Pharmacy remedies for underarm sweating

Recently, the problem of sweating and unpleasant odor of the armpits has been solved with the help of special cosmetics in the form of deodorants-antiperspirants. But these means for sweating of the armpits are not as safe as we would like. In addition, the skin gets used to them, and after a while the problem of wet spots under the arms returns.

So what can the pharmaceutical industry offer us in connection with this problem?

Urotropin

The drug "Urotropin" is one of those pharmaceutical products that helps reduce underarm sweating. Despite the fact that the drug with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect was initially developed as an effective drug for inflammatory processes in the urinary tract (inflammation of the bladder, renal pelvis, etc.) in humans, it is also actively used in veterinary practice. In addition to the main indications for use, it also has additional ones: cleansing the body during toxic infections and combating hyperhidrosis.

Among all forms of release of medicine for underarm sweating, only powder in vials and injection solution in ampoules are used.

Pharmacodynamics. For sweating, the best drugs are those that contain formaldehyde or that are formed during drug metabolism. "Urotropin" is a drug of the second type. As for formaldehyde, it is associated with the antiseptic and astringent effect of the drug, which closes pores, reducing their permeability to sweat, and kills bacteria on sweaty surfaces.

Pharmacokinetics. The drug is excreted in urine within an hour. But when applied to the skin, it does not penetrate into the deep layers and practically does not enter the blood. Nevertheless, with drugs whose action is based on the effects of formaldehyde, you need to be very careful due to the high toxicity of the latter and the ability to provoke the development of oncological diseases.

The only contraindication to the use of this remedy for underarm sweating is hypersensitivity to its components.

Among the side effects with local application, only skin reactions in the form of redness (hyperemia) of the skin and rash on it can be observed.

The method of using the medicine is very simple. The powder (diluted with water for injection or purified water in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2) or solution is applied with a cotton swab to previously washed and dried skin of the armpits before going to bed. This should be done no more than once every 2-4 weeks, depending on the duration of the effect.

It is very important that there are no irritations or wounds on the skin. It is also advisable to remove hair in this area beforehand.

Storage conditions. The drug should be stored in a cool place for no more than 2 years. An opened bottle or ampoule should be used immediately.

Instead of Uroptopin ampoules, you can use a five percent solution of Hexamethylenetetramine.

Formidron

This is an antiseptic made directly from formaldehyde. The second active ingredient is alcohol. This specialized drug is an effective replacement for antiperspirants, because it also contains a fragrance (cologne). And the indications for use of the drug only indicate hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

The drug is available as an alcohol solution in a dark glass bottle with a capacity of 50 or 100 ml.

Contraindications to the use of the drug include hypersensitivity to the components and skin diseases, including wounds and cuts. It is not customary to prescribe a remedy for underarm sweating to children under 14 years of age.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a doctor's consultation is required.

When applying the product to the skin, side effects of the drug such as irritation and itching, as well as various allergic reactions, may occur.

The method of application and dosage are identical to the previous preparation. But it is recommended to apply the product much more often - 1 or 2 times a day. And preferably no more than 20 minutes, after which the armpits are washed with water and sprinkled with talc. One-day treatment is usually enough for 1-2 weeks. In case of severe hyperhidrosis, when sweat, as they say, flows like a stream, the procedure can be carried out for 2 or even 3 days in a row.

An overdose of the drug is possible if you use it more often than prescribed for a long time. In this case, the following are observed: hyperemia of the skin, itching, irritation of the skin, requiring discontinuation of the drug, rinsing the skin with plenty of water and using products that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.

It is not recommended to store the medicine in a warm place. The maximum permissible storage temperature is 15 degrees. The bottle should be kept in a dark place. The shelf life of the medicine is 3 years.

FormaGel

Another medicine for excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and feet based on formaldehyde. However, the medicine is not released as a solution, but as a gel.

Pharmacodynamics. The drug based on formaldehyde has a deodorizing and antiseptic effect, as well as a noticeable reduction in sweating for a long time. The gel base of the drug prevents skin drying out and prevents possible irritation.

Contraindications to the use of formaldehyde gel are identical to other drugs based on it. In addition to intolerance to the components of the drug, the presence of various injuries, wounds, and fungal diseases on the skin is a contraindication.

The side effects of the drug are also not very diverse. These are either allergic reactions or simple irritation of the skin, accompanied by burning and itching, and with prolonged use - dryness and peeling. However, these effects occur less frequently with the gel than with liquids.

