What should you know about driclor on feet?

Driclor is a topical antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride. It works at the openings of sweat ducts, reducing sweat reaching the skin surface for a period. It can be useful for sweaty soles, but it does not permanently change how the sweat glands work.

The feet are often exposed to friction, damp footwear, and small cracks. Applying aluminium chloride to wet, inflamed, or damaged skin can cause stinging and redness. It also helps to distinguish sweating from a separate problem such as itchy scaling or cracks between the toes.

Read the product instructions and use the smallest amount needed. Apply at night to fully dry feet, avoiding cuts, blisters, eczema, and the spaces between toes if these areas are irritated. Let the product dry, then follow the morning washing instructions. Wash hands after use and avoid contact with eyes.

Do not apply straight after a hot shower, exercise, or anything that leaves the skin damp. Wear breathable shoes and change socks when wet. Stop if burning, swelling, blistering, or marked peeling develops, and ask a pharmacist or clinician how to restart safely or choose another option. Prescription antiperspirant treatment may be discussed when self-care is insufficient.

Seek advice if irritation persists after stopping Driclor, if the feet become very painful or swollen, or if open cracks start to ooze. Arrange a medical review for sudden or widespread sweating, night sweats, or sweating with faintness, fever, palpitations, or other new symptoms. Foot odour with scaling may need assessment for infection.

Ask whether aluminium chloride is suitable for your skin, which areas should be avoided, and how to manage irritation. Mention any cracked skin, eczema, medicines, or changes in sweating before starting or increasing use.