Why do My Armpits Sweat so Much?

Sweating is a natural body process that is essential in removing toxins from the body and to help regulate the body temperature. When the temperature rises, the body will automatically engage its cooling mechanism and start to sweat to help cool down the body. As the sweat from the body evaporates, the body once again starts to feel more comfortable.

The sweat comes out from sweat glands located all over the body, which are activated by the apocrine and eccrine glands. A major portion of the body’s three million sweat glands can be found predominantly on the armpits. Another reason is that hormonal changes during puberty or menopause can also cause sweat glands in the underarm area to become more active than usual.

This can cause embarrassing excessive sweating in some cases. Also, a person’s emotional state can cause the body to start sweating, especially the armpit area because the nervous system of the body becomes activated. In other instances, a medical condition called focal hyperhidrosis may be the underlying cause.

In this situation, the apocrine and eccrine glands of the body are overactive, thereby causing excessive sweating in the armpit area even when the body is at rest. Also, other medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and obesity can also cause excessive sweating in the armpits. It can also be a genetic condition.

There is a two-fold approach to this condition. First, means may be taken to help stop or reduce the amount of sweat coming out from the armpits. Also, the sweat that does appear must be dealt with to prevent embarrassing body odor problems.

Now that you know the answer to “why do my armpits sweat so much”, you can talk to your doctor about your condition or purchase some over the counter products to help address the situation. A good antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride may help. Other methods that can help are botox on the armpits or even iontopheresis.

In other cases, you should learn to relax so that the nervous system doesn’t become overexcited. Wearing the proper clothing will also keep you cool, so avoid synthetic fabrics. Also, take a bath at least once a day, and use a germicidal soap on the armpit area to prevent any odor-causing bacteria.

Sweaty armpits don’t have to cramp your lifestyle. Knowing why it happens can help you deal with it effectively.