sweaty Underarms
(Axillary Hyperhidrosis)
Excessive sweating of the underarms, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, negatively impacts your quality of life because it impairs self-confidence and your ability to function normally. This type of sweating occurs when you are not hot or active. For more information on hyperhidrosis, check out our comprehensive overview of hyperhidrosis in our Hyperhidrosis Treatment Guide.
Treatments range from prescription-strength antiperspirants to glycopyrrolate tablets to an FDA-cleared medical device (iontophoresis).
The overwhelming majority of patients can be effectively managed online by Undefined Health without the need for in-person medical evaluations or expensive in-person treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, microwave therapy, or surgery (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy).
Key Facts About Sweaty Underarms
- Excessive underarm sweating is called axillary hyperhidrosis.
- The underarms contain a very high concentration of sweat glands.
- People with hyperhidrosis may sweat even when they are not hot or exercising.
- Sweat itself is mostly odorless — body odor develops when bacteria break down sweat on the skin.
- Warm, enclosed underarms create an ideal environment for odor-causing bacteria.
- Excess sweating can soak through clothing and cause visible stains.
- Over-the-counter deodorants often mask odor but do not stop excessive sweating.
- Effective medical treatments can reduce sweating and improve daily comfort and confidence.
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What Causes Excessive Underarm Sweating?
Sweating is a normal and essential body function, but sweating beyond the amount needed to maintain body temperature is not. The exact pathophysiology of hyperhidrosis is not known, but the following all may play a role:
- Overactive nerves - the nerves that activate sweat glands are overly sensitive to chemicals in your body
- Stress - anxiety, nervousness, excitement, or anything else that activates the "fight-or-flight" response can be a trigger
- Heat, exercise, and environmental factors - some people sweat more than is required in response to "normal" triggers of sweat
- Medications or medical conditions - sweating may be a side effect of a medication or a consequence of another medical condition, which is why it is important to manage sweat with a healthcare team familiar with hyperhidrosis
Treatment Options for Sweaty Underarms (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)
Fortunately, there are many safe and effective treatments for managing
sweaty underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis)
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Buy Glycopyrrolate TabletsGlycopyrrolate Tablets
Convenient oral medication that treats sweaty underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis). For patients who sweat in multiple body areas, glycopyrrolate tablets work over the whole body.
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Buy Prescription AntiperspirantPrescription Antiperspirants
Made with 20% aluminum chloride (only available with a prescription), antiperspirants create a temporary blockage of the sweat glands to treat sweaty underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis).
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Buy Iontophoresis DeviceIontophoresis Device
FDA-cleared medical device used to treat sweaty underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis). Drug-free, needle-free treatment option that you can use at home on your schedule. Up to 90% sweat reduction in clinical trials.
Products for Underarm Sweat (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)
Explore our products to treat sweaty underarms, which are designed and dosed using evidence-based medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axillary Hyperhidrosis
The healthcare team at Undefined Health has decades of combined experience in treating axillary hyperhidrosis.
How do I stop my armpits from sweating?
If you suffer from excessive sweating in your armpits and over-the-counter antiperspirants are not working for you, consider the following:
These can be used alone or in combination with one another. Glycopyrrolate tablets should be considered first line if you suffer from moderate-to-severe axillary hyperhidrosis or suffer from excessive sweating across multiple body areas.
What is the cause of sweating underarms?
Armpits are one of the primary means for your body to regulate temperature by sweating, but for some people, they sweat excessively from their armpits. This is the result of overactive eccrine sweat glands, which produce an odorless, clear sweat.
Can axillary hyperhidrosis go away?
In most cases (88+% based on research), primary focal hyperhidrosis, including axillary hyperhidrosis, does not go away on its own. Except for endoscopic thoracic surgery, which carries significant risks, there is no cure for hyperhidrosis, but there are many safe and effective treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis.
If you suffer from excessive sweating in your armpits and over-the-counter antiperspirants are not working for you, consider the following:
Are there ways to stop sweating underarms naturally?
Iontophoresis is a drug-free medical device that is very effective at treating axillary hyperhidrosis. Check out our Iontophoresis Treatment Guide for more information.
Can I use deodorant to stop armpit sweating?
No, deodorants do nothing to stop sweating. Deodorants by definition are only intended to reduce odor and do not contain any ingredients to actually stop sweating. They may have ingredients to absorb sweat, but absorbing sweat and actually stopping it are two very different things.
How to treat stinky armpits?
Assuming proper hygiene, there are two ways to stop odor: (1) reduce sweating; and (2) bind to odor-causing molecules before they are released in sweat. DeoCaps Internal Deodorant addresses both of these ways to stop odor.
If you have axillary hyperhidrosis, you should consider prescription-strength antiperspirants or glycopyrrolate tablets for the reduction in sweat.
Why are my armpits sweating so much all of a sudden?
Sudden changes in the amount or frequency or underarm sweating can be triggered by stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, infections, new medications, or underlying health conditions. It could be primary focal hyperhidrosis, but you should consult with a healthcare provider before trying to treat it on your own. The healthcare team at Undefined Health is experts in hyperhidrosis care.
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When to Seek Medical Treatment
Occasional underarm sweating is common, especially during heat, exercise, or stressful situations. However, persistent or severe sweating of the underarms may warrant medical evaluation and prescription-based treatment, particularly if it interferes with daily activities or quality of life.
You should consider speaking with a doctor if your underarm sweating:
- Occurs frequently without obvious triggers such as heat or physical activity
- Interferes with work, school, social interactions, or routine tasks
- Causes skin problems such as irritation, peeling, infections, or persistent moisture damage
- Is severe
Related Resources from Undefined Health
Medical References & Sources
- International Hyperhidrosis Society. Axillary Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Underarm Sweating). https://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/sweaty-armpits.html
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-treatment
- Mayo Clinic. Hyperhidrosis — Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20367152
- StatPearls Publishing. Hyperhidrosis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459227/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Iontophoresis for Hyperhidrosis. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007293.htm
- Glaser DA, et al. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: Scope of the Problem. Dermatologic Clinics. 014;32(4):477–484. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733863514000709?via%3Dihub
- Lear W, et al. An Epidemiological Study of Hyperhidrosis. Dermatologic Surgery. 2007;33:S69–S75. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17241417/
- Hornberger J, et al. Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51(2):274–286. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(04)00515-8/abstract
This page is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Iontophoresis and other treatments for hyperhidrosis may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before starting a new treatment. If you experience severe symptoms or concerns related to excessive sweating, seek professional medical evaluation.