Effects of topically-applied antiperspirant on sweat gland function

Abstract

In subjects exposed to a hot environment, short-term topical pretreatment with aluminium zirconium tetrachlorhydrate delayed the onset of visible sweating although it failed to prevent the response. The delay was considered most probably to be due to the occlusive action, in the duct within the upper epidermis, of aluminium-containing conglomerates, which disappear after continuous sweating. However, microanalytical evidence indicated that ionic transport within the fundus secretory cells was also modified.

Ultrastructure of the hyperhidrotic eccrine sweat gland

“…Hyperhidrosis can be partially alleviated by iontophoresis of tap water (palmoplantar surfaces 3 ) or by topical application of aluminium‐based antiperspirant preparations (axillae 4 ). These methods, however, have limited value and their modes of action are unclear 2,5 . Invasive treatments include thoracosympathectomy, injection of botulinum toxin, liposuction and skin ablation 1,6–9 .…”

Topical 0.03% atropine vs. 15% aluminum chloride in treating multiple eccrine hidrocystomas: A randomized single blind controlled study

“…It is recommended to apply the solution at bed time, and wash the skin the following morning. [101213]…”

“…It penetrates to terminal end of eccrine ducts in epidermis by reflux entrance and causes shrinkage of the ducts. [1012]…”

Recurrent Palmoplantar Hidradenitis with Exclusive Palmar Involvement and an Association with Trauma and Exposure to Aluminum Dust

“…Of interest is that our patient also had exposure to aluminum powder before the palmar lesions appeared. When used as short‐term topical therapy for hyperhidrosis, aluminum preparations are thought to obstruct the eccrine duct and possibly alter the glandular secretory function (10). Aluminum powder and aluminum chloride have also been reported to increase neutrophil chemotactic activity during inhalational challenge testing of aluminum‐induced occupational asthma (11).…”