Block sweat glands with aluminium compounds
Antiperspirants act on the basis of aluminium compounds and substances such as aluminium chloride. The ingredients narrow or block the excretory ducts of the sweat glands, reducing sweat secretion. The sweat-reducing effect might last up to 3 days. Due to the reduced sweat secretion, though, odour-causing bacteria may multiply. Antiperspirants are commercially available as rollers, sticks, creams, pads, or sprays.
In contrast to the antiperspirant is a deodorant, a care product which only prevents or masks body odour. It reduces the flow of sweat only slightly. The essential ingredients of deodorants are fragrances and anti-bacterial agents. Some deodorants also contain small amounts of aluminium chloride.
This helps prevent sweating in the armpits, but is less suitable for hyperhidrosis of the hands, feet, or face.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are mainly used under the arms. But special antiperspirants have also been developed to treat sweaty feet and palms.
For more information on antiperspirants, see www.sweat-off.com.
Especially with heavy sweating in the armpits, antiperspirants can be a useful alternative to tap water iontophoresis for alleviating excessive sweating.
Please do not use antiperspirants or aluminium-containing deodorants in the same areas that you are treating with iontophoresis as this may cause burns in the treated area. If the antiperspirant is not enough to relieve your underarm hyperhidrosis, we recommend HIDREX iontophoresis treatment with our AX pads.
Possible side effects of antiperspirants & deodorants
The use of antiperspirants may cause side effects such as skin irritation or eczema. One should therefore pay attention to how your skin reacts to individual products. Due to the possible toxic effects of aluminium, the German Institute for Risk Assessment recommended in 2014 that deodorants or antiperspirants containing aluminium not be used on damaged skin or after shaving.
Will health insurance pay for antiperspirants?
High-quality antiperspirants can help with hyperhidrosis, which is why many physicians also prescribe antiperspirants. Once evidence of its medical necessary has been submitted to the insurance company, it may offer partial reimbursement.
Benefits and risks of antiperspirants compared to HIDREX iontophoresis treatment
Antiperspirants and deodorants help with heavy underarm sweating and may be a good alternative to iontophoresis treatment. Iontophoresis treatment can also be used on the hands, feet, face, and head. Special applicators for treating the back have also been developed by HIDREX. The use of antiperspirants may cause irritation of the skin and eczema, whereas iontophoresis treatment will only cause, at most, brief side effects such as redness after treatment. In the long term, iontophoresis treatment is less expensive than buying special antiperspirants.
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