What is Drysol? How does it work as an Antiperspirant?

If you suffer from excessive sweating, then Drysol is your friend. Excessive sweating is serious as it can cause many bacterial and fungal infections. Even the smell of sweat is unbearable because the odor is mixed with different bacteria. Many drugs and sprays available in the market help solve this problem, but not every drug is worth the money.

Drysol is an antiperspirant that works wonders for reducing sweat. It contains a metal that reacts well with the sweat glands to decrease production. You might have heard of antiperspirants and deodorants; what’s the difference?

Antiperspirant Vs Deodorant

The main difference between these two is that the deodorant only controls the odor/smell produced by the sweat. At the same time, the antiperspirant controls not only the odor but also the production of sweat. The deodorant will keep you fresh on a hot day, and the antiperspirant will keep your underarms dry. It depends on your need what you should choose.

People who are suffering from Hyperhidrosis should look into buying antiperspirants.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a disease in which a person sweats more than the normal amount. Sweating has o lot of triggers; high temperature, exercise, embarrassment are some of the triggers. In Hyperhidrosis, sweating can be produced without any of these factors and might increase in the presence of these.

The sweating can be so excessive that water will drip through your hands. This type of sweating is not only a health hazard but also can cause social anxiety.

Symptoms

The main symptom and maybe the only symptom is excessive sweating. You can differentiate between excessive sweating and normal sweating easily. If excessive sweating is also making it difficult for you to go out in public, then it is time that you should see a doctor.  The sweating will be in excess in the underarms.

Causes

The production of sweat is the body’s mechanism to cool off. It happens when the body temperature rises. The body triggers your nervous system to produce stress. Sweat is also produced when you are embarrassed or nervous; body temperature also rises in these conditions.

There are two types of Hyperhidrosis:

  1. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis
  2. Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

In primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands become overactive even without physical triggers such as high heat or exercise. The situation worsens when the person is nervous or is under stress. The primary type affects the soles of feet, palms, and face. This situation is genetically transferred, and there is no treatment for this type of Hyperhidrosis.

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is due to a medical condition. This does not run in families. The conditions that might exacerbate Hyperhidrosis are:

  • Diabetes
  • Menopause
  • Heart Attack
  • Cancer
  • Infections

Even opioid and alcohol withdrawal can cause excess sweating to ensue.

Complications due to Hyperhidrosis

Although it seems like excessive sweating is not that of a big deal, it can cause many more complications. Infections are one of the complications. Infection of any type, whether bacterial or fungal, can occur. Also, it can cause social anxiety. The patient might get embarrassed to go out in public. It can cause an emotional tool.

Diagnosis

Hyperhidrosis diagnosis contains a lab test so that if the sweating is due to some medical condition, it can be diagnosed early on. Other tests include; iodine-starch test, skin conductance, and thermoregulatory test so that severity of the condition can be determined.

Treatment

If the person has secondary Hyperhidrosis, then the underlying medical condition is treated first so that the cause can be eliminated first. There are many medications available on the market that can treat Hyperhidrosis:

  1. Prescription Creams
    Prescription creams are used to treat Hyperhidrosis of the face and head. These creams usually contain glycopyrrolate.
  2. Antidepressants
    There are many antidepressants available in the market that has an amazing effect on excessive sweating. They reduce the sweat production marginally.
  3. Nerve Blockers
    Nerve blockers block communication between different nerve endings. This also reduces sweating, but it has many side effects; therefore, people avoid using them.
  4. Antiperspirants
    Antiperspirants are the preferred choice among doctors and patients. They do not have many side effects except if you are allergic to Aluminum Chloride. They might irritate the eye, face, or underarms area, so these should be washed off after use. The most popular antiperspirant is Drysol.

What is Drysol?

What is Drysol

Drysol is a prescription antiperspirant that helps reduce sweat. It is applied topically. It contains Aluminum Chloride that has an excellent effect on the sweat gland. There are many over-the-counter antiperspirants available. They differ from Drysol in that aspect that the concentration of metallic salts is different. Over counter usually have 15% salt in it while the prescription antiperspirant has 20% salt. This makes it better than the over-the-counter antiperspirant.

How does it work?

The aluminum salt mixes with the sweat and then gets pulled into the sweat glands by the sweat ducts. They then react with the sweat and blocks the sweat, and that in turn reduces excessive sweating.

Side Effects

The side effects of Drysol include:

  • Itching
  • Allergy
  • Dryness
  • Dry eyes

Other Alternatives

If the medications are not working great for the patient, then he can proceed with surgeries. It should be the very last option. Three types of surgery for Hyperhidrosis are available now; Microwave therapy, sweat gland removal, and nerve surgery. Microwave therapy uses microwave energy that destroys the sweat glands.

Sweat gland removal surgery uses suction curettage that removes the sweat glands. During nerve surgery, the doctors burn the nerve ending that is responsible for the sweating.

Summary

Hyperhidrosis not only causes physical harm and infections but also renders the patient socially awkward and embarrassed. People with excessive sweating tend to stay at home and do not participate in social avenues. Drysol is a great product that works for many, but if it does not work for you, you can look for other alternatives.

 

 

 

 

 

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