Your doctor can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant than those available over the counter. These are typically applied only once or twice a day, and in small amounts, due to the more concentrated chemicals. Once this gets working, you'll only need to reapply once every week or 2. These can irritate your skin. If necessary, ask your doctor for hydrocortisone lotion to soothe your skin. These soak the sweating area in water, then send a mild electrical current through it. While it is unclear why this works, it is a mainstream medical treatment. This is generally more effective for hands and feet, but special devices do exist for armpits. Ask a doctor about this treatment, or purchase a less powerful over-the-counter version. Patients generally try the treatment daily for several weeks, then continue on a less frequent schedule if effective. Ask a doctor first if you have a metal medical implant (such as a pacemaker or IUD), if you are pregnant, if you experience cardiac arrhythmia, or if you have a skin rash on your underarms. This treatment can cause red skin, and more rarely blisters. There are several types of pills that can reduce sweating, but these have serious side effects. In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend a Botox injection or other treatment before these are considered. The following are 2 of the most common treatment approaches of this type: Anticholinergic drugs are effective in about 50% of cases, but often cause unpleasant side effects such as confusion and constipation. Beta blockers can reduce sweating, particularly if caused by anxiety. All drugs of this type have serious side effects, and cannot be taken by people with asthma or most heart conditions. Any beta blocker may cause depression or dizziness, and specific drugs may have additional side effects. The following treatments should only be administered by an experienced dermatologist. In most cases, your medical insurance will not cover these procedures. Ask your dermatologist or primary care physician to recommend an MD licensed in these types of treatments. A Botox injection at the armpit can paralyze nerves sending signals to sweat glands, typically for a few months. The FDA has approved this treatment for the armpit only, when antiperspirant has failed. Risks are very low when the procedure is performed properly, but include life-threatening issues. Microwave treatments to remove sweat glands are FDA-approved, but only recently. They may not be available in all areas. In severe cases, a dermatologist can surgically remove some of the sweat glands or their attached nerves. Liposuction is typically the type of surgery recommended for underarms. Risks are low, but there is a chance of serious problems. Never have these procedures done by an unlicensed practitioner.

Summary: Get a prescription-strength antiperspirant. Consider an iontophoresis device. Consider powerful oral medications. Ask a dermatologist for more powerful treatments.

Are you doing research on a certain topic? Practicing a foreign language? Learning more about life and culture in another land? Depending on your interests and purpose in writing to a pen pal, you will make different choices about who you opt to connect with. For instance, if you're interested in learning German, you should connect with a pen pal from Germany, Austria, or a German speaker in another country. If you're interested in learning more about Japan, you should identify pen pals in Japan who can share their insights into Japanese society. If you're interested in simply making a friend, it might be beneficial to write to someone with whom you share some common ground. Try to write to someone who is about your age and has similar interests. Find pen pals who you think are interesting and can connect with. For instance, if you're a 17-year-old punk rocker, you'll be unlikely to connect with a 45-year-old businessman. There are pen pal clubs that cater to specific groups, such as just college students or just teen girls. This can help you find a pen pal easier. Don't be afraid to write with someone different than you. For example, instead of finding another 17-year-old punk rocker, you could find a 16-year-old ballet dancer. There are many forums and websites available which connect people to pen pals both at home and abroad. Pen Pal World, Penpals Now, and Letter Writers Alliance are just some of the many sites which facilitate letter writing connections. Some services require fees while others are free. Both can provide good pen pals, but check before you get too excited about the sign-up process.

Summary: Consider why you want to write to a pen pal. Think about your own interests and background. Use the web to find a pen pal.

Some rabbits become territorial due to sexual maturity. However, other rabbits simply become aggressive if you reach into the cage or try to remove the rabbit from his environment. Other signs of cage protective behavior include biting you when you try to clean the cage or remove his food or toys. Rabbits need to feel like they have a safe space, which is most likely the cage. Reaching into the cage could be seen as a threatening act. Instead of reaching into your rabbit's cage to pull him out, try leaving the gate open and letting him come out when he's ready. Some rabbits resort to biting out of boredom. Much like a nagging child who pulls on your arm and cries until you pay attention, your rabbit's biting may simply be caused by boredom and not getting enough attention. Spend some time each day petting your rabbit or playing with him (if he'll let you). Consider getting a second rabbit to keep your bunny company. If you do this, however, you should ensure that both rabbits have been desexed to avoid aggressive competition. Make sure your rabbit gets plenty of exercise time outside his cage. Try to play with him, or simply let him romp around and explore a bunny-proof room. If your rabbit has reached the age of four or five months old and developed aggressive biting habits, it's possible that he's reached sexual maturity. This can mean that the rabbit is in heat, and may continue to act aggressively until he is desexed. Spraying urine is a common sign of being in heat, as well as the rabbit plucking its own hair (though this may be more common in females than males). Grunting, growling, and biting may be related to sexual behavior, though there could be other explanations. Talk to your vet or a qualified animal specialist if you're unsure of your rabbit's developmental stage. Some rabbits will nip at you when you try to discourage destructive behavior. This usually indicates irritation or a desire to be left alone, especially if it comes as a response to touching or moving your rabbit. Nipping may simply be a cry for attention. Try guessing what your rabbit might need (petting, food, water, etc.) and see if that stops his nipping. Typically, if your rabbit is nipping, it's to give you a warning. The easiest way to deal with a rabbit that wants his space is to leave him alone or put him back in his cage. Any time your rabbit's aggression or biting becomes a problem, you should talk to your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed. If the rabbit has already been desexed it could be a behavioral problem, perhaps related to previous mishandling, mistreatment, or even abuse. It could also be an underlying health problem that's causing your rabbit to act out. Your vet will be able to give you more concrete advice based on your rabbit's health history, adoption history, and a comprehensive physical examination.
Summary: Recognize cage protective behavior. Learn the signs of a bored rabbit. Identify the signs of a rabbit in heat. Address nipping behavior. Know when to see a vet.