Night sweats are a specific type of sweating that, like the name implies, only occur at night. True night sweats are caused by severe hot flashes that occur in sleep. They often cause a person to soak through bed sheets and are not related to how hot the surrounding environment is. Night sweats are also surprisingly common.[1] One study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that 41% of patients questioned about night sweats at a primary care clinic responded that they had experienced night sweats in the month prior to their visit to the doctor. This is only one statistic and is not representative of the number of people in society as a whole who experience night sweats, but it still demonstrates that night sweating is a prevalent issue.[2] There are various medical reasons that people experience night sweats ranging from benign to quite serious. Below is a list of several of the most common causes.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term used to describe unusual, excessive sweating that is not related to the heat or exertion. The two most common types of hyperhidrosis are called primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Most commonly, night sweats are a symptom of secondary hyperhidrosis - which is a type of hyperhidrosis caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. For example, some medications cause excessive sweating as a side effect. Due to the fact that the excessive sweating has a causative agent, the medication, a person would be said to have secondary hyperhidrosis. In contrast, primary focal hyperhidrosis develops earlier on in life and has no causative factor.[3] While primary focal hyperhidrosis could potentially cause night sweats, this is much less common.[1] The other causes of night sweats discussed in this article are actually types of secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.

Pregnancy and Menopause

Sometimes, normal physiological changes that occur over a lifetime can be the cause of night sweats.[1] This is especially true for women. Both pregnancy and menopause can night sweats due to the hormonal changes they cause in the body. Menopause typically begins some time during a woman’s 40’s or 50’s and signals the fact that her body is at the end of its childbearing years. Between 30% and 80% of women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats during and after menopause. However, it is always a good idea to have a doctor determine whether menopause is truly occuring to make sure that hot flashes are not being caused by a different, more sinister, underlying cause. This can easily be determined through a simple blood test.[4]

Hormonal Imbalances

Several hormonal disorders are known to cause both flushing, sweating, and night sweats. The causes and complications of these disorders vary and there is a wide array of possible endocrine diseases that can cause night sweats. Here are a few:

Pheochromocytoma

Carcinoid syndrome

Hyperthyroidism

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia[1][5]

This is not an exhaustive list of endocrine disorders that can lead to night sweats so be sure to check in with a medical professional if you are concerned that an endocrine problem may be causing your sweating issues.

Infection

There are several infections that can lead to the development of night sweats. Some of these include:

Tuberculosis

Bacterial infections (like endocarditis or osteomyelitis)

HIV

Influenza

Other febrile illnesses

It should also be noted that a fever in and of itself can cause night sweats to occur as the body struggles to fight off an infection. If you suspect that an infection is causing your night sweats then it is imperative that you speak with your doctor.[1][5]

Cancer

Unfortunately, sometimes night sweats are an early symptom of certain types of cancer. Lymphoma is the cancer most commonly associated with night sweats.[1] Leukemia can also cause night sweats.[5] If you are suffering from cancer you will most likely have other health issues that go along with your night sweats like weight loss and fevers. If you are experiencing night sweats along with other troubling health symptoms please speak with a doctor.[1]

Mental Health Issues

Another common cause of night sweats are mental illnesses. Most commonly anxiety is associated with night sweating, but it can also be caused by depression. For those who struggle with substance abuse disorders the drug of abuse as well as withdrawal from it can cause night sweats.[5]

Sleep Issues

Sleep disorders are associated with the development of night sweats.[2] This is especially true in the case of people who have obstructive sleep apnea. People with this sleep disorder are reportedly three times more likely to experience night sweats than the general population.[5] It is unknown whether other types of sleep disorders, like restless leg syndrome, are themselves responsible for night sweats or whether other factors are causing the night sweats and people with sleep issues are just more likely to notice them. More studies need to be done in order to determine the relationship between sleep disorders and night sweating.[2]

Medications

Medication side effects are one of the leading causes of night sweats. In fact, many commonly prescribed medicines cause secondary generalized hyperhidrosis as well. Here is a list of some of the medications that can cause night sweats:

Pain medications: many types of opiates, NSAIDs (which are over the counter anti-inflammatories) and marinol (cannabinoid medication)

Psychiatric medications: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and ADHD medications

Hormonal medications: birth control and other medications containing estrogen or testosterone

Diabetes medication[3]

One meta analysis found that between 10% and 14% of people taking SSRI’s, a type of antidepressant, deal with night sweats as a result. The use of these types of medications are extremely widespread making them a common culprit of night sweats.[6]

Neurological Diseases

Various neurological diseases can cause night sweats to occur. These include:

Posttraumatic syringomyelia

Stroke

Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic dysreflexia

Parkinson’s disease

The list above is not exhaustive and there are other neurological conditions that can cause night sweating.[1]

