allergic reaction to deodorant?

[bjf599]

I need some advise... I have a problem with excessive underarm sweating which started a little over a year ago. I tried an OTC product called Certain Dri which contains aluminum chloride. The first time I used it it worked great. The 2nd time it also worked but I began to get itchy about 5 or 6 hours after using it and by the next morning had broken out in hives from head to toe(which had never happened before). I assumed that the hives were from the deodorant and never used it again. Unfortunately, I've still had to deal with the sweating problem. I finally went to see a dermatologist who suggested using Drysol, which also contains aluminum chloride. When I mentioned my reaction to certain dri she said the reaction could have been from something else since all deoderants contain similar active ingrediants and I don't react to the typical deodorants such as secret. I'm just concerned since Drysol is in a much stronger form and it seems to me that the reaction was specifically from the aluminum CHLORIDE (rather than another derivitive). I don't want to deal with sweating but I'm afraid to try the drysol. I'm afraid that I could react again and that it could be an even worse reaction (anaphylaxis???). Does this seem likely? Is there a big risk in trying this or is my Dr. right?

One more question-- I have read up a bit on hyperhydrosis and it seems that this condition usually begins during puberty. I did not have any problems with sweating until I was 25. This problem also seemed to coincide with when I stopped taking zoloft. My thought was that this could be a side effect from the withdrawal or some kind of change to my nervous system brought on by the drug. Could I be right in thinking this?

Thanks,

BJ

Thanks. BJ

[zions_mama]

A related discussion, deoderant reaction was started.

[benjaminbulldog]

A related discussion, Allergic to deoderant/antiperspirant? was started.

[Jules3113]

A related discussion, Darker skin color on my armpit was started.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't know why you had hives, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the antiperspirant.  I agree with the dermatologist that Drysol makes sense.  I really think you are risking nothing by trying it.  And it is true that practically all antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride.

As to Zoloft withdrawal, I doubt any connection.  Sweating begins at different times in different people, for no special reason.   No need to suffer with it, though.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[sammy28]

I have a very light complexion, and I have run into this problem with dark spots from acne and eczema.  I am in the process of trying to improve my appearance, but I don't want to do anything drastic such as peels and stuff.  I just really would like to lighten the dark areas up that were left behind by the eczema and acne.

Any suggestion I feels as if I look five years older than I am.  Please help.