Method of application and dosage. Apply a small amount of the preparation to clean and dry skin and leave for 20 minutes. After the required time, wash the skin thoroughly without using detergents, blot dry and apply powder. Apply the gel once a day, and its effect should last for 1-1.5 weeks.

In severe cases, it is allowed to use the gel for up to 3 days in a row.

An overdose is possible if you apply a large amount of gel to a skin area with increased sweating, or use the medicine very often, which will lead to the accumulation of formaldehyde in the body. But this unsafe substance can provoke neurological reactions and oncological diseases, and it is excreted from the body very slowly (4-5 years).

The storage conditions of the medicine are less strict. The preferred temperature range is from 15 to 20 degrees, i.e., in fact, this is room temperature. The shelf life of the gel is 5 years.

Yes, preparations with formaldehyde are more effective in combating underarm sweating, but they are not safe at all. They are recommended to be used only by those who have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis by doctors, and the severity of it is visible from clothing and smell. If everything is not so bad, it is better to turn to safer methods of treatment.

Malavit

This is a preparation created on the basis of natural components such as mumiyo, stone oil, resin of coniferous trees, extracts of herbs and plants, spring water. It is unlikely that you will find even alcohol in this medicine, not to mention dyes and preservatives.

The drug "Malavit" has a wide application. It is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the ear, throat, nose, respiratory tract, skin. The medicine is also used for injuries, burns, insect bites, vascular pathologies, hyperhidrosis.

The drug is produced in the form of a medicinal liquid placed in a dark bottle with a volume of 30 or 50 ml. There is also such a form of release as a cream-gel with the same name.

Pharmacodynamics. The rich composition of the multicomponent medicine provides it with many useful effects. The drug is able to relieve itching and swelling of the skin, relieve pain, disinfect (active against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria) and deodorize the skin. It has astringent and antiseptic properties, useful for sweating of the armpits.

Since the drug contains slightly less than 40 components that are perceived differently by the human body, a contraindication to the use of Malavit is considered to be hypersensitivity to at least one of the components of the drug.

The drug rarely shows side effects. Isolated cases of allergic reactions have been reported.

In any pathologies, "Malavit" is used only for external use. In case of sweating, applying undiluted medicine to the armpit area helps not only to eliminate the smell, but also to reduce the secretion of sweat glands.

Method of application and dosage. Apply the solution or gel to dry, clean skin 2 times a day. It is best to do this in the morning and evening. You can leave the product on the skin for a long time.

When applied externally, overdose of the drug is impossible.

The use of the drug during pregnancy is permitted, since it does not have a negative effect on the fetus.

Interaction with other drugs. It is not recommended to apply Malavit to the skin together with other solutions and creams. The skin should be washed and dried before using the medicine.

Store vials with the solution for no more than 2 years at room temperature. The shelf life of the cream-gel is slightly longer - 3 years.

Another cream, Denavtilin, was released based on the Malavit solution.

Apilak

This is also a natural product, but its basis is royal jelly, which eliminates disorders in the vegetative system, helps fight appetite disorders and dermatological problems. It is considered a biogenic stimulant.

Pharmacodynamics. The drug is effective against sweating caused by VSD, high or low blood pressure, neuroses, as it helps to normalize the functioning of the vascular and nervous systems.

The drug is most often found on sale in the form of tablets and powder. But it also comes in such forms as ointment and suppositories.

Tablets are usually used as a remedy for underarm sweating, while ointment helps treat various skin diseases. Tablets should be taken 2 or 3 times a day. Single dose - 1 tablet. The course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks.

Apilak tablets are sublingual, i.e. they do not need to be chewed or swallowed immediately after taking and washed down with water. This form of medicine is placed under the tongue and remains there until completely dissolved.

The drug should not be taken orally in case of adrenal dysfunction (Addison's disease), as well as in case of hypersensitivity to products produced by bees. A doctor's consultation may be necessary in case of tumor diseases, acute infections, pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects of the drug are limited to allergic reactions associated with bee products and insomnia (if the tablets are taken late in the evening).

The tablets can be stored at an air temperature of no more than 8 degrees for 2 years.

Other pills for underarm sweating

To regulate the work of the vegetative system, doctors can prescribe other drugs that have a sedative effect. We will not dwell on sedative tinctures, but will pay attention to tablets that help with hyperhidrosis against the background of vegetative disorders.