Other Possible Reasons

There are some other possible causes of night sweats that include conditions like obesity, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), cardiovascular disease, and others. If you are not sure why you are experiencing night sweats it is important to speak with your doctor and rule out some of the more serious potential causes.[5]

Sources

1. 8 Causes of Night Sweats. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/8-causes-of-night-sweats
2. Mold, J. W., Woolley, J. H., & Nagykaldi, Z. (2006). Associations Between Night Sweats and Other Sleep Disturbances: An OKPRN Study. Annals of Family Medicine, 4(5), 423-426. Retrieved August 12, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1578640/.
3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
4. Paisly, A. N., & Buckler, H. M. (2010). Investigating secondary hyperhidrosis. BMJ : British Medical Journal (Online), 341. doi:10.1136/bmj.c4475
5. Davis, K. (2017, December 15). What to know about night sweats. Retrieved August 12, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/296818.php
6. Giudice, M. (2006). Tracing night sweats to drug can be challenging. . Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 139(1), 59-60. Retrieved August 27, 2018, from http://ezproxy.co.wake.nc.us/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/221185945?accountid=14867

SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT, SHAKE IT

How to Apply Powder to the Groin

Seems like a no brainer, point and shake right?

However, it is a little different depending on whether you are a man or woman:

For Men:

1. Clean the area. (Powders work best if used right after the skin is cleaned.)
2. Dry completely. 
3. Shake into hands, a cloth, or directly onto crotch 
4. Use less than you think you need
5. Fully cover area (front, back, under, in between)
6. Actually rub it it until the powder is evenly spread around the problem area.
7. Check it, It should not come off on hands. 
8. Get dressed and enjoy your day, dry and confident[5]

For Women:

1. Clean the area. (Powders work best if used right after the skin is cleaned.)
2. Dry completely. 
3. Shake into hands, a cloth, or directly onto crotch 
4. Use less than you think you need
5. Actually rub it it until the powder is evenly spread around the problem area.
6. Check to make sure the powder is spread out well and will not come off on your hand. I
7. NOTE: It is important to make sure that you do not put any powder in your vagina, instead dust it around your vulva.
8. NO TALC. It is also important that women avoid using powders made of talc so they do not expose themselves to unnecessary risk.[6]

 

Do you need a groin powder? 

Excessive sweating and constant moisture can wreak havoc on the skin that covers the groin.

It can cause issues like:

• maceration
• jock itch
• body odor
• warts
• bacterial infections
• among others.[2]

This makes it crucial for people who experience consistent moisture around their groin to find ways to keep it dry. So yes, you likely need it! 

While powders will not prevent sweat production, they can protect the skin from moisture damage in a few different ways.

When powder is applied to the groin it is able to:

Absorb moisture and promote a dryer environment

Cool and soothe the skin around the groin

Prevent and lessen itching

Prevent chafing and skin break down[3]

Types of Groin Powder:

• Talcum powder or Talc
• Cornstarch powders
• Baking soda
• Oat flour,
• Commercially made powders.[3]

There are various types of products available on the market made especially for use on the groin, like Carpe’s No Sweat Groin Powder, that use different types of powders for safe and effective use.[4]

NOTE:  Some studies have linked the use of talcum powder to a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer in women. This is because some natural forms of talc have been found to contain asbestos, which is a cancer causing agent.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Aside from exercise, temperature, or clothing, excessive groin sweating can be caused by several factors, but for those who suffer from chronic excessive groin sweating it is often caused by either primary focal hyperhidrosis or secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.

Unfortunately for those with hyperhidrosis, groin sweating can become so intense that people may frequently soak through underwear, experience embarrassment, and have to deal with health complications that arise when skin is exposed to constant moisture.[1]

However, there are ways to decrease groin sweat and manage it effectively.

What to Do if Powder Isn’t Enough

If you are regularly using powder on your groin and not finding enough relief, consider looking into other ways to prevent groin sweat production.

Other solutions: 

• Over-the-counter antiperspirants
• Oral prescription medications
• Botox injections

NOTE: Botox injections have been found to be one of the most highly effective treatments for groin sweating related to hyperhidrosis.[6]

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Common Complications of Hyperhidrosis. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/common-complications-of-hyperhidrosis
3. What Causes Excessive Testicular Sweating, and How Can I Treat It? (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-excessive-testicular-sweating-and-how-can-i-treat-it
4. Carpe Takes Aim At Groin Sweat, Launches Groin Powder With Precision Lever Sprayer. (2019, May 22). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from http://classifieds.usatoday.com/press/carpe-takes-aim-at-groin-sweat-launches-groin-powder-with-precision-lever-sprayer/
5. How to Apply Talcum Powder. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://manscipated.com/how-to-use-talcum-powder-for-men/
6. Butler, K. (2019, June 5). Why You Get So Sweaty Around Your Vagina—and How to Deal With It. Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.prevention.com/health/a21097060/sweaty-vagina/

Heat rash stinks - and it’s even worse when it affects your crotch. If you have hyperhidrosis on top of that, it can feel downright terrible. Luckily, there are heat rash treatments you can use to get you back on your feet. Here’s everything you need to know about what heat rash and how to treat it.

