How to Stop Sweating Under Your Armpits (for Girls)

Sweating is a normal bodily function. Although males tend to sweat more than females, females actually have more sweat glands.^{[1]XResearch source} If armpit sweat is something you are embarrassed about or something you feel you want to control, there are steps you can take to limit the amount of sweat produced by your armpits.

How can I stop sweating so much in school?

Apply antiperspirant under your armpits each day to help keep your armpits from sweating, along with a deodorant to keep them smelling fresh. You can also use an antiperspirant/deodorant combo. It can also help to slip into some looser clothing, wear layers, and avoid tightly-knit garments

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Reducing Sweating Naturally

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One reason that sweating occurs is to keep the body cool. If you live in a place where the weather is warm or if your work or school keeps the thermostat high, then your body is more likely to produce sweat.^{[2]XResearch source} Thus, if you do not want to sweat, you should do your best to avoid warm temperatures.
This is not easy to do, but when you experience these feelings your autonomic nervous system reacts by producing sweat.^{[3]XExpert SourceAlina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 16 August 2021.}^{[4]XResearch source} Therefore, do your best to remain calm.
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While exercise is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is also another reason your body produces sweat. When you exercise, you raise your body temperature, so you sweat to keep cool.^{[5]XResearch source} Thus, if you do not want to sweat, you should stick to exercises such as swimming, where it will not be obvious that you are sweating.
If your clothes are tight and close to your skin, the clothing is more likely to absorb sweat. Additionally, close fitting clothes may make you feel warmer, causing sweating. Therefore, you should stick to clothing that is loose. This will also allow air to circulate.
The more tightly knit a shirt is, the less it breathes and the warmer you will feel. Silk, for example, is a bad choice if you want to avoid sweating as it is tightly knit.^{[6]XResearch source} Shirts that are loosely woven, will allow more air to circulate.
6
Wear layers. For some people, this step is easy, since they often wear undershirts. However, as a girl, you can also use this method. The idea is that by wearing a few layers, you have more fabric to absorb the sweat. Thus, it is less likely that sweat shows through the outermost layer.
- Consider camisoles, or thin shirts, which you can wear underneath your shirt for the day. You can even bring an extra one along in case you want to change.
7
Wear dark colored clothing. Colors such as navy and black are good at hiding most wet sweat marks that appear underneath your arms. Additionally, white usually also does a pretty good job of hiding sweat.
- Colors to avoid include: Grey, bright colors, as well as most light colors, which will all show sweat. You should avoid these so if you do sweat, it won't be that obvious.
This product goes by many names (e.g. underarm shields, garment protectors, sweat pads, etc.), but the function is the same. The pads will either stick to your skin or have straps to go around your arms. As you sweat, the shields absorb the sweat so it doesn’t show up on your clothes.^{[7]XResearch source}
Baby powder (which is typically made of talcum powder and added fragrance) can help to absorb excess sweat. Additionally, talcum acts as an astringent, meaning that it causes your pores to restrict, which helps lessen the sweating.^{[8]XResearch source}
This may sound silly, but if you are sweating a lot, you can raise your arms over your head for a few minutes (if you are alone) or place your elbows on your desk (if you are at school or work) to allow some air to circulate under your arms.
11
Avoid spicy foods. Food that is very spicy can cause you to sweat more. If you want to reduce the amount you sweat then avoid spicy foods such as jalapeños.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Additionally, foods such as garlic and onions can cause your sweat to smell worse. If you are concerned about this, then you should also avoid these.^{[10]XResearch source}
12
Carry a handkerchief. While you may not always have the opportunity to wipe away sweat discreetly, having a handkerchief with you will give you something to wipe the sweat away when it is unavoidable.
- You can also keep a small towel in your bag instead of a handkerchief.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Reducing Sweating with Over the Counter Products

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1
Use antiperspirant. As the name suggests, antiperspirants are meant to avoid sweating (perspiring). Antiperspirants are widely available, and most deodorants sold today contain an antiperspirant.
- Typically, these products come in different strengths. It is best to start with the lowest strength product. If that doesn’t solve your sweating problem, then try the next strength level.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Antiperspirants work by creating a coagulant that clogs the pores.
The antiperspirant solution will be diluted if you sweat shortly after using it. At night, you are moving around less, and less likely to sweat.
This will help your skin from becoming irritated, and will also help the antiperspirant to work better (since it works best if it does not become diluted).^{[12]XResearch source}
It may take time for the antiperspirant to clog the pores. If the product is not working after only a few days, don’t worry, the product may just need a few more days.
5
Use deodorant to avoid body odor. In addition to an antiperspirant, you can also apply a deodorant. When sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin, it becomes odorous. Deodorant kills the bacteria to prevent this odor. Fragrance is commonly added to mask any smell that might occur.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Sometimes antiperspirants may also include a deodorant and vice versa. Read the label of your current antiperspirant or deodorant carefully to check.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Considering Medical Treatments for Excessive Sweating

