Axillary Hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition in which there is excessive underarm sweating which cannot be controlled and arises in times of low stress. It has been estimated that axillary hyperhidrosis affects as many as eight million Americans. Worldwide the number of axillary hyperhidrosis sufferers is even larger. Axillary sweating can be a severely alienating problem, but it is far from uncommon.

There are a number of different reasons that can cause axillary hyperhidrosis so axillary sweating is very important to see a dermatologist or general practitioner to determine the root cause of the excessive underarm sweating. Excessive underarm sweating can be a serious problem resulting from a thyroid problem or nervous system disorder. In other cases, axillary hyperhidrosis can be the result of menopause or low blood sugar—possibly as a result of undiagnosed diabetes.

In any of the above cases of axillary hyperhidrosis, excessive underarm sweating, or other types of excessive perspiration can be fixed from the root cause. However, treating a thyroid problem may not necessarily cure the excessive underarm sweating entirely so other methods will be needed. It’s important to realize that excessive perspiration can be a very serious symptom so it’s necessary to attack the symptom as well as the cause of the axillary hyperhidrosis.

Axillary hyperhidrosis may not necessarily be a very serious health concern. Some people may just have more axillary sweating than others—regardless of the level of activity. It is important to see a specialist to determine if this is so. A doctor may prescribe a prescription anti-perspirant, oral medication, or surgery for reducing excessive persiration. In the first two cases, the effects are temporary, whereas surgery will permanently cure axillary hyperhidrosis. There can be significant side effects for prescription medication—such as Beta-blockers—so these are not recommended for every case of axillary sweating.

Another method of controlling axillary hyperhidrosis is the Drionic method—a machine that disrupts the sweat glands using an electric current. Normally, this can control the effects of excessive underarm sweating for six weeks at a time. The drawback is that the procedure needs to be repeated frequently and it does not have permanent effect on excessive underarm sweating.

If you elect to get surgery, the major nerve under the armpit will stop excessive perspiration under the arms, the face, and even the palms. In fact, surgery is most effective when there is excessive underarm sweating as well as in the palms. Another solution to axillary hyperhidrosis is to receive Botox injections under the arms to “freeze” the nerves under the arms. Botox can reduce excessive perspiration but is both temporary and poisonous so it is not as widely recommended as surgery.