Why is aluminium chloride used in prescription antiperspirant?

Prescription antiperspirant places a concentrated aluminium salt on areas that sweat heavily, such as the underarms, hands, feet or scalp. When the product meets moisture in the sweat duct, it forms a temporary plug close to the surface. This limits sweat flow without removing the sweat glands. The effect fades as the skin naturally sheds the plug, so treatment needs continued use according to the prescribed schedule.

Stinging, dryness, redness or itching can occur, especially when the product is applied to damp, freshly shaved or broken skin. These reactions do not mean that more product will work better.

Apply the prescribed amount to completely dry skin, commonly at night when sweating is lower, and wash the area in the morning if your clinician has advised this routine. Do not apply it immediately after shaving, to cuts, or near the eyes. If irritation develops, pause and ask the prescriber whether a different schedule or a soothing product is suitable. Keep the container away from children and follow its label.

Contact a clinician if burning, swelling, blistering or a rash continues after washing the product off, or if the treated skin becomes painful or infected-looking. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, widespread hives, breathing trouble or faintness after application. New sweating at night, sweating with chest discomfort, or sudden sweating with dizziness also deserves medical assessment rather than self-treatment.

Ask which body areas and application schedule fit your symptoms, how to manage irritation, and whether another cause of increased sweating should be checked before treatment.