Treatment Of Excessive Underarm Sweating

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive underarm sweating.

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

  • It doesn’t take intense physical activity/ hot weather for your underarms to sweat.
  • You sweat excessively when you become anxious or experience tension.
  • The condition usually started in childhood, teenage years or early adulthood
  • There are two types of hyperhidrosis affecting the underarm.

    Primary Hyperhidrosis: This condition affects about 2% of the population and can affect the face, hands, soles of the feet and other areas of the body.

    Secondary Hyperhidrosis: There is an underlying medical condition that must be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

    Treatment Options For Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis.


    1. First line of treatment is antiperspirants that contain Aluminium Chloride.

  • Long acting anti-perspirants such as Dri-Chlor can be effective.
  • A percentage of people do not respond or develop reactions or rashes and cannot tolerate using them.
  • If they work they are a cost effective way to address the excessive sweating.

  • 2. Second line of treatment if anti-perspirants fail is injections into the armpit.

  • A purified protein that is more commonly used in cosmetic treatments can provide effective control of sweating
  • It is injected into the skin of the armpit
  • Control of sweating lasts on average between 6 and 12 months.
  • TGA regulations in Australia restrict naming of these injections as they are class S4 medication to be administered by a Doctor with training.

    3. The third line of treatment is liposuction of the armpit.

    This is less reliable than injections, but it can provide a solution. Excision of axillary sweat glands or more aggressive surgical treatments are not indicated for treatment of underarm sweating.

    Treatment Of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

    If you suffer excessive sweating of the underarm, the first step is correct diagnosis to exclude an underlying medical cause. You will need to book a medical consultation with one of our Doctors who have experience in treatment of underarm sweating.

  • During this assessment they will discuss treatment options including realistic expectations of the outcome and possible side effects of treatment.
  • Call (07) 33505447 to book a consultation.
    Or email to ask us any questions.

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    13 Comments

    1. Natasha
      Posted February 12, 2008 at 1:57 am | Permalink

      I can’t believe after all these years and all my doctors telling me there was nothing to do and to try a stronger deodorant I’m not alone and I can fix this! I sweat, literally, about 5 times more than anyone I have ever met. It means I have to wear fabrics that won’t show my sweat marks and constantly have matted hair. Wearing makeup can be very messy and moisturiser just runs off my face. I get out of the shower and need to sit in front of the fan for 20 minutes to stop sweating enough to get dressed. My main problem areas are my underarms, back, stomach and face but even my arms and legs sweat. Could you please tell me that there is someone in Melbourne who specialises in Hyperhidrosis? I’d travel around the world for a permanent fix to this but if it involves regular injections I will obviously need someone in my home town. I’m really looking forward to a responce. I’ll be able to go dancing, finally! :D

      Natasha

    2. Posted February 12, 2008 at 8:49 pm | Permalink

      Hi Natasha, yes it is usually an absolute relief to find out that you have a condition that can in part be treated, though there is not one panacea treatement, there is alot that can be done. There is a very good specialist in Melbourne, who is recognised internationally who practices in Melbourne. Dr Greg Goodman. He specialises in hyperhidrosis treatment. You will need a referral to see him, but if you get onto his website, by clicking on his name, I have made a link, you will be able to suss it out more yourself.

      Good Luck…Jo (Dr Jo Turner)

    3. Carmel
      Posted May 29, 2008 at 5:31 pm | Permalink

      How do I find out what the injections for excessive underarm sweating are? I have had put up with severe underarm sweating since I was 17, and even went to my Doctor who like Natasha above told me to use stronger underarm antiperspirants it has not helped, my underarms are dripping minutes after a shower. Can you please help me.

    4. Posted May 29, 2008 at 5:37 pm | Permalink

      Hi Carmel, I will email you information with the name of the injections we use to treat excessive underarm sweating. It is best to come in for a consultation and then we can assess you to make sure there is not an underlying cause for the excessive sweating. At that time we will also be able to run through treatment options and what to expect from each of these.

    5. HAYLEY
      Posted August 31, 2008 at 1:21 pm | Permalink

      Hi just like carmel above i am wondering what the injection is called for excessive underarm sweating. Im 24 and have had it for at least 5 years now and am over sweat running down my arms seconds after i have a shower 2 go out. If you could also email me the name that would be great, thanks for your help. xx

    6. Posted October 27, 2008 at 6:15 am | Permalink

      Hi Hayley, I have emailed you information on treatment of excessive underarm sweating including a link to the International Hyperhidrosis Society website http://www.sweathelp.org so you can read more information. If you are interested in getting the injections to stop underarm sweating give us a call on 33505447. Jo

    7. Wayne
      Posted November 13, 2008 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

      Would it be possible to have some information about the injections mailed to me as well please?
      I’m tired of having to wear white and black t-shirts every day to minimize the visibility of sweat stains

    8. Posted November 14, 2008 at 5:47 am | Permalink

      Hi Wayne, yes I will email you with the treatment details for excessive underarm sweating. It is generally quite a relief when people find there is a treatment to stop the sweating which means they no longer have such a restrictive wardrobe.
      Jo

    9. Sweaty Betty
      Posted January 27, 2009 at 9:30 pm | Permalink

      Hi, is the treatment exclusive to the underarm region? I sweat excessively all over my body (face, neck and back especially)… and much like Natasha I’m unable to go out dancing with my girls on the weekends! Thanks.

    10. Holly
      Posted October 14, 2009 at 6:04 pm | Permalink

      Would like to make an appointment regarding treatment of underarm sweating.

      Thanks

    11. Posted October 16, 2009 at 4:44 pm | Permalink

      No problems Holly, we will contact you to make an appointment via email.

    12. Robyn Levy
      Posted October 20, 2009 at 7:45 pm | Permalink

      HI.I have suffered all my life with this condition.I have a sympathectomy when I was 21 but it was not successful.
      I tryed BOTOX once and it worked but its very costly.It only lasts about 8 months.
      I am looking for a more permanent and long term fix for my problem.
      MY son also has the same problem.SO if you could point in the right direction HERE in Sydney I would realy appreciate it.

    13. Posted October 27, 2009 at 1:42 pm | Permalink

      Hi Robyn, unfortunately there is no perfect solution for excessive underarm sweating. Injectable treatments give 6-12 months (sometimes longer) and though this costs around $1100 many people find the relief far in away exceeds this. The injections are more reliable than liposuction, however. Jo

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