According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, about 8 million Americans, or 3 percent of the population, have an uncontrollable sweating disorder. That doesn’t even consider the number of people who just have active sweat glands and easily sweat in warm and hot weather. Excessive sweating can severely damage a person’s quality of life. It can cause social isolation and psychological distress.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel in an astringent extracted from the bark and leaves of a plant. It is commonly used in aftershave lotion and in first aid kits for bruises and insect bites. Witch hazel works by shrinking and contracting blood vessels. As an astringent it is also drying. Witch hazel is often used in deodorants as an antiperspirant. ProFace No Sweat is formulated for people with active sweat glands who wear wigs. However, ordinary witch hazel can be applied to the face using a cotton ball.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera gel, once exposed to the air, becomes aloe vera juice. For people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, dabbing aloe vera juice on the face can temporarily stop perspiration. Aloe vera juice can also help cool warm skin, making it a good product for those whose sweating is triggered by heat.
Antiperspirant Wipes
Maxim Antiperspirant Wipes are formulated for people with uncontrollable, excessive sweating. Wipes make them easy to apply anywhere. The only downside to this product is that there’s no information about its ingredients. While the manufacturer, Corad Healthcare (see Resources), indicates that the wipes are prescription strength, yet do not contain alcohol or aluminum, they do not report what is actually in the product.
Aluminum Chloride
In 2004, “The Surgeon,” a journal from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland, published a study by lead researcher E. Fitzgerald indicating that topical aluminum chloride (also known as aluminum salts) is effective in the majority of hyperhidrosis cases. The International Hyperhidrosis Society reports that aluminum chloride is commonly used in antiperspirants, and it is one of the most effective antiperspirants on the market.
Aluminum salts work by forming a plug to obstruct the sweat glands. The downside is that long-term use of aluminum chloride can destroy secretion ducts. However, for people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, this side effect may actually be the desired result. Products containing aluminum chloride are available with a doctor’s prescription. MedeTate, by DermaDoctor, is an over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe containing aluminum that can be used on the face and elsewhere.
