Why Your Armpits Sweat So Much and What You Can Do About It

If you feel like your armpits sweat more than everyone else’s, you’re not imagining it. Excessive underarm sweating known medically as axillary hyperhidrosis can be frustrating, embarrassing, and disruptive to daily life.

While sweating is a normal and essential body function, excessive sweating under the arms can happen even when you’re not hot or exercising. The good news: most cases are manageable with the right approach.

Here’s what may be causing it and what actually works to control it.

Why Do We Sweat in the First Place?

Sweating helps regulate body temperature. When your internal temperature rises, sweat evaporates from the skin and cools you down.

Your body has two main types of sweat glands:

• Eccrine glands, found all over the body and responsible for temperature control

• Apocrine glands, concentrated in areas like the armpits and groin

Underarm sweat often involves both types.

Interestingly, only about 2% of your body’s sweat glands are located in your armpits, yet they can produce disproportionately noticeable sweat.

Common Causes of Excessive Armpit Sweating

1. Heat and Exercise

Sweating during hot weather, humidity, or physical exertion is completely normal. However, some people produce more sweat than necessary for the level of heat or activity.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional sweating is real. When you’re anxious, nervous, or startled, your body activates the fight-or-flight response.

This triggers the release of adrenaline and stimulates sweat glands especially in the underarms, palms, and soles.

Common emotional triggers include:

• Public speaking

• Work stress

• Social anxiety

• Fear or sudden shock

3. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones strongly influence sweat production. Increased sweating may occur during:

• Puberty

• Pregnancy

• Perimenopause and menopause (often alongside hot flashes)

• Thyroid disorders

Women, in particular, may notice changes during life stages involving hormonal shifts.

4. Food and Drink Triggers

Certain foods and beverages can stimulate sweating, including:

• Spicy foods

• Alcohol

• Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate)

• Foods containing MSG

Nicotine from smoking can also activate sweat glands by increasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in sweat production.

5. Primary vs. Secondary Hyperhidrosis

There are two main categories:

Primary hyperhidrosis

• Usually begins in adolescence

• Often runs in families (up to 30% report a family history)

• No underlying medical cause

• Typically affects specific areas like underarms, hands, or feet

Secondary hyperhidrosis

• Caused by an underlying condition

• May affect larger areas of the body

• Can be linked to thyroid disease, diabetes, anxiety disorders, infections, certain cancers, or medications

If sweating is new, severe, or generalized, medical evaluation is important.

How to Manage Excessive Underarm Sweating

Treatment depends on severity and underlying cause.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods if they trigger symptoms

• Stay hydrated

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics (like cotton or moisture-wicking materials)

• Use absorbent sweat shields

• Quit smoking

Keeping a sweat journal may help identify patterns.

Improve Hygiene and Skin Care

• Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser

• Let your body cool completely after showering before dressing

• Shave underarms regularly (less hair can reduce odor and moisture buildup)

• Apply cornstarch or powder to absorb moisture

Stress Management

Because emotional triggers are common, reducing stress can reduce sweating.

Helpful options include:

• Deep breathing exercises

• Yoga or meditation

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Biofeedback

• In some cases, medications like beta-blockers or SSRIs

Antiperspirants: First-Line Treatment

Antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts with aluminum-based compounds.

Tips for best results:

• Apply at night to dry skin

• Use clinical-strength formulas if needed

• Avoid applying immediately after shaving to reduce irritation

Prescription options like aluminum chloride hexahydrate (e.g., Drysol) may be recommended for more severe cases.

Medical Treatments for Severe Sweating

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products don’t help, a dermatologist may suggest:

Qbrexza (glycopyrronium wipes)

Prescription wipes used daily. Studies show sweat reduction of 50% or more.

Botox injections

Blocks nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. Results appear within days and last 4–6 months.

Brella SweatControl Patch

An FDA-approved patch worn for a few minutes that can reduce sweating for several months.

Microwave thermolysis

Destroys sweat glands permanently. Studies show reductions over 80% after two treatments.

Microneedle radiofrequency

Uses heat to deactivate sweat glands and may reduce sweating by up to 90% in some cases.

Surgery

Reserved for severe, treatment-resistant cases. Options include removing sweat glands or cutting sympathetic nerves (thoracic sympathectomy), though side effects like compensatory sweating may occur.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical evaluation if sweating:

• Is sudden, severe, or unexplained

• Occurs mainly during sleep

• Is accompanied by chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness

• Happens alongside weight loss

• Interferes with daily life

Excessive sweating can sometimes signal an underlying condition.

The Bottom Line

Sweating is normal but excessive underarm sweating can feel overwhelming. Whether triggered by stress, hormones, genetics, or medical conditions, axillary hyperhidrosis is treatable. With the right combination of lifestyle adjustments, topical treatments, and, if needed, medical therapies, most people can significantly reduce symptoms and regain confidence.

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