Drysol and Hydrosal Gel
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Has every other topical treatment failed you and you want the strong stuff? The strongest antiperspirant there is, most commonly sold under the brand name Drysol, contains 20% aluminum chloride. It does work for some people, but…
Drysol seems to have the same side effects as the 12% solutions that I describe on my page about “prescription-strength” antiperspirants. Based on the numerous reviews of this product that I have seen, there seems to be a more intense burning reaction for many users. This would make sense, in that Drysol’s solution contains a significantly higher concentration of aluminum chloride.
I have seen dozens of positive reviews on many different websites, so clearly Drysol– which, incidentally, has been around for decades– does work for some people. Again, there is that caveat: for some people. Hyperhidrosis is maddening in that regard– ok, it’s maddening in every regard! But my point is that getting relief is such a crapshoot.
Drysol provides relief for many people, but with persistent and bothersome side effects (which include intense burning and/or itching) for some, with limited side effects for others, or for a lucky few, without any side effects at all. Also, there were a small number of unfortunate reviewers who experienced those side effects and got little or no relief from sweating.
My impression from reading these reviews is that Drysol users seeking axillary (underarm) Hyperhidrosis relief saw the best results. For those with palmar/plantar Hyperhidrosis, Drysol did help somewhat, but it seems that relief was harder to obtain for those users.
“Occlusion” (wrapping in plastic wrap)
There also seems to be a debate regarding a practice called “occlusion”. This involves applying Drysol and then wrapping the affected area(s) with Saran Wrap overnight. Your Doctor may advise you to do this (mine did), but you should know that there seems to be no proof that this technique improves the efficacy of this product. Indeed, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, this practice can cause added irritation. So, I recommend giving it a try without the plastic wrap, and then adding it if you think it might help.
If you have tried every other level of antiperspirant and feel that Drysol just might be what works for you, go ahead and try it! Just be sure to follow the directions precisely: dab it on– do not rub, apply before bed to COMPLETELY DRY skin, be careful of fabrics, be prepared for some burning, and don’t use the Saran Wrap unless you really think you must. You may be lucky enough to only need to use it a few times per week, or even less frequently, depending upon your body’s reaction. This is the most expensive antiperspirant option at $30/60ml. It is available at Amazon.com without a prescription, but it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor (make sure you find a nicer one than I did!). If you do obtain a prescription (and maybe even have insurance defray the cost?!), it can be filled at Drugstore.com and shipped to you.
I truly hope you can find relief and FREEDOM with this or one of the other types of antiperspirants I have reviewed.
There is one more topical product that you might want to have in your lineup: Hydrosal Gel. This product is similar to Drysol, but instead of an alcohol base, this formulation uses gel, which by many reports, causes significantly less irritation. According to the makers of Hydrosal Gel (also referred to as Hydrosal Pro), while the product is marketed for the underarm area, users have seen success with other areas of the body. They recommend consulting a doctor before using it anywhere other than under the arms, primarily because there is some alcohol in the formulation, which can cause irritation to areas where the skin is thinner.
Two of my readers have reported that Hydrosal Gel has stopped their palmar sweating. Hydrosal Gel does not require a prescription, but is available through physicians’ offices or their website.
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