Can clinical strength anti perspirant such as Driclor kill sweat glands? As that has seemed to happen to me

Question

Hi I'm a sufferer of hyperhydrosis, originally in my armpits however over 8 years ago I started using Driclor under my arms for about a month and then stopped due to compensatory sweating which is still happening over 8 years later! Now sweating is generalised over my body mainly in my hands, feet and groin areas. Why is it that I haven't heard of this happening to anyone else?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, please see below.There are a variety of techniques to decrease sweating under the arms:

Botox- Botox is helpful in that it can decrease the production of sweat but not odor.  It typically lasts about 6 months in the under arm area.
Miradry-  Miradry uses microwave energy to destroy apocrine and eccrine glands.  It is better at eccrine gland destruction than apocrine and is currently only used on the underarm area.
RF needling- Can be used anywhere on the body and can destroy both apocrine and eccrine glands.  Has become the procedure of choice in my practice for hyperhidrosis due to its effectiveness.
Nerve ablation-Not commonly performed anymore as side effects are often worse than treatment and effectiveness is often limited.
Oral medications- Too many side effects to be effective.
Topical medications- Works by blocking glands.  Many patients state how not effective mechanism.
Best,
Anil Shah

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I disagree with sympathectomy for generalized hyperhidrosis.Regional treatments may help improve your quality of life.H Karamanoukian MD FACSCenter for Excessive Sweating, established 1999

Francis Jeon, MD · Answer

First of all, Driclor(r) does not kill sweat glands. It is an aluminum chloride agents that only blocks the entrance of the sweat glands.Hyperhidrosis can manifest and change in various areas. Hyperhidrosis, which starts from the armpit, may also appear in the hand & feet or other areas. In this case we are referred to as multiple regional hyperhidrosis.
Treatment of regional hyperhidrosis can be done step by step. In addition to life-style efforts, iontophoresis, botox injection, and taking medication can be considered.And, if these non-surgical efforts can not be resolved, sympathicotomy can be considered.

Can clinical strength anti perspirant such as Driclor kill sweat glands? As that has seemed to happen to me

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Can clinical strength anti perspirant such as Driclor kill sweat glands? As that has seemed to happen to me

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