Excessive underarm perspiration

Underarm hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive perspiration under the arms. It is the most common form of hyperhidrosis. Excessive underarm perspiration can become a real handicap in everyday life. The marks left on clothing are both unsightly and highly stigmatising. Underarm odor can also be socially embarrassing.

Role of sweat glands

There are two types of sweat gland, eccrine and apocrine, both of which exist in the armpit area, also known as the axillary region.

Apocrine sweat glands

Apocrine sweat glands are found only in the axillary (armpit), genital and mammary regions and near hair follicles. They play an essential role in axillary sweating. Apocrine glands produce a fluid containing proteins, lipids and substances that can be transformed by the bacteria found naturally on our skin surface. It is this contact with bacteria that creates the volatile molecules that emit the odor characteristic of sweat.

Eccrine sweat glands

Eccrine glands diffuse non-odorous molecules, because they are not degraded by bacteria, and a more fluid form of sweat.
The eccrine and apocrine sweat glands in the armpits react strongly to emotional stimuli, they can be activated by the autonomic nervous system and the presence of stress hormones in the bloodstream. So the more stressed you are, the more you sweat.

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a symptom of oversweating. It occurs as a result of excessive gland stimulation under the influence of various factors.

Serious consequences

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits can have very damaging consequences: fear of others, lower self-esteem, impact on professional and social life, isolation, depression...
In addition, anxiety caused by oversweating can quickly become a vicious circle, because fear can increase sweat secretion.
Many things can cause excessive underarm perspiration, so don’t hesitate to talk about it with your doctor, they can advise you on appropriate solutions.

Treating excessive underarm perspiration

Use of a traditional deodorant is not always sufficient in case of excessive underarm perspiration. It is therefore best to use an antiperspirant formulated with aluminium salts. It will act directly on the flow of sweat by putting the sweat glands in the armpits to rest, and its action is reversible. Ask your pharmacist for advice, they can recommend the most suitable product for your needs.