Is it true when you block your sweat glands using clinical strengths antiperspirants you're at risk of developing cancer?

Question

I have read comments on Youtube saying if you're a hyperhidrosis sufferer and using antiperspirants that are high in aluminium to block your sweat glands, you may be at risk of developing cancer. The logic behind is that when we don't sweat we are letting the toxins come out when they should be. My only concern is how much truth is in the blocking my under arm sweat glands would cause me cancer?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

There's not a lot of data to support this report as true. It simply needs to be studied more. However, underarm sweat can be better treated permanently with MiraDry.
See my video link below. 
Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

There is no direct study that confirms this association, however a study did find higher incidence in breast cancer in young females than older ones and one theory was the earlier use of antiperspirants.  Due to this study, the popularity in natural deodorants has risen as a "safer" approach.

Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Great question. There are several studies that are looking into the possibility of a link between cancer and the aluminum in antiperspirants, but there is nothing (to my knowledge) that confirms the link at this point. However, I do have a great article on how Botox for Hyperhidrosis can be safer than antiperspirants. Take a look!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In the majority of deodorants the anti-perspirant quality is derived from the use of aluminum.  Whether prescription strength or not, it does not increase your risk of developing cancer.  Hope this helps.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is safe in the sense that it won't cause you to overheat.
The long term consequences for the use of alum chloride containing compounds on the development of breast cancer is not convincingly known. I do not believe it causes hydradenitis.
H Karamanoukian MD FACS
CEnter for Excessive Sweating, established 1999

Is it true when you block your sweat glands using clinical strengths antiperspirants you're at risk of developing cancer?

Answers (5)

Answer: Do clinical strength antiperspirants increase your risk of developing cancer?

Answer: Do clinical strength antiperspirants increase your risk of developing cancer?

Answer: Aluminum chloride containing antiperspirants may be carcinogenic, but not known conclusively

Answer: Aluminum chloride containing antiperspirants may be carcinogenic, but not known conclusively

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Is it true when you block your sweat glands using clinical strengths antiperspirants you're at risk of developing cancer?

Answers (5)

Answer: Do clinical strength antiperspirants increase your risk of developing cancer?

Answer: Do clinical strength antiperspirants increase your risk of developing cancer?

Answer: Aluminum chloride containing antiperspirants may be carcinogenic, but not known conclusively

Answer: Aluminum chloride containing antiperspirants may be carcinogenic, but not known conclusively

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.