Effects of 20% Aluminum Chloride in Axillary Hyperhidrosis not Accompanying Osmidrosis

Objective: Surgical treatment of focal axillary hyperhidrosis is often unsatisfactory because of compensatory hyperhidrosis. The purpose of this study is to evalute the effect of decreased sweating production using 20% aluminum chloride on axillary hyperhidrosis. Methods: From February to December, 2002, 10 patients (mean age 25.2 male 2, female 8) with clinical diagnosis of axillary hyperhidrosis were treated by 20% aluminum chloride solution. Until the desired degree of symptom relief was obtained, they were educated to apply every day and thereafter, the agent would be applied as often as is necessary. We analyzed patient's satisfaction and application time at onset of desired dryness, application interval to maintain the relief of symptom and side effects. Results: Aluminum chloride solution was effective in treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis showing excellent result in 60% of patients and good in 40%. Application time at onset of desired dryness ranged from 1 to 6 days(mean 3 days). Application interval to maintain the relief of symptom ranged from 5 to 45 days(mean 12 days). There were no significant complications but just mild irritation and miliaria in seven patients. Conclusion: 20% aluminum chloride solution is the simple, safe and less expensive method for initial treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis not accompanying osmidrosis.