‘Control excessive sweating’

Underarm excessive sweating can be both frustrating and embarrassing!  However, there is nothing as normal as sweating.  We all sweat during different points of the day. 

Sweating is an important function for your body as it controls the body temperature.  Another very important job of body sweating is to release toxins from our bodies.

The embarrassing odours associated with sweat are caused by bacteria that grow fast in these warm, wet areas and there is nothing you and me can do to stop the odour-generating bacteria apart from adopting good, hygienic habits in taking care of our bodies.

However, if you sweat more on your underarm than anywhere else, this could be a sign that you have overactive sweat glands under your arms.  These are activated by increased stress to the body.  Sometimes sweating too much can be a side effect of drugs used to treat blood pressure or depression. 

Obesity can also contribute to excessive sweating.  Constant exposure to hot, humid areas can also cause your body to produce more than normal amounts of sweat.  Sweating too much can also be a medical condition caused when the perspiration function of the body is not working properly.

Taking more showers and using antiperspirants and deodorants like Dove, Shield, Nivea found in most pharmacies and shops will help eradicate the smelly bacteria living in underarm perspiration.  Although these will control the bacteria and body odour your body produces during sweating, they will unfortunately, not control how much you sweat.

The best way to control the amount of sweat around your underarms is to limit your intake of fluids high in sugar as these will make you sweat more since you use more body energy.  Wear light and bright clothing, as compared to dark clothes. 

Alcohol and caffeine elevates body temperature. Therefore. take these in moderation.  Some foods like chocolate, hot peppers, greasy spicy foods and caffeine from coffee, soft drinks and power drinks can also cause excessive sweating.  If all fails, you may need the advice of your medical professional.

It is a mistake to conclude that excessive sweating is caused by bad hygiene! However, applying deodorant or antiperspirant on an unshaven underarm can be more unhygienic since underarm hair can block the pores; therefore, ensure that your armpit is always clean and well shaved.