Bellaspon

A drug based on ergotamine, phenobarbital and belladonna extract with pronounced vasoconstrictor, antispasmodic and sedative effects. The medicine is available in the form of dragees.

The drug is used in the treatment of neuroses that promote increased sweating. The sedative effect of the drug helps reduce the activity of the sweat glands.

Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor prescribes the drug in a daily dosage of 3-6 pills. They should be taken 1-2 pieces 3 times a day. The course of treatment can vary from 2 weeks to a month.

Contraindications are: atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels, renal and hepatic insufficiency, glaucoma, acute myocardial infarction, angina. The use of the drug is prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in childhood and in case of hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug.

Taking the drug may be accompanied by dyspepsia, dizziness, and the appearance of various allergic reactions. It is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages during treatment with the drug.

The drug can be stored for 3 years at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees.

Belloid

A drug with a similar effect, which contains: ergotamine, butobarbital and L-hyoscyamine. The drug is used in the form of pills for nervous and vegetative disorders.

The dosage of the drug is the same as "Ballaspon". The course of treatment is 7 days, after which you need to take a break for 3 days.

The drug is not prescribed in case of intolerance to its components, prostate hypertrophy, glaucoma. Side effects include: accommodation disorder, nausea and vomiting, bowel disorder, dry mouth, tachycardia.

These symptoms are aggravated by drug overdose. In addition, intestinal atony, urination disorders, convulsions, and coma are possible. The patient can be helped by washing the stomach and giving several tablets (1 per kilogram of weight) of activated carbon.

Interaction with other drugs. The drug should not be used simultaneously with hormonal agents, including oral contraceptives, coumarin and its derivatives, ethanol (alcohol).

Store the dragees in a dry, dark place at room temperature for no more than 3 years.

If a person is overly emotional and prone to stress, the doctor may resort to tranquilizers. Such drugs are also prescribed if a person develops a depressive state or neurosis due to underarm sweating. Let's consider one of these drugs, which are prescribed only as a last resort.

Diazepam

A drug used for anxiety disorders and insomnia.

Pharmacodynamics. The drug reduces anxiety (anxiolytic) and relaxes (muscle relaxant). It has a sedative, anticonvulsant and moderate hypnotic effect.

Contraindications for use. The drug is not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to it, myasthenia, respiratory and liver failure, apnea, obsessive states and psychoses, various addictions. The use of the drug during pregnancy is prohibited.

Among the more or less common side effects, it is worth highlighting severe fatigue and drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, blurred vision, and increased blood pressure.

In anxiety states accompanied by increased sweating, the drug is prescribed in a daily dosage of 5 mg. Depending on the patient's condition, it can be increased to 30 mg, provided that it is taken in small portions. The course of treatment is long - up to 3 months.

An overdose of the drug is life-threatening, so you should never exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Interaction with other drugs. You should not drink alcohol while taking this drug.

The effects of Diazepam are enhanced by sleeping pills, sedatives, antihistamines, neuroleptics, as well as narcotic analgesics and antidepressants.

The drug is stored under normal conditions for no more than 3 years. It is imperative to limit children's access to the tranquilizer.

If hyperhidrosis is caused by hormonal changes in the body, which is observed in adolescence and menopause, you can resort to the help of drugs with phytoestrogens, which eliminate both sweating and the pressure fluctuations (hot flashes) that caused it. For this purpose, doctors recommend taking such drugs as "Klimadinon", "Feminal", "Estrovel", the homeopathic drug "Remens", etc.

Let's consider the action of such drugs using the drug "Feminal" as an example.

Pharmacodynamics. This is a clover-based drug that contains 4 types of estrogen-like substances - isoflavones. Isoflavones act on estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, and this helps reduce such vegetative reactions as hot flashes and increased sweating.

Contraindications for use. In general, the drug, released in the form of capsules, is safe for women. You should not take risks only in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as use drugs with estrogens and their substitutes in delicate periods: pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is clear that this drug is not prescribed in childhood, and you need to consult a doctor about treatment in adolescence.

The drug has few side effects, and they occur very rarely. Women mainly complain about rare episodes of nausea and allergic reactions to the plant component.

The drug based on phytoestrogens can be taken for a long time. The capsules are taken during meals, 1 per day.

