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How Do I Prevent Sweaty Armpits?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Many people prevent sweaty armpits by purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirant, a kind of deodorant. Some people have excessive sweating and may need to get prescription-strength antiperspirant from a health professional. Another simple solution is to stay in cool areas and wear light-weight, breathable clothing. In addition, know that sweating is a normal body function that helps you can help you deal with the stress of having sweaty armpits. See a doctor if the sweating seems so excessive that it could be a medical problem.

One way to prevent sweaty armpits is to wear antiperspirant. Antiperspirant affects the glands of your underarms, stopping some of them from sweating in the first place. They are a subgroup of deodorants but classified as drugs, unlike deodorants and body sprays, which are classified as cosmetics or beauty products. Some people are allergic to the primary ingredient in antiperspirants, however, and should not wear them after experiencing a negative reaction. In addition, antiperspirants are capable of contributing to or causing yellow stains on the underarm part of sleeves on shirts.

Using an antiperspirant may help prevent sweaty armpits.
Using an antiperspirant may help prevent sweaty armpits.

Keep in mind that having sweaty armpits is normal. Sweating helps cool your body, and people who cannot sweat are in danger of overheating. In addition, if you prevent your armpits from sweating, it is likely you will sweat elsewhere on your body, like your face or legs.

One way to combat sweaty armpits is to avoid activities and situations that result in sweating. For instance, instead of going outside in a long-sleeved shirt on a hot day, you could stay indoors with the air conditioning on. You have to venture into the heat dressing in lightweight breathable clothing to reduce sweating. Another way you can alter your lifestyle is to avoid sweaty armpits or at least reduce sweating is to exercise indoors with air conditioning instead of outside. Anything you can do to increase air flow, cool your body, and regulate your physical activity can have a positive impact on sweat reduction.

Many people use roll-on antiperspirants to stop armpit sweat.
Many people use roll-on antiperspirants to stop armpit sweat.

For some people, excessive sweating can occur at any time, like on a cool day while wearing weather-appropriate clothing and not stressed or exercising. Sometimes excessive sweating is caused by a medical problem that can be solved with treatment. Diabetes, infection, and thyroid problems all have potential to cause your body to sweat more than usual. A doctor can diagnose these problems with a blood test, physical examination, or other method. In many cases, excessive sweating is harmless and possibly genetic, but there are still options available to deal with the problem.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

I get sweaty armpits in the summer but it's not so bad when I wear sleeveless shirts made of cotton. I can't wear any other fabric when it's hot or I sweat even more.

turquoise
@ysmina-- There is a product called an "underarm pad." It's very popular in Asia but I think you will be able to find it online.

It's a cotton pad with adhesives. You apply it on your armpits underneath your clothes. When you sweat, it absorbs everything and prevents your clothes from getting wet.

I have never used one so I don't know if it's comfortable but it might be worth a try. I also recommend that you see your doctor about this and get a blood test done. If your hormones are off, you need to have it treated.

ysmina

I've been sweating a lot lately. The underarms of my shirts are getting soaked and I feel very embarrassed to be around people like that. I've started carrying an extra clean shirt with me to change into.

I use deodorant, so there is no odor. It's just my shirts getting stained making it obvious that I'm sweating a lot. Is there any way to avoid this?

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    • Using an antiperspirant may help prevent sweaty armpits.
      By: karam miri
      Using an antiperspirant may help prevent sweaty armpits.
    • Many people use roll-on antiperspirants to stop armpit sweat.
      By: Dmitry Vereshchagin
      Many people use roll-on antiperspirants to stop armpit sweat.
    • A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.
      By: Anita Potter
      A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.
    • There are various ways to try to prevent sweaty armpits.
      By: alexandre zveiger
      There are various ways to try to prevent sweaty armpits.
    • Sweating works to cool the body off.
      By: carla9
      Sweating works to cool the body off.