Sweaty Armpit / Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Armpit sweating or as it’s known as axillary sweating is another form of localized excessive sweating. It can be associated with palmar hyperhidrosis (hand sweating) in about 40% of the cases or it can be presented on its own as isolated focal axillary hyperhidrosis.

The armpit area has two types of sweat glands, eccrine and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands will be affected by sympathectomy and not so for the apocrine glands. For those patients who have the armpit sweating together with the hand sweating sympathectomy will help in about 80 to 90% of the cases. Never the less Dr. Reisfeld does not recommend sympathectomy for patients who suffer from isolated axillary hyperhidrosis.

Laser Armpit Sweating Treatment: (New Advanced Treatment)
Currently a preferred method to treat isolated cases of axillary hyperhidrosis is the combination of subdermal laser ablation and axillary suction currettage. Over the last few years there was some excitement about using subdermal laser ablation (SDLA) as the only method needed to help patients afflicted with severe isolated armpit sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis). Experience has shown that the success rate obtained with only SDLA is not as good so now the preferred approach is to use SDLA with axillary suction currettage. The SDLA provides an easy way to separate tissues in the subdermal region and to destroy a certain amount of sweat glands but it must be complimented with the mechanical portion of the process which is the axillary suction currettage.

For those who suffer specifically from excessive armpit sweating there is a surgical solution. The surgical solution consists of a combination of subdermal laser ablation and axillary suction curettage. The success rate for these combined methods is within the range of 85% to 90%. Experience has shown that complimenting the laser ablation technique with the mechanical suction currettage method ensures a better and more successful end result.

Causes of Armpit Sweating:
Excessive armpit sweating is due to the overstimulation of the sweat glands in the armpit region. The overstimulation originates in the sympathetic chain but other factors can play a role such as food, weight, psychological or simple anxiety.

How Armpit Sweating is Diagnosed
Excessive sweating in the armpit area is a subjective matter that can be seen by the patients or by people surrounding them. Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis to any given part of the body is defined as sweating beyond the physiological needs of the patient. Patients should consult with their physician to see what can be done. Also see the conservative treatments in the left column.

Side effects after the surgery such as pain, discomfort, swelling, fluid accumulation are temporary and can be dealt with easily.

Very few doctors offer this new and advanced approach. Renowned expert Dr. Reisfeld in Los Angeles does offer this new technique. For more information visit his armpit sweating page.

To see descriptions of other treatments click here.