They've heard it before and will hear it again. Actually, they've heard much worse than that (safe bet).

WARNING: This article is long, but important. Read carefully.

(Here, how bout a video before we get started.?.)

I have recently learned that an overwhelming amount of people are scared or shy to visit the doctor. Are you kidding? Doctors see things way grosser (more gross?) than that everyday! (I mean, they stick their fingers in people's butts for cryin' out loud!)

Don't be shy, go see a doctor if you can.

Just How Important Is It?

It's absolutely critical!

It's always a good idea to get professional help with important issues. Your sweating could be caused by some other, more serious problem. PLUS, chances are the Doc'll give you treatments that stop (or at least reduce) excessive armpit sweating. Finally, it's important to see a Doc b/c if they can't give you something that works, they'll be willing (and able) to vouch for you that nothing has worked to stop your sweating.

Why Would I Need a Doctor to Vouch For Me?

There are a few standard treatments for excessive armpit sweating that are usually covered by insurance (prescription antiperspirants and oral medications for hyperhidrosis). BUT, these don't work for everybody.

And if you're one of those people that they don't work for, you're going to want to try other [cough], more expensive things.

Like possibly botox (which works really well, by the way). But the only problem is, botox is typically considered a "cosmetic" or "elective" procedure. It's rarely covered by insurance. And it can be quite pricey.

There's also a bunch of "alternative treatments" that are considered "elective" or not a "medical necessity." Things like hyperhidrosis acupuncture and hypnosis have cured excessive armpit sweating for many. But again, they're rarely covered by insurance. And they can be pricey.

See what I mean?

Finally, if you try everything and nothing stops your armpit sweating, you may want to consider hyperhidrosis surgery. Again, pricey. Again, not covered by insurance. Are you seeing a trend here?

But if you have a good Doc to vouch for you, saying that you've tried everything under the sun, and that excessive sweating is changing your quality of life, then it may become a "medical necessity," and your insurance company might fork out some dough.

And that would be sweet. It's always nice to get the ol' insurance company to cough up some loot, no?

So the moral of the story is..Go to the Doctor!

What Type Of Doctor Should I Go To?

You don't have to go to a dermatologist, or a specialist! Not unless ya' want to... Most general physicians will have everything you need to treat excessive sweating.

Even if you have a very extreme case of armpit sweating, you'll probably be just fine with a regular Doc.

What The Doc Will Try First

The first arrow in the Doc's quiver will be a prescription strength antiperspirant. Drysol is a popular brand that you may have heard of. There's a bunch of other brands, too though, so don't be surprised if what you get doesn't say 'Drysol' on it.

Prescription anti-Ps basically just have more aluminum in them. Aluminum is the same ingredient that's used in over-the-counter antiperspirants also. It works by 'plugging' sweat glands.

Some people think that using antiperspirants or other products containing aluminum is bad for you over time. Considering that aluminum is a heavy metal, and that by putting it on the surface of your skin it seeps into your body, I can see their points. (I'd rather not have heavy-metals swimming through my blood-stream, you?)

Honestly though, after researching it pretty thoroughly, I'm not too impressed by their arguments, and I still recommend people to try aluminum-based anti-Ps as a first effort.

Other Things The Doc May Try

If the prescription antiperspirants don't stop your armpit sweat, there are also several oral medications prescribed to cure underarm sweating. Some people have success with oral meds, but most people report that the side-effects are too disruptive.

There are a variety of prescription medications used. Some of the major classes of medication prescribed are

• Anticholinergics (Rubinol or Ditropan)
• Beta-blockers
• Anti-depressants
• Anti-anxiety meds

(Just 'Google' or 'HubPage' any of those words for more deets.)

A third, newer method that your doctor can help you with is botox for armpit sweating. Supposedly botox works really well for armpit sweating. Couple things--it's kinda expensive (unless you get your insurance to cover it), and it also hurts a little.

Is There Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

Absolutely!

A majority of excessive underarm sweating cases (~65%) are resolved with prescription antiperspirants. Working consistently with a good Doc is essential to finding a long-term cure for excessive armpit sweating and hyperhidrosis.

BUT, if all else fails, you know what we say. Just do what we did!