Clinical evaluation of an antiperspirant for hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common condition characterized by excessive sweating, usually in axillary areas. Although not leading to major health problems, it causes significant psychological distress and bears a negative impact on sociality and quality of life in general. The first line of defense used to address this problem are antiperspirants, usually containing aluminum salts, capable of blocking the excessive sweating. METHODS: We made a clinical trial to test the deodorant effectiveness and anti-bacterial activity of an antiperspirant product, based on agaricine, aluminum hydrochloride, and silver citrate, in a cohort of 20 subjects following a single laboratory application under controlled conditions. Later, the same product has been tested for skin compatibility, effectiveness and cosmetic quality after repeated home applications under normal conditions of use for 14 consecutive days. RESULTS: After 6 and 24 hours from the application, the microbial load observed in treated axilla was inferior in a statistically significant way compared to the untreated axilla. Pathogenic bacteria have not been found on any of the two armpits. The tested product has shown an excellent anti-bacterial activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the product has been highly appreciated by the volunteers for its effectiveness and its cosmetic qualities, particularly because it has a good deodorant activity, which persist throughout the day, it does not stain clothes, and it has a practical package.