As a medical professional with a focus on dermatology, I often encounter patients with concerns about excessive sweating, particularly in areas such as the underarms. Understanding why this occurs requires a dive into the physiology of sweat glands and the conditions that can exacerbate sweating. **Step 1: Understanding Sweating and its Purpose** Sweating is a natural and essential process for regulating body temperature. The human body has two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are found all over the body and produce a clear, odorless sweat that helps cool the body when it overheats. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are concentrated in areas with a high density of hair follicles, such as the armpits, and produce a thicker sweat that can contain proteins and lipids. **Step 2: Identifying the Cause - Hyperhidrosis** Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a condition where a person sweats significantly more than is needed for temperature regulation. It can be a source of significant discomfort and social anxiety. While the exact causes are not fully understood, it is believed to be related to overactivity of the sweat glands. Up to 3% of the population may suffer from this condition, which can manifest as focal hyperhidrosis when it is limited to specific areas like the palms, soles, or underarms. **Step 3: Factors Contributing to Excessive Sweating** Several factors can contribute to excessive sweating under the arms: 1. Genetics: A family history of hyperhidrosis can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. 2. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during青春期 (adolescence), pregnancy, or menopause, can affect sweat gland activity. 3. Medications: Certain medications can cause increased sweating as a side effect. 4. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as甲状腺功能亢进 (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, or obesity can lead to excessive sweating. 5. Emotional Stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, which can activate the sweat glands. 6. Physical Activity: Intense exercise can increase body heat, leading to more sweating. 7. Diet: Spicy foods, caffeine, and certain medications can stimulate sweat production. 8. Climate and Environment: Hot and humid conditions can make sweating more noticeable. Step 4: Treatment Options Treatment for excessive underarm sweating can range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions: 1. Antiperspirants: These can be effective for mild cases by forming a plug in the sweat glands to block sweat. 2. Medications: Oral medications or injections like botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to block the nerves that stimulate sweat production. 3. Iontophoresis: This involves passing a mild electrical current through the skin to the sweat glands, which can reduce their activity. 4. Surgery: In severe cases, surgical removal of sweat glands or procedures to cut the nerves that supply them may be considered. 5. Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, modifying diet, and wearing breathable fabrics can help manage excessive sweating. Step 5: Seeking Professional Help If excessive underarm sweating is causing you distress, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs. read more >>

Excessive sweating is instead defined as any amount of sweating that causes problems or distress. The exact causes aren't known, but up to 3% of people suffer from hyperhidrosis. ... Sweating is worst in the palms, soles, or underarms. When excessive sweating is limited to these areas, it's called focal hyperhidrosis.Oct 13, 2017read more >>