Sweat ointment

Anti-sweat ointment: how to choose the most effective one? Can ointments cope not only with excessive sweating, but also with the unpleasant odor that in most cases accompanies hyperhidrosis? Let's consider these questions in more detail.

Excessive sweating is a common problem that can cause a lot of discomfort to its owner. However, this problem can be solved, as there are currently many effective drugs that help in the fight against sweating.

[ 1 ]

Indications for the use of antiperspirant ointment

The indication for the use of antiperspirant ointment is increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), caused by a number of reasons:

• internal diseases (diabetes, infectious pathologies, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc.);
• hormonal fluctuations (menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, etc.);
• disruption of local heat transfer (due to improperly selected footwear or clothing, during hot periods);
• hereditary sweating;
• diseases of the sweat glands.

Pharmacodynamics of anti-sweat ointments

The pharmacodynamic properties (in other words, the effect) of antiperspirant ointments depend on the active ingredients of the drugs. Most often, the effect is due to the anti-inflammatory ability when applied locally. Antiseptic ointments have a pronounced tanning (astringent), drying and absorbing effect.

If you regularly apply antiperspirant ointments to problem areas of the skin, this helps to relieve the inflammatory reaction and eliminate irritation, reduce the secretion of glands, and also create conditions to eliminate harmful effects on the skin from the environment.

Pharmacokinetics of antiperspirant ointments

The systemic effect of antiperspirant ointments is excluded, therefore there is no data on the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs.

Names of ointments for sweat

In order to eliminate the unpleasant odor and cope with sweating, you can resort to various cosmetics, including ointments. Ointments for sweat, as a rule, consist of all sorts of astringents that reduce the secretion of sweat glands, as well as substances that narrow pores and dry out the skin.

In case of excessive sweating, it is recommended to pay attention to the following means:

• FormaGel is a medicinal gel based on formaldehyde, which is used to treat sweating of almost any part of the body: feet, palms, armpits. The gel is not used on freshly shaved areas: at least 24 hours should pass after shaving. FormaGel disinfects, inhibits the secretory function of glands, inhibits the activity of microbes that give sweat an unpleasant odor;
• Teymurov's paste is a preparation with a complex composition. It destroys bacteria, dries the skin, acts as a deodorant, and is excellent for diaper rash and excessive sweating;
• zinc-salicylic paste - a disinfectant based on zinc oxide and salicylic acid. Narrows pores, dries, eliminates even pathological sweating associated with skin diseases;
• formalin ointment - an external medical preparation containing boric acid, salicylic acid, formalin and several additional ingredients. Reduces sweating and eliminates unpleasant odor;
• Lavilin is a deodorant cream (ointment) made in Israel. Contains tocopherol, plant essential oils, which help destroy bacteria that cause sweat odor. Cons - incompatibility with any other deodorants.

To choose the most effective antiperspirant ointment, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist: a qualified specialist will help you choose the right drug for you.

Zinc ointment for sweat

Zinc ointment (not to be confused with zinc-salicylic ointment) is a white and fairly thick suspension - a mixture of zinc oxide and petroleum jelly. This ointment can be purchased at almost any pharmacy without a prescription.

Zinc ointment is an effective anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, astringent, drying agent that will help quickly soothe irritated skin, limit excess sweating and create a protective barrier on the skin.

Many reviews of zinc ointment for sweat indicate the possible harm of zinc oxide to the body. Such information is not confirmed by specialists: when applied externally, the absorption of zinc into the circulatory system is extremely insignificant, so zinc oxide does not have a systemic effect. Of course, side effects are possible with external use. Regarding zinc ointment, it can be said that such phenomena are observed very rarely and appear only in people prone to allergies to the components of the drug, in particular, to zinc.

Zinc ointment for sweat is prescribed even to pregnant and nursing women. This once again confirms the safety of this product. By the way, most baby powders and creams contain zinc oxide.

Once again, analyzing the reviews of zinc ointment, we can make a clear conclusion that this is the most inexpensive and no less effective way to combat excessive sweating, especially of the skin of the feet and armpits.

Teymurov's ointment for sweat

The well-known Teymurov ointment for sweat has a complex composition, which is presented in different proportions:

• boric acid;
• sodium tetraborate;
• salicylic acid;
• zinc oxide;
• formaldehyde;
• hexamethylenetetramide;
• lead acetate;
• talc;
• glycerin;
• peppermint oil and some auxiliary substances.

Teymurov's ointment copes well with sweat and eliminates unpleasant odor, but has some side effects:

• dyspepsia (diarrhea, nausea);
• skin rash;
• peeling skin;
• headache;
• with prolonged use in large quantities - urinary disorders.

For this reason, doctors do not recommend using Teimurov's ointment on large areas of the body.

Method of administration and dosage

Antiperspirant ointments are usually applied with your hands or a gauze pad one to two times a day. The ointment should be applied in a thin layer; rubbing is not recommended.

Antiperspirant ointments should only be used externally, on limited areas of the body. The ointment should not be applied to the entire body.

