How to Prevent Sweaty Armpits

Co-authored by Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Last Updated: August 27, 2021 References

Sweating is your body's natural cooling mechanism and it's perfectly normal to sweat when it's hot out, when you are exercising, and even when you are anxious or stressed out.^{[1]
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Research source}^{[2]
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Expert Source

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.} But having visibly sweaty armpits or sweat stains on your clothes can be annoying, or downright embarrassing! Whether you sweat more than average, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, or simply want to make sure that warm summer weather doesn't lead to stains on your clothing, there are a number of things you can do to prevent sweaty armpits.^{[3]
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Research source} This article will talk about things you can do to minimize armpit sweat, and then give several ideas about how to manage sweaty armpits and keep your clothes stain-free.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Minimizing Sweat

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Use an over-the-counter antiperspirant. Antiperspirants work by blocking your sweat glands for a time so they cannot produce sweat.^{[4]
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Research source} Antiperspirants can be purchased over the counter in a number of strengths, including newer “clinical,” and so-called “prescription strength” formulations. These virtually all have the same active ingredient, aluminum chlorohydrate, but the amount present and the formula used will affect how well an antiperspirant works on a particular person, so you may need to experiment to find the one that works best for you. ^{[5]
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- For best results, apply the antiperspirant at night on dry skin.
- Even “all natural” antiperspirants contain aluminum, something to be aware of if you are trying to avoid aluminum exposure. However, the other ingredients in an all-natural formulation may be better for you, so that may still be a reason to consider them.
- Deodorants, unlike antiperspirants, do not reduce sweating. Instead they contain ingredients to mask or prevent body odor associated with sweat. If you are trying to stop sweat, be sure to look for the word “antiperspirant” or “antiperspirant and deodorant.”
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Talk to your doctor about other options. If normal antiperspirants won't do the job, there are a number of other treatment options available for excessive underarm sweat that your doctor can authorize or administer. Your doctor can also rule-out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing you to sweat.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
- Your doctor might recommend a product with aluminum hexachloride or a compound with a similar ingredient.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}
- Actual prescription-strength antiperspirants are one option.
- There are also other therapies available to provide a long-term reduction in armpit sweat, including miraDry, a new technology that uses electromagnetic energy to destroy sweat glands.^{[8]
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  Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}^{[9]
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- Botox shots applied to the armpits have also been shown to be effective. ^{[10]
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Avoid sweat-causing substances. Sometimes what we eat and drink can make us more prone to sweating. Spicy foods are one common culprit; caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can also cause an increase in sweating.^{[11]
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Research source} Taking too much of the vitamin niacin (or even a small amount in people who are sensitive to it,) can also cause excessive sweating.^{[12]
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Research source} Drinking hot beverages also raises your internal body temperature and make you more prone to sweating.
- Don't avoid drinking water to prevent sweating! Your body needs water to function properly, and drinking more water can actually reduce sweating by helping to cool your body. It will also help ensure that when you do sweat, it won't smell as bad.^{[13]
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Consider seeking treatment for anxiety. If you commonly break out in a sweat when you are anxious, a condition called “nervous sweating,” you can use the ideas outlined in this article to help manage the problem, but you might also consider talking to your doctor or a mental health care provider about the possibility that you have an anxiety disorder. In addition to treating the symptom of nervous sweating, there may be medical and/or behavioral treatment options to help you manage your anxiety in general.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021.}^{[15]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Dealing with Sweaty Armpits

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Wear underarm shields under your clothing. When armpit sweat is unavoidable, underarm shields are a great way to keep it hidden and protect your clothing. These are absorbent pads that you wear under your arms to absorb excess sweat and prevent clothing stains; many also offer some kind of odor control. Called alternately “dress shields,” “underarm shields,” “underarm pads,” “armpit guards,” etc., there are dozens of styles available. Some affix directly to your clothing or skin, while others are held in place with discreet straps. Both disposable and washable options are available.
- Underarm shields are available at many online retailers. You can also find them frequently in men's clothing stores, and the lingerie section of many women's clothing retailers.
- You can even make your own underarm shields at home!^{[16]
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Avoid fabrics that don't breathe well. Certain fabrics, namely silk, polyester, rayon, and nylon, don't breathe well and are more likely to cause sweating.^{[17]
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Research source} Better choices include cotton, linen, and even wool.
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Dress to hide armpit sweat. If you know your armpits are going to sweat, dress in such a way that you can disguise it. Wear an undershirt under your clothing, or dress in layers to prevent sweat stains from becoming visible. For instance, a sweater vest worn over a shirt does an excellent job of hiding sweat stains. A hoodie or light jacket worn over a tank top or camisole can also help conceal armpit sweat.
- Sweat stains are usually more visible on light-colored clothing, so avoid light colored blouses if you are prone to sweating.
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Look for high tech sweat-proof or sweat-resistant clothing. There are a number of “sweat-proof” undergarments for both men and women that use different methods for wicking sweat away, or preventing it from reaching the visible layers of your clothes.^{[18]
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Research source} There are also an increasing number of sweat-resistant fabrics on the market that use technology to keep sweat from building up and causing embarrassing stains.^{[19]
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- Ask your local clothing retailer, or do an online search for “sweat-proof” or “sweat-resistant” clothing.

Expert Q&A

Question

What causes my armpits to sweat so much?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can happen due to a number of causes, including high temperatures, physical activity, anxiety, neurological disorders, and hormonal abnormalities but the majority of cases have no underlying cause.
Question

Is there surgery to stop underarm sweating?

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Navid Malakouti is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and medical dermatology. He treats patients of all ages for conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, skin cancer, botox, fillers, lasers, and chemical peel. Dr. Malakouti is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and a member of the Skin of Color Society. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from The University of California, San Diego and an MD from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology residency in Washington D.C. at Howard University, VA Medical Center, Children's National Hospital, and the National Institutes of Health.

Navid Malakouti, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

There is a surgery to deal with excessive sweating, but this option is reserved for the most severe and unmanageable cases.