Axillary Hyperhidrosis

You have been experiencing excessive perspiration in your armpits even if the weather is not particularly hot. You have to change your clothes every so often so that your shirt would not drip with sweat. You find it really embarrassing to be in social situations because it makes you anxious and therefore aggravating your underarm sweating.

If you find yourself in the aforementioned situation, then you could possibly have axillary hyperhidrosis.

Axillary hyperhidrosis is the medical term for underarm sweating or the excessive production of perspiration in the armpit. There are instances when only one armpit experiences this condition, this is called unilateral axillary hyperhidrosis.

Studies about this abnormality could still not pinpoint the underlying cause of the heavy underarm sweating. There is research which shows that this is hereditary, meaning that it could be transferred via lineage. Moreover, it is also said that this is a product of an abnormality in the response of our sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is responsible in regulating our responses to emotional triggers such as anxiety or stress. When the SNS does not respond properly, it directly affects the sweat glands since its secretions are an effect of an aroused emotional state. Furthermore, other studies suggest that eating certain types of food and getting too much caffeine and nicotine exacerbates the condition.

Now if you want to end your axillary hyperhidrosis, it is best to start learning how to reduce over activity of the SNS. Treating yourself through antiperspirants and deodorants most likely won’t help. Not only that they are not effective enough but they also have side effects such as burning sensation or skin irritation.

The doctor might advice you to take anticholinergic medications or undergo certain surgical procedures such as the Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, however medical procedures should only be a last resort. Another one of the latest discoveries is that the Botulinum toxin A (Botox) could be injected to your armpits to alleviate your symptom. However, be reminded that all the options have their advantages and risks so be mindful and weigh each option carefully.

Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary Hyperhidrosis Information