If you are using the ointment for the first time and do not know whether you are allergic to this drug, then before starting treatment, conduct a test: apply a small amount of ointment to the inside of your wrist. If there is no redness or rash in this area within 24 hours, then you can safely use the ointment for sweat. Otherwise, this ointment is not suitable for you, try choosing another one.

If you use an ointment against sweat odor (ointments-deodorants and antiperspirants), then such ointments can be used more often, up to 3 times a day, preferably after taking a shower or bath. Most often, such products are intended to mask an unpleasant odor, which is achieved with the help of various perfume additives: plant extracts, essential oils, in particular, extracts of mint, eucalyptus, cedar or tea tree.

Foot odor ointment always contains drying agents, so such ointment should be applied to the entire surface of the foot, including the spaces between the toes and skin folds. By the way, before choosing an ointment for foot odor, check if you have foot fungus, which can also affect the appearance of an unpleasant odor. And ointments for sweat, as a rule, do not have antifungal activity. Ointment for foot odor should be applied only to clean skin of the feet: it is better to do this in the morning after a shower and at night, as well as once during the day.

Ointment for underarm sweat (Formagel, Teymurov's ointment) must be applied at night, while the armpits should be kept free until the ointment dries (about 20 minutes). After this, the formed film should be washed off with running water or a damp cloth, and the armpit area should be additionally treated with a small amount of talc or powder.

Don't use the same product for too long: try, for example, to change one antiperspirant ointment to another once a month.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Using Antiperspirant Ointment During Pregnancy

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is safe to use such antiperspirant ointments as zinc and zinc-salicylic paste: these preparations are completely harmless (provided that you are not allergic to these preparations).

As for formaldehyde-based products (Teymurov's ointment, formalin ointment), it is precisely these that are not recommended for use by pregnant women. This is due to the fact that formalin, like formaldehyde, belongs to the class of toxic substances IIB. That is, the use of these substances in significant quantities (on large areas of the skin) or over a long period can lead to the accumulation of formaldehyde inside the body, which can manifest itself in the form of a mutagenic effect of the drug.

In addition, formaldehyde-based antiperspirant ointments are more likely than others to provoke allergic reactions, which is also extremely undesirable, especially during pregnancy.

Contraindications to the use of antiperspirant ointment

Of course, like other medications, sweat ointments may have their contraindications. There are not many of them, but you need to know about them before choosing one or another external drug.

The safest means are considered to be such ointments for sweat as zinc and zinc-salicylic ointment. The only contraindication to the use of these drugs may be a tendency to allergies, or, in other words, increased sensitivity to the ingredients included in these ointments. If there is no allergy to zinc, then zinc ointments can be successfully used both in childhood and old age, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

As for formaldehyde-based ointments, the list of contraindications is somewhat broader:

• pregnancy and lactation period;
• infants;
• renal failure;
• allergic predisposition.

Ointments containing formaldehyde should not be used on large areas of the body: this is due to the certain toxicity of the drugs.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Side effects of sweat ointment

Zinc and zinc-salicylic ointments are still in the lead: these products have virtually no side effects. The only side effect of zinc ointment may be an allergy to the drug, but such a reaction develops only in people with excessive sensitivity to zinc-based products.

The use of formaldehyde-based ointments may be accompanied by more pronounced side effects. However, side effects often develop with prolonged treatment with ointments or if the rules for their dosage are not followed.

Formaldehyde ointments can cause:

• dyspeptic symptoms (stool disorders, nausea);
• skin rashes (allergic manifestations);
• peeling of the skin surface at the site of application of the ointment;
• headache, dizziness;
• convulsions;
• urination disorders, urinary excretion disorders.

If side effects occur, you should stop using this or that ointment and consult a doctor.

Overdose

There have been no cases of overdose with zinc-based antiperspirant ointments, so ointments such as zinc or zinc-salicylic can be used for quite a long time on various areas of the skin.

As for Teymurov's paste and Formalin ointment, such drugs, when used for a long time, can provoke an increase in side effects and intoxication (loss of appetite, nausea, bowel disorders), or the development of allergies. In case of overdose, the use of the ointment should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted, who will prescribe treatment aimed at relieving intoxication and clinical symptoms.

Interactions of sweat ointment with other drugs

It is not recommended to use several antiperspirant ointments at the same time on the same areas of the body. Antiperspirant ointments complement and combine well with baby powders, talc, and moisturizing creams.

Using several antiperspirant ointments at the same time can lead to dry skin, flaking and irritation.

If you feel that using one antiperspirant ointment is not enough, it may mean that the ointment is not suitable for you. Consult a specialist (for example, a dermatologist) who will select the most effective drug for you.

Storage conditions for sweat ointment

Any antiperspirant ointment should be stored in a dark place, away from sunlight. It is better to store ointments at a temperature of +15 to +25°C, and not in the refrigerator. Ointments should not be frozen!

It should be explained to children that playing with medicines is unacceptable. To avoid adverse effects, keep all medicines in specially designed places where children cannot get to.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Best before date

The average shelf life of the preparations is from one and a half to two years. The exact expiration date can be found on the packaging or in the annotation to the ointment.

Antiperspirant ointment is best stored in its original, tightly sealed packaging, but after the expiration date, it is better to get rid of such ointment.