If you suffer from excessive sweating, you have probably already tried quite a number of over-the-counter anti-perspirants. In fact, doctors usually recommend these as the first line of treatment for hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating). For many people, these can be an effective treatment, which reduce or even eliminate the symptoms. Often, though, for some sufferers of hyperhydrosis, regular anti-perspirants are inadequate. So, naturally, they seek stronger and stronger versions in a bid to find a product that will reduce their excessive sweating. Though these extra-strength products are available (on prescription) and often they do get results - does their effectiveness come at a price? Are these powerful anti-perspirants in any way harmful?

To ensure you aren't trading one health issue for another one, it pays to be cautious about what you are putting on your body. After all, the skin is the largest organ in your body and whatever you apply to it gets into your system. This is even more important when you are applying a certain product daily, even more than once per day. For the sake of your overall health, it is essential that you ensure that your anti-perspirant is first doing no harm. Anti-perspirants work by plugging the sweat glands in your body. They do this with an active ingredient that reacts with your sweat ducts to form a superficial plug just under the surface of your skin, which temporarily stops sweat from escaping. These active ingredients are usually metallic salts, the most commonly used ones are aluminum-based. Extra-strength anti-perspirant have a higher percentage of active ingredient, i.e. a higher dose of aluminum.

Although we have been exposed to aluminum for a number of years, in the form of cooking utensils etc., the applications of aluminum to the skin, via antiperspirants, is a relatively recent development. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers aluminum-based anti-perspirants to be safe and effective, otherwise they would not allow them to be marketed. However they do advise caution for consumers with kidney disease. So, the official line is that extra strength anti-perspirants are safe, as long as the recommended levels are not exceeded. However, there have been recent concerns about a link between aluminum and brain disorders, more specifically Alzheimer's disease. It appears that autopsies on those with Alzheimer's showed higher levels of aluminum than those without the disease. Equally though, there have been scientific proposals that counter this idea.

So, it would appear the jury is still out on if there are any harmful effects of aluminum in anti-perspirants. Naturally, this is a concern for users of anti-perspirants, especially if you are considering the extra-strength products. It is impossible to rule out any possible side-effects and the fact that it is recommended that you cut back on use once the anti-perspirant has taken effect, suggests that there is reason to be cautious. However, it's a fact of life that any medication comes with a small risk of side-effects, but this should be weighed up against the distress you encounter from your symptoms. So, whilst it pays to do your research, ultimately you have to make a decision based on what you are comfortable applying to your skin, alongside your need for relief from excessive sweating.

Also, it is worth bearing in mind that many people do find success with over-the-counter products, which seem to be a smaller risk. So, it's a good idea to explore the numerous different brands, as they all react slightly differently with each person's body chemistry. And remember that varying applications can improve your results. For example, anti-perspirants tend to be more effective when applied at night, as opposed to in the morning (although applying on both occasions seems to be the ideal). Also, make sure your skin is completely dry (and not irritated) before you apply the anti-perspirant. If necessary use a cool blow-drier. (Obviously these guidelines are general and you should always follow the product's specific instructions.) If you are nervous about the extra-strength anti-perspirants, persevering with the lower dose products may eventually deliver the results you want, without the worry of harmful side-effects.




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