DEODORANTS HELP ELIMINATE underarm stench, but do nothing to stem the sweat itself. Try an antiperspirant; if it doesn't work, try a stronger one. The length of time an antiperspirant succeeds is determined by its aluminum content, which causes your glands to temporarily swell so they can't produce sweat.

Most over-the-counter brands are 1 percent or 2 percent aluminum, but products such as Xerac AC (6 percent) and Drysol (20 percent) are so powerful that they require a prescription--and may irritate your skin. If you'd rather go natural, essential oils extracted from sage, lemongrass and bergamot have been known to provide some measure of protection.

If your glands produce a tsunami on a daily basis, you may have a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which typically affects the hands, scalp, face, armpits, trunk or feet. There are several options:

* Oral medications (glycopyrrolate, atropine) help block nerves that stimulate the sweat glands, but they can dry up other body secretions, too.

* Botox--the anti-wrinkle drug--can paralyze sweat-gland nerves for up to four months, though only at the injection site.

* A process called iontophoresis applies electricity to the affected area. It's painless and safe, but may be no more effective than a topical antiperspirant.

* During an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, a small clip is surgically attached to the sweatgland nerves to restrict the flood waters.