What does prescription antiperspirant treat?

It is commonly used for excessive sweating, including underarm sweating, sweaty feet and hyperhidrosis affecting particular areas. Many formulations use aluminium chloride, which forms temporary plugs near sweat gland openings and limits moisture at the treated surface. It does not remove the underlying sweat glands or explain why sweating began. By reducing dampness, it may also help lessen the moist environment that can contribute to irritation between skin folds or foot odour, but it is not a universal treatment for every rash or infection. Your clinician will match the strength and application schedule to the body area and skin condition.

Apply only as directed, usually to completely dry, intact skin; applying soon after shaving can sting. Wash the product off according to the instructions and stop if severe burning, swelling or blistering develops. Do not apply over broken or infected skin unless a clinician tells you to. Keep a note of the areas treated, the timing of applications and whether sweating changes during sleep, exercise or stress. If sweating is new, widespread or accompanied by other symptoms, an assessment may be needed before focusing on topical control.

Arrange a review if treatment causes persistent irritation, fails to control symptoms, or sweating interferes with work, sleep or everyday activities. Seek urgent care for sudden heavy sweating with chest discomfort, faintness, confusion, breathing trouble or severe weakness. New night sweating with fever or unexplained weight change also warrants medical assessment.

Which areas should I treat, and how often? Is aluminium chloride suitable for my skin? Could another condition or medicine be contributing to the sweating, and what should I do if irritation occurs?