It is recommended to store the medicine in a dry, dark place at not very high temperatures. The shelf life of the drug is 2 years.

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Antiseptics against underarm sweating

Sweating in the armpits, which appears as unsightly wet circles on clothes, which are not always easy to wash off, is only one side of the problem. No less unpleasant is the smell of sweat, which can affect both the assessment of a person by others and the self-esteem of the individual.

Sweat itself has virtually no odor. If a person is not sick and is not taking medication, his sweat has only a light physiological odor, characteristic only of this person. We will not dwell on the fact that the smell of sweat is affected by the food we eat, medications, health condition, etc. Let's talk about how to get rid of the unpleasant smell of sweat caused by bacteria that use this physiological fluid as a nutrient medium and begin to actively multiply.

Doctors say that if you take measures to prevent the growth of microbes under your arms, your sweat will not emit a repulsive odor. It is not necessary to resort to antibiotics, even budget antiseptics are enough.

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Boric acid

This amazing antiseptic, active against bacteria and fungi, is considered an effective external remedy for sweaty feet and armpits.

Release form. The drug is available in various forms, from orthoboric acid powder to alcohol solutions of various concentrations.

Pharmacodynamics. The action of this antiseptic largely depends on the concentration of the solution. The maximum concentration is considered to be 5% of the active substance in the medicinal composition. A solution of this concentration leads to the fact that bacterial cells lose the ability to feed and die (bactericidal effect). Solutions with a lower concentration inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms, as a result of which they stop actively reproducing (bacteriostatic effect). In principle, in the fight against hyperhidrosis and sweat odor, the latter effect is quite sufficient.

Pharmacokinetics. Boric acid is considered a very toxic substance, capable of penetrating various skin lesions and negatively affecting kidney function. Therefore, boric acid preparations can only be applied to intact skin of a small area.

Contraindications for use. Boric acid is not used in case of individual intolerance to the components of the antiseptic and kidney disorders. It is not recommended to use any form of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This drug is rarely used to treat children due to its high toxicity.

Boric acid for sweating can be used in two ways: as a lotion and as a powder. In the first case, a 3 or 4 percent solution of boric acid is mixed with table vinegar (3%) and perfume (cologne, essential oils). It is recommended to take equal proportions of the various components. In the case of essential oils, take 2 to 4 drops depending on the volume of the resulting lotion. Instead of table vinegar, you can take natural apple cider vinegar. It is recommended to use the lotion to wipe your armpits 2 times a day.

To prepare the powder, take a package of talc (50 g). Add boric acid powder (1 tsp) and mix thoroughly. Apply the product to clean, dry armpits in the morning. The powder will help effectively reduce sweating and get rid of unpleasant sweat odor.

The use of boric acid-based antiperspirants can, in rare cases, cause skin irritation. They should not be applied to areas where there are inflammatory reactions (for example, pustules in the area of hair follicles). When using underarms, it is recommended to first remove the hair under the arms and wait until the irritation from shaving goes away from the skin.

Boric acid in any form can be stored for an unlimited time. The storage temperature should not exceed 15 degrees.

Hydrogen peroxide

This antiseptic, effective in many cases, is used for so many purposes. There is probably no home medicine cabinet that does not contain this drug in the form of a solution in a bottle or tablets (hydropyrite).

Pharmacodynamics. This antiseptic is classified as an antioxidant. Its action is based on the release of oxygen upon contact with the body. Along with oxygen, various organic substances (exudate, bacterial particles, etc.) are removed from the skin surface.

Contraindications for use. Do not use the antiseptic if you have an individual intolerance to the drug. Caution should be exercised in case of liver, kidney, thyroid pathologies, herpetiform dermatitis.

Side effects of the drug are usually mild and do not require serious treatment. This may include a slight burning sensation at the site of application (usually occurs when treating wounds) and mild allergic reactions.

Method of application and dosage of antiseptic for underarm sweating. The antiseptic is used in the form of a 3% solution only externally. In case of hyperhidrosis, it has a slight drying and deodorizing effect, and also helps to destroy bacteria that give sweat an unpleasant odor.

Since hydrogen peroxide is not used for medicinal purposes, it is not used in pure water, but in combination with water. For a cup of water (250 ml), you need to take 2 teaspoons of 3% peroxide solution. The composition is used to wash the armpits in the morning.

