Wet armpits are actually not a condition that is considered dangerous. However, it may be of particular concern because it can interfere with daily activities, including causing underarm odor which can make you feel less confident in socializing.
Common Factors Causing Wet Armpits
Sweating is the body's attempt to naturally lower its temperature. For example, when you are exercising or nervous, your body temperature will increase, so you need to cool down.
Excessive sweating without a trigger is called hyperhidrosis. Generally this condition is caused by overactive sweat glands. This can certainly interfere with comfort, both physically and emotionally.
Excessive sweating around the armpits is called axillary hyperhidrosis. This condition often makes sufferers feel insecure about wearing light-colored clothes, because sweat stains can be seen clearly and can damage clothes quickly, especially those made of silk.
Various Ways to Overcome Wet Armpits
To overcome and prevent wet armpits due to excessive sweating, here are various ways you need to do:
1. Antiperspirants
Generally, antiperspirant products are sold freely and can be used to treat excessive sweating on hands, feet and underarms. Apart from during the day during activities, this product can also be used at night before going to bed.
Many antiperspirant products contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which can block sweat glands. However, there are also antiperspirant products that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription, and generally these products contain a stronger base of aluminum salts.
2. Drugs
The drugs referred to here are types of drugs prescribed by a doctor to treat certain conditions, such as dealing with wet armpits due to excessive sweating.
Medication from a doctor's prescription can usually be consumed to prevent stimulation of the sweat glands. Not everyone can take this drug, so you need further consultation with your doctor.
3. Iontophoresis therapy
This procedure uses a special machine that uses electricity to reduce the activity of the sweat glands. This therapy is more often used on sweaty feet or hands, compared to use in the armpits.
In iontophoresis therapy, the body parts that are sweating will be immersed in water and then a low power electric current will be passed until a tingling sensation is felt. Therapy is carried out for 10 to 20 minutes. This therapy is quite effective for reducing excessive sweating.
4. Botox
Botox which is commonly used to treat wrinkles is also considered effective for dealing with excessive sweating, even more effective than drugs. Botox injections are generally used in conditions of excessive sweating that are quite severe.
Botox that is injected in the armpit blocks the nerves that stimulate sweat production. It's just that, there are side effects in the form of temporary pain at the injection site, and the risk of triggering an increase in body temperature or fever.
5. Operation on the armpit
If the methods above don't work for wet armpits, surgery can be the last resort. Surgery is performed to remove sweat glands in the armpits. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia.
This operation is only performed if there is no other way to deal with wet armpits, or if the condition of wet armpits is considered a very disturbing health problem.
In general, wet armpits due to excessive sweating are not caused by serious health problems. However, you still need to be aware of the possibility of excessive sweating caused by an illness, such as diabetes, heart attack, hypoglycemia, nervous system disorders, and certain types of cancer.
Therefore, if wet armpits feel very disturbing, you should consult a doctor so that proper treatment can be given, so that this complaint no longer interferes with your activities and self-confidence.
