Over-the-counter (first-line, mild cases)

miraDry is the only non-invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that safely and permanently eliminates underarm sweat and odor glands. It uses thermal energy that is absorbed by the water in the sweat glands, destroying them while a cooling system protects the overlying skin. The one-hour procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and clinical studies show it destroys about 80 percent of the sweat glands in the underarm. Most patients achieve their goals with one treatment, though about 25-35% opt for a second to maximize results. It's important to note that miraDry is not recommended for patients with active HS or cysts in the underarm area.

If you sweat heavily, try to wash your armpits shortly after intense physical activity to prevent the buildup of sweat and oil.

: Wash the area daily with a mild antibacterial soap or a wash containing benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil . This reduces the bacteria on the skin surface, lowering the risk of an infected abscess.

Your armpit is home to two types of sweat glands: glands, which produce the watery sweat that cools you down, and apocrine glands, which produce a thicker, protein-rich secretion that can lead to body odor when broken down by skin bacteria. A "blocked sweat gland" isn't just one thing. The feeling of a blockage could be caused by a few different skin conditions, each requiring a different approach.