After the procedure, the skin is blotted with a napkin and sprinkled with talc (baby powder), which will clog the pores and further reduce sweating, and hydrogen peroxide will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

This procedure to combat excessive sweating can be used by teenagers and pregnant women, because hydrogen peroxide does not have a toxic effect on the body.

Interaction with other drugs. Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable substance, so its effectiveness may decrease in the presence of alkalis, compounds containing metal salts, and other antioxidants.

The instability of the preparation is also determined by its storage conditions. The antiseptic retains its properties during the shelf life (2 years) if it is stored in a dark place at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees.

Furacilin

One of the permanent residents of our home medicine cabinets are Furacilin tablets. The alcohol solution form is used less often, but we don’t need it in the fight against sweating.

Pharmacodynamics. "Furacilin" is a drug with antiseptic and some antibacterial action, due to the cessation of cellular respiration of microorganisms such as permanent inhabitants of our skin streptococci and staphylococci, pathogenic microorganisms: dysentery bacillus, Escherichia coli (an inhabitant of the intestine), salmonella, causative agents of gangrene, etc.

This powerful antiseptic has very few contraindications for use. As usual, this is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as allergic dermatoses.

The effect of furacilin on children and pregnant women has not been studied, but local application of the drug is unlikely to cause much harm to these groups of patients. However, without consulting a doctor, the use of such drugs, and especially not for therapeutic purposes, is unacceptable.

Since, despite the form of release, the medicine is used only externally, its use does not cause systemic side effects. Unpleasant symptoms occur very rarely in the form of dermatitis. In rare cases, various allergic reactions may occur: most often itching, redness of the skin and the appearance of a rash, in isolated cases with individual intolerance, laryngeal edema may develop.

According to reviews, Furacilin as an antiseptic perfectly removes the smell of sweat, if its appearance is not associated with health problems. At the same time, the tablets show some drying effect.

Method of application and dosage. For hyperhidrosis, use an aqueous solution of "Furacilin". First, for 2-3 days, you can make a strong antiseptic solution by dissolving 2 tablets in a glass of water. Then, the concentration of the solution is significantly reduced, i.e. take 1 tablet per 1 liter of water. This composition can be used for armpits for 2 weeks.

An aqueous solution of "Furacilin" is prepared using hot water, since the antiseptic tablets dissolve very poorly in cold liquid. Instead of water, you can use a decoction of medicinal herbs, such as chamomile or succession.

Soak a gauze napkin in the prepared mixture and apply it to the armpit area for 10 minutes. After that, blot the skin and powder it with powder.

The concentration of the solution should not be increased to avoid the development of dermatitis, which is typical for an overdose of the drug.

"Furacilin" is a drug with a long shelf life, so with regular use you can stock up on several packages of the drug. The drug is stored at room temperature.

Salicylic acid

We will not dwell on this antiseptic agent, which is an alcohol solution of salicylic acid, since from the point of view of combating hyperhidrosis, other forms of the drug in the form of ointments are of greater interest. However, there is an interesting recipe using salicylic acid, with which you can remove the unpleasant smell of sweat and slightly reduce the activity of sweat glands.

To prepare a liquid deodorant, add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil to a bottle with a 1% solution of salicylic acid. Wipe your armpits with this mixture once every 2-3 days. This is how long the disinfectant effect of the solution lasts.

This treatment for hyperhidrosis is not suitable for pregnant women and nursing mothers, for whom the use of salicylic acid is considered undesirable, as well as for people who experience allergic reactions of varying severity to this drug or essential oils.

Frequent use of a salicylic acid-based antiperspirant for armpits can lead to the development of dermatitis or allergic reactions. In addition, the use of this product can be accompanied by such unpleasant sensations as dryness and peeling of the skin at the site of application.

With prolonged use of salicylic acid, it penetrates into the blood and causes side effects such as tinnitus, dizziness, stomach pain and nausea (despite the local use of the drug), and respiratory rhythm disturbances.

Salicylic acid solution is not recommended for use simultaneously with preparations containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or vitamin A, as well as with NSAIDs.

The salicylic acid solution should be stored in a cool place (8-15 degrees), away from sunlight, for 3 years.

Streptocide

This relatively safe antiseptic is rarely used to combat underarm sweating. Although it is believed that using crushed tablets on dry, clean underarm skin as an antimicrobial powder will help reduce the amount of sweat secreted and make its odor unnoticeable.