Efficacy of a 20% Aluminum Chloride in Alcohol Solution in the Treatment of Hyperhidrosis: A Study Using a Hydrometer

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Excessive sweating, especially of the palms, soles and axillae, is a socially and an occupationally distressing, and sometimes disabling condition. A variety of treatment methods are used to reduce profuse sweating including topical agents, iontophoresis and symphatectomy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether a 20% aluminum chloride solution is efficient in the treatment of axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis using a skin surface hydrometer. METHODS: We treated 31 patients (7; male, 24; female) by Drysol once a day at bedtime for four weeks. We had measured the conductances on the stratum corneum of the palms, soles and axillae using a skin surface hydrometer before and after treatment every week for four week RESULTS: There was a reduction of conductances after the treatment by Drysol (p<0.05). The reduction of conductances was continued for four weeks (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Drysol is an efficient, safe, and simple method for initial treatment of the primary hyperhidrosis.