Some facts about sweating
Sweating is an essential body function to regulate and maintain an optimal body temperature of 37℃. Over-sweating (hyperhidrosis) occurs when sweat glands are overactive even at rest on a regular basis. This condition affects about 3% of Canadian and 4.8% of American.
Hyperhidrosis usually occurs in one of more of the following areas:
- underarm
- hands
- feet
- face
Topical treatments are the first line of therapy. Topical antiperspirants temporarily block the sweat glands. These products typically contain aluminum salt. It comes in liquid form (e.g. Drysol) which we have discussed about previously. It also comes in a gel form (Hydrosal) containing 15% of aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
How to use Hydrosal?
- Wash and dry the area to be treated
- Apply the gel at bedtime and spread evenly
- Repeat for 7 consecutive nights and then use as needed
- For sensitive skin, apply 2 to 3 times weekly initially and then as needed. It does not need to be washed off the following morning
In additional to liquid formulation of aluminum salts, Hydrosal Gel is an option in excessive sweating for those who prefers gel form and cannot tolerate liquid aluminum salt.
References:
https://dermatology.ca
Arch Dermatol Res. 2016; 308(10): 743–749