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1
See a dermatologist. If you are not able to control your sweating using the previous methods, then a visit to your dermatologist is a good idea. Dermatologists are typically the best type of doctor to see for this problem, as they deal with skin, and are often familiar with treatments for excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis).^{[14]XExpert SourceAlina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 16 August 2021.}^{[15]XResearch source}
- Be aware that you may need a referral from your regular doctor to see a dermatologist, be sure to check with your insurance company to see if this is necessary.
2
Ask for a prescription strength antiperspirant. If none of the over the counter products you have tried are working, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe you a prescription strength antiperspirant that you would not be able to purchase on your own.
- The same procedure as for over the counter products will likely apply for application. Be sure that you do it at night before bed, and that your armpits are completely dry.
- Read the information that comes with your prescription carefully. There may be special application instructions, instructions about how often to use, side-effects to be aware of, etc.
- You can speak to your doctor about a variety of treatments ranging from topical solutions (Drysol), wipes (Brea), oral medications (glycopyrrolate), injections with neuromodulators, and laser treatments.^{[16]XExpert SourceAlina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
  Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 16 August 2021.}
3
Consider trying Iontophoresis. If prescription strength antiperspirant doesn’t help, you might consider alternative treatments. One of these is known as Iontophoresis. Although most commonly used for sweating of the hands and feet, it can be used for armpits as well.^{[17]XResearch source}
- The procedure involves placing the affected area into water, through which a mild electric current is passed. The procedure works well for many, but multiple treatments are often required, and the physical structure of the armpit can often make treatment a bit impractical.^{[18]XResearch source}
4
Ask about Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections. You may have heard of Botox injections as a method of avoiding wrinkles; however it can also be used to treat excessive sweating. Botox works by essentially “turning off” the sweat glands in the affected area.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Be aware that this treatment can be painful, and only works for a few months at a time.^{[20]XResearch source}
5
Ask about miraDry treatments. MiraDry is a fairly new treatment method, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011.^{[21]XResearch source} This treatment works by using electromagnetic energy to destroy the sweat glands in the affected area (and is most commonly used for armpits). Typically, two treatments are done over a period of a few months. As of now, it does not appear that the sweat glands will grow back.^{[22]XResearch source}
- The procedure typically lasts about an hour, and uses a local anesthetic. There may be a bit of redness, tenderness, and swelling for a few days after the procedure, but mild pain medication can be used to help with this, along with the use of ice packs.^{[23]XResearch source}
6
Consider surgical methods for reducing sweating. Although typically only used in very severe cases of hyperhidrosis, surgery offers another option to control sweating. There are many surgical techniques used to deal with the problem, but they all have the ultimate goal of removing sweat glands in the affected area.^{[24]XResearch source}
- Typically, these surgical procedures are performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia, which means that you will not be asleep. Only the affected area is numbed.

Expert Q&A

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Question
Can puberty cause excessive sweating?
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Yes, it can, but it is important to be evaluated by a dermatologist to determine the cause. There are some cases of excessive sweating that can be secondary to underlying systemic medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytomas, and certain cancers (in rare situations, so there's no need to panic).
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Question
What causes excessive sweating in teenage girls?
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Alina Goldenberg is a Board Certified Dermatologist. She specializes in allergic contact and atopic dermatitis, patch testing, skin cancer screening and treatment, and medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Goldenberg has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters and received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Skin Association. She holds a BA in Public Health from The University of California, Berkeley, a MAS in Clinical Research, and an MD from The University of California, San Diego.
Alina Goldenberg MD, MAS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
It is possible that you are suffering from hyperhidrosis. This is a common, but frustrating condition. Usually, the problem is related to stress or anxiety-provoking situations and is our body’s main response to stabilize our temperature.
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Tips

Wear deodorant every day.
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If you use a gel deodorant, make sure it has time to dry before putting on clothing.
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Wash your underarms thoroughly when you bathe. This helps get rid of the bacteria on the skin that causes odor.
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Warnings

Remember that sweating is a completely normal and necessary body function. While good hygiene is important, and excessive sweating can be embarrassing, it is also a natural part of life.
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Avoid wiping your armpits or putting deodorant on in a public place. If you want to do this, excuse yourself to the restroom. Some people may find this behavior rude or offensive.
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