Before discussing ways to stop excessive underarm sweating, you need to know some information about this condition.
The medical term is axillary hyperhidrosis and about 3 percent of Americans suffer with it.
If left untreated, it can continue for life.
This condition is very embarrassing because it stains clothes and can seriously affect a person's social life.
While it can be caused by metabolic, neurologic or systemic diseases, it usually occurs in healthy people.
It is natural to sweat in hot weather or when we are emotional.
However, someone who suffers with axillary hyperhidrosis will sweat continuously, regardless of the weather or their mood.
The first way to try and rectify the problem is to ask a pharmacist for an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride.
If this doesn't work, a doctor can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant with the same ingredient.
Failing this, there are oral medicines called anticholinergics that can lessen sweating.
There is a procedure called iontophoresis which has been performed for the last 50 years.
Water is used to create an electrical current to the skin.
Although it is still not known why this works, it apparently does reduce the production of underarm sweat.
The current runs for 10 to 20 minutes per session.
Initial treatment comprises of 2 to 3 sessions a week.
These are followed by maintenance treatments every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how the patient responds.
While this treatment sounds very painful, according to medical professionals, it is not.
Patients can even buy devices to do the treatment at home, only if authorized by a doctor.
Other treatments to stop excessive underarm sweating include Botox and surgery.
Botox (botulinum toxin) is injected into about 20 places in each armpit.
Relief will last for about 6 months.
During surgery, the surgeon uses an endoscopic instrument to destroy certain nerves near the armpit.
While this can be effective, it does carry risks and complications.