Sweat

Excessive Underarm Sweating: Causes and Treatment Options

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can affect comfort and confidence. Learn how miraDry treatment can reduce underarm sweating and improve daily life. Medically reviewed by Dr Wen-Shan Sung Last Updated 27/09/2026
March 2026
Two women running outdoors, illustrating excessive underarm sweating and treatment options

Excessive sweating of the underarms can be frustrating and distressing for many people. The medical term for this condition is hyperhidrosis, which refers to sweating that occurs beyond what the body requires for normal temperature regulation.

Hyperhidrosis is more common than many people realise. In Australia, it is estimated that over 110,000 people experience excessive sweating, often affecting daily comfort, clothing choices and confidence.

For individuals experiencing persistent underarm sweating in Canberra ACT, modern treatments are available to help manage this condition effectively.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is a natural process that helps the body regulate temperature. The nervous system activates the sweat glands to produce moisture when the body needs to cool down, such as during exercise or in hot environments.

Hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands become overactive, producing significantly more sweat than necessary. This excessive sweating can occur even in cool environments or without physical activity.

Underarm hyperhidrosis may cause:

  • Persistent sweat patches on clothing
  • Frequent need to change clothes
  • Increased body odour
  • Difficulty wearing certain fabrics or colours
  • Anxiety or embarrassment in social situations

Many people find themselves relying heavily on antiperspirants or deodorants without achieving adequate control.

How Excessive Sweating Can Affect Daily Life

Although hyperhidrosis is not usually a dangerous condition, it can significantly affect quality of life.

Some individuals avoid certain clothing colours or fabrics due to visible sweat marks. Others may keep jackets or layers on to hide sweat patches, even in warm environments.

In professional or social situations, the fear of visible sweating can lead to increased stress and self-consciousness. Over time, this can impact confidence and everyday activities.

Treatment Options for Excessive Underarm Sweating

Several treatment options are available for managing excessive sweating. One of the most effective non-surgical treatments available today is miraDry®.

At the Canberra Sweat Clinic by The R Clinic, miraDry® is used to treat underarm hyperhidrosis by targeting and reducing sweat glands in the treated area.

How miraDry® Works

miraDry® uses controlled thermal energy to target and eliminate sweat glands within the underarm skin.

Because sweat glands do not regenerate once destroyed, the results are long-lasting. After treatment, the body continues to regulate temperature normally using sweat glands located throughout the rest of the body.

In fact, only around 2% of the body’s sweat glands are located in the underarms, meaning their removal does not interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.

Importantly, the body does not compensate by increasing sweating in other areas.

Who May Benefit from miraDry®?

miraDry® may be suitable for individuals who experience persistent underarm sweating that affects their daily comfort or confidence.

You may benefit from treatment if you:

  • Frequently notice sweat stains on your clothing
  • Avoid certain colours or fabrics due to sweating
  • Keep jackets or layers on to hide sweat patches
  • Worry about sweating before social or professional situations
  • Rely heavily on antiperspirants or deodorants
  • Experience sweating even in cooler environments

A consultation with a qualified practitioner can determine whether miraDry® is suitable for your individual concerns.

miraDry® Treatment in Canberra ACT

miraDry® is a non-surgical treatment designed to reduce underarm sweating and improve quality of life for people experiencing hyperhidrosis.

If you are concerned about excessive underarm sweating, booking a consultation can help determine whether this treatment option is appropriate for you.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments at The R Clinic are subject to a thorough medical consultation to determine individual suitability. Results may vary between patients. This content has been prepared in accordance with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advertising guidelines.