Underarm Sweat Reduction: 6 Treatments Compared (UK Guide 2026)
In short: for most people with heavy underarm sweating, the first step is a clinical-strength antiperspirant. If that doesn't work, prescription anti-sweat injections given by a doctor are the most widely used next step: sweating usually drops within a few days to two weeks, and the effect typically lasts 3–8 months. Iontophoresis suits hands and feet better than underarms, and surgery is a last resort.
This guide compares the six main options available in the UK: how each one works, how long results last, what it costs in London and who it suits. If you already know you'd like a doctor's assessment, see our hyperhidrosis treatment in London page for prices and booking.
Is it normal sweating or hyperhidrosis?
Everyone sweats, but hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the body sweats far more than it needs to for temperature control. Primary hyperhidrosis usually affects the underarms, hands, feet or face, often starts in the teens or early adulthood, and tends to run in families. Signs it may be more than normal sweating:
You sweat through clothes even when you're cool or resting
It affects what you wear, your work or your confidence
Normal deodorants and antiperspirants don't control it
Both underarms are affected roughly equally
See a GP first if you sweat all over your body, have night sweats, if heavy sweating started suddenly as an adult, or if it comes with weight loss, fever or a new medication. These can point to an underlying cause (secondary hyperhidrosis) that needs investigating before any cosmetic or clinic treatment.
6 underarm sweating treatments compared
Treatment | Best for | How long it lasts | Where to get it |
Clinical-strength antiperspirant | Mild to moderate sweating | Only while you keep using it | Pharmacy |
Iontophoresis | Hands and feet (less practical for underarms) | Needs regular maintenance sessions | NHS dermatology or a home device |
Prescription tablets | Sweating in several body areas | Only while you take them | GP or dermatologist |
Anti-sweat injections | Moderate to severe underarm sweating | Typically 3–8 months | Doctor-led clinics; NHS for some severe cases |
Microwave therapy | Long-term underarm reduction | Designed to be long-lasting | Specialist private clinics |
Surgery (sympathectomy) | Severe cases when everything else has failed | Permanent | Specialist surgeons |
1. Clinical-strength antiperspirants
Antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride are the usual first step. They work best applied at night to completely dry skin and washed off in the morning, a few times a week at first. They're cheap and easy to try, but can irritate the skin, and they only work for as long as you keep using them.
2. Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis passes a mild electrical current through water while the area is immersed. It's very effective for sweaty hands and feet, but much less practical for the underarms. It needs several sessions a week at first, then regular maintenance.
3. Prescription tablets
Doctors can prescribe anticholinergic tablets, which reduce sweating across the whole body. They can help when several areas are affected, but side effects such as a dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation are common, and they only work while you take them.
4. Anti-sweat injections
This is the most widely used treatment for underarm sweating once antiperspirants have failed. A doctor places a series of small injections in a grid pattern across each underarm, which temporarily blocks the nerve signals that switch on the sweat glands. The appointment takes about 20–45 minutes, sweating drops within a few days to two weeks, and results typically last 3–8 months before a repeat treatment is needed.
Because the injections use a prescription-only medicine, they should only be given after a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber, using a licensed product.
5. Microwave therapy
Microwave-based devices heat and permanently reduce the sweat glands in the underarm skin under local anaesthetic, usually over one or two sessions. They're designed for long-lasting results but have a higher upfront cost, cause temporary swelling and soreness, and are only used for the underarms.
6. Surgery (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy)
Surgery cuts or clamps the nerves that control sweating. It's permanent but carries real risks, especially compensatory sweating, where other parts of the body start sweating more. It's normally only considered for severe cases when every other option has failed.
How much does underarm sweating treatment cost in London?
Antiperspirants cost a few pounds, and iontophoresis and tablets are often available through the NHS. For private anti-sweat injections for the underarms, doctor-led clinics near Marble Arch typically charge around £380 to over £550 (our survey of local clinic price lists, October 2026).
At EliteSkin, prices start from £349 for underarms, £199 for the forehead, £369 for hands and £429 for feet, with every treatment given by a GMC-registered doctor after a free medical consultation. Full details are on our hyperhidrosis treatment page.
What to expect at an anti-sweat injection appointment
Consultation: a doctor confirms your symptoms and medical history, and rules out any underlying cause.
Preparation: numbing cream can be applied to keep you comfortable.
Treatment: small injections are placed evenly across each underarm, taking about 20–45 minutes.
Aftercare: avoid rubbing or pressing the area for 4 hours, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
How to choose a clinic for underarm sweating treatment
The injector is a doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber registered with the GMC, GDC or NMC
You get a proper medical consultation first, not a same-day walk-in
Only licensed, prescription-only products are used
The clinic explains aftercare clearly and offers follow-up
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for underarm sweating?
For most people the first step is a clinical-strength antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride. If that doesn't control the sweating, anti-sweat injections given by a doctor are the most widely used next step for the underarms. Iontophoresis works better for hands and feet, and surgery is reserved for severe cases where everything else has failed.
How long does underarm sweat reduction last?
With anti-sweat injections, results typically last 3–8 months, after which a repeat treatment is needed. Antiperspirants and tablets only work while you keep using them, while microwave therapy and surgery are designed to be long-lasting.
How quickly do anti-sweat injections work?
Most people notice a clear reduction in underarm sweating within a few days, with the full effect by around two weeks.
Is underarm sweating treatment available on the NHS?
In some cases, yes. The NHS may offer treatment for severe hyperhidrosis after first-line options have been tried, but eligibility and waiting times vary by area. Many people choose private, doctor-led treatment for faster access.
Does treatment for underarm sweating hurt?
Underarm injections are generally well tolerated. They are quick, and numbing cream can be used to keep you comfortable.
Will I sweat more somewhere else after treatment?
Not after injections: the treated sweat glands simply aren't triggered, and the rest of your body keeps regulating temperature as normal. Compensatory sweating elsewhere is, however, a known risk of surgery (sympathectomy).
When should I see a GP about sweating?
See a GP if you sweat all over your body, have night sweats, if heavy sweating started suddenly in adulthood, or if it comes with weight loss, fever or a new medication. These can point to an underlying cause that needs checking first.
Book a doctor's consultation in Marble Arch
EliteSkin is a doctor-led clinic at 1st Floor, Marble Arch Medical Centre, 217 Edgware Road, London W2 1ES, a short walk from Marble Arch, Edgware Road and Paddington stations. Consultations are available in English, Arabic, Russian and Greek. Call 020 3965 0299 or visit our hyperhidrosis treatment in London page to book.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for a medical assessment.
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