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Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are considered the first line of treatment for excessive sweating of
the underarms, hands, feet, and sometimes face. They are called the first line of treatment because
they are the least invasive and experts recommend that they be tried first, before
other more invasive treatments. Antiperspirants are applied to the top of the skin
(which is why they are called "topical" treatments) and work by blocking or plugging
your sweat ducts, thereby reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin.
Antiperspirants are available either over-the-counter, like Secret and Sure,
or by prescription, from your doctor. The most widely used ingredients
in antiperspirants are metallic salts. Preparations containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate
are among the most effective. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate concentrations of 10% to 15% are
recommended for excessive sweating of the underarms. For the hands or feet, higher concentrations
are needed - usually around 30%. Antiperspirants can be tried for facial sweating, too, but because
skin irritation can occur, it’s important to talk to your doctor before applying an antiperspirant to
such a tender area. He or she may have recommendations about which antiperspirants, or active
ingredient concentrations, may be more suitable for the face and other sensitive skin areas.
In addition to irritating the skin, antiperspirants, especially the prescription ones, can damage
fabrics. So be careful with your expensive pajamas and undergarments.
Some antiperspirants also contain deodorants. Deodorants, on their own, can’t prevent sweating, but they can reduce odor by limiting odor-causing bacteria.
How to Use Over-the-Counter Antiperspirants Effectively
You may be surprised to know that many people with hyperhidrosis do find some relief
from over-the-counter antiperspirants. The key is learning to use them correctly. A recent study
found that applying over-the-counter antiperspirants in the morning and evening, or just in the evening, was significantly
more effective than applying them in the morning alone.
If you’re not sure you want to, or can’t find the time to apply your antiperspirant more than
once a day, you can still improve its efficacy, say the researchers. Just change the time of
day that you apply it. Studies show that applying an antiperspirant just in the evening, as
opposed to just in the morning, gives better results.
To minimize the risk of skin irritation, completely dry your skin before you apply any
antiperspirant.
How does an antiperspirant work?
An antiperspirant will temporarily reduce perspiration in the underarm. Generally, an antiperspirant reduces odor like a deodorant because it prevents perspiration which is the stimulation for odor-causing bacteria. Plus the fragrance helps to minimize problems with unpleasant odor. The more effective the formula, the more effective and longer lasting the protection.
Once an antiperspirant is applied to the skin, perspiration in the underarm grabs and dissolves the antiperspirant particles, pulling them into the pores and forming superficial plugs that are just below the surface of the skin. These help to reduce the flow of perspiration. The plugs can stay in place at least 24 hours and then are washed away over time.
How to Use Prescription Antiperspirants Effectively
As with any prescription, you should, first and foremost, follow your doctor’s instructions.
Instructions may vary depending upon the product prescribed and your individual situation.
Generally, though, it’s recommended that prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum
chloride remain on the skin for 6 to 8 hours and be applied before bedtime, when sweating
is at its most minimal. Be sure your skin is dry and completely sweat-free before you apply the product - use a cool blow drier
if necessary. Washing your skin before application is not necessary and may actually
lead to greater irritation. If you shave your underarms, wait 24 to 48 hours after shaving
before applying the prescription antiperspirant. If your skin gets irritated, treat it with a topical
hydrocortisone cream and be sure to discuss it with your
doctor. If your skin does not get irritated, use the antiperspirant every night until sweating is reduced. Once you’ve noticed
that the antiperspirant has taken effect you may cut back on how often you use it.
You may have heard of people trying an "occlusion"
technique to make their antiperspirants more
effective. Occlusion is when you wrap the body area to
which you've applied an antiperspirant in Saran or
plastic wrap for an extended period of time, such as
overnight. Please be advised that there is no evidence
that occlusion improves antiperspirants' efficacy. On
the contrary, occlusion often causes severe skin irritation.
If you are considering occlusion, talk to your doctor
first.
Next Steps
Have you talked to your doctor about excessive sweating? If not, now is the time!
Learn more about how you and your doctor can work together
to find the right treatment, or combination of treatments, to manage your hyperhidrosis.
Have you tried antiperspirants, making sure to apply them as recommended above, and still
feel like your quality of life is suffering due to excessive sweating? Learn more about how
iontophoresis and/or Botox injections
can help.
And remember, because hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition - you deserve insurance
coverage and reimbursement for your doctor’s visits and treatments! We’ve got tips to help
you navigate the health insurance realm and receive coverage.
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