Drysol (Aluminum Chloride) and Other Topical Treatments
What is Drysol?
A prescribed medication (aluminum chloride hexahydrate) normally prescribed for those who suffer from excessive sweating known medically as hyperhidrosis.
Prescription and Non Prescription Strength
Aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorhydrate are the most commonly used topical treatments for hyperhidrosis. Over the counter antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride are available in varying concentrations but the maximum is usually 15% - 19%. The metal salts complex produces a precipitation in the sweat gland ducts, which are presumed to block the epidermal sweat duct or promote atrophy and vacuolization of the glandular secretory cells. There are higher concentrated solutions up to 25% that are available with medical prescription (Drysol, Xerac AC, Certain Dri). Studies with high concentrations also have shown good tolerance to the lotions but in many cases irritation and burning sensation are common side effects. The solution should be applied to dry skin at bed time and wash off 6-8 hours later. In order to get a maximum effect it is recommended to use gloves to cover the applied area.
It is not yet determined whether there is a long term risk using those aluminum chloride salts but care should be applied to patients with kidney problems. The disadvantages of the various lotions is the fact that they have to be used continuously and patients with severe cases of hyperhidrosis do not have a great deal of success.
Additional Information:
 Learn about other Alternate Hyperhidrosis Treatments
- Excessive Hand Sweating - For excessive hand sweating (palmar hyperhidrosis) that is not responsive to conservative methods, ETS is the most appropriate solution.
- Excessive Foot Sweating For those who suffer from severe excessive foot sweating that did not see any improvement when ETS was performed or suffer from excessive foot sweating as a primary problem then lumbar sympathectomy is new option for their problem. It carries a success rate of 95%. (Newly offered in the U.S.)
- Excessive Armpit Sweating - If excessive armpit sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis) is the main concern then Axillary Suction Currettage is the most appropriate solution.
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