Heat rash is no fun, and unfortunately for people with a condition called primary focal hyperhidrosis, it is a common occurrence. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes those who have it to sweat excessively from specific parts of the body. The most commonly affected body parts are the hands, feet, armpits, face, and sometimes, the groin.

It is currently estimated that 2.8% of the population struggles with hyperhidrosis, making hyperhidrosis a fairly common ailment. According to a retrospective chart review published in the journal of Dermatologic Clinics only 1.3% of the patients reviewed dealt with excessive sweating of the groin. This means that even though many people deal with hyperhidrosis, not as many have to struggle with the type that affects the skin of the groin.[1] For those that do, sweat rash - known more commonly as heat rash - can be an uncomfortable reality.[2]

What is Heat Rash?

Heat rash is a common type of rash that causes tiny bumps surrounded by red coloring to appear on the affected skin. The skin often feels prickly or stings. Heat rash, like the name implies, is caused by overheating of the skin. It occurs when someone sweats too much, often in response to high temperatures, and sweat ducts become clogged. When this happens the excess sweat leaks into the surrounding tissues and causes the characteristic bumps and stinging.[3]

Due to the fact that people with hyperhidrosis consistently sweat too much, they can easily develop heat rash, especially when exposed to high heat conditions[2]. Heat rash occurs most frequently on parts of the body covered by clothing, like the groin, during hot humid conditions. It tends to improve when the skin cools down and it is not dangerous.[3] Heat rash is also referred to as sweat rash, prickly rash, miliaria rubra, or wildfire rash.[4] Heat rash treatments exist, so don’t worry, there are ways to improve symptoms and prevent it from happening as frequently.

Symptoms of Heat Rash

Are you unsure whether your irritated groin skin is caused by heat rash? Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate that heat rash is indeed your problem:

Small itchy red bumps appear on the skin

Skin feels itchy, prickly, stings, or burns

The rash can appear on several parts of the body at one time[3]

There are also some symptoms that can tell you whether your heat rash needs to be inspected by a doctor. If your symptoms don’t resolve on their own in a few days, the skin appears to be infected, you have any other signs of illness like fever, or the rash starts after beginning a new medication then you need to speak with a doctor.[3] Keep reading to learn about heat rash treatment and what you can do to prevent rashes in the future.

Heat Rash Treatment

Most of the time, heat rash will resolve on its own without any treatment. It is important to keep skin with heat rash cool and to stay in air conditioned areas. Taking a cool shower or bath and letting skin air dry can also be beneficial. Left untreated, most heat rashes will resolve within a few days.[3]

However, sometimes heat rash treatment can be beneficial. If you prefer to treat your heat rash here are some ideas:

Practical Tips:Keep your skin cool. Stay in an air conditioned environment and wear loose clothes. Don’t apply oily products to your skin that can clog sweat glands. Take cold showers frequently and avoid activities that increase sweating.

Topical antibacterial products:Using antibacterial soaps on the affected skin can lessen the duration of symptoms and prevent infections from developing.

Anti-itch Products:Products that help with itching can be helpful. These products include calamine lotion, menthol products, camphor based preparations, or topical steroids. It is important to use products with oils very sparingly as they can further clog sweat glands and make the problem worse.

Powder talc admixture:This is a type of powder that contains drying milk protein, labilin, and triclosan, an antibacterial product that can help prevent infection. The powder can provide some protection from chafing and infection.[4] Even though products like baby powder can help with sweating, it is important to research before using products that contain talc on your groin as it has been linked to cases of ovarian cancer in some women.[5]

Don’t hesitate to use the above heat rash treatments if you are uncomfortable. However, if you have a severe case of heat rash it can last for weeks and be debilitating. It can also lead to more serious secondary infections if it does not heal properly. If the rash develops more serious symptoms then a doctor should be consulted and more serious medical heat rash treatments may need to be used.[4]

There are ways to prevent sweat production in the groin area, even when someone has a condition like hyperhidrosis. If you are struggling with frequent heat rashes then it may be time to check out some of the treatments that are available for hyperhidrosis in order to prevent further rashes from developing.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Amsterdam: Elsevier Pub. Co., 2014. Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/books/hyperhidrosis-an-issue-of-dermatologic-clinics/pariser/978-0-323-32607-0
2. Nordqvist, C. (2017, December 21). What is hyperhidrosis? Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182130.php
3. What is Heat Rash? (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-heat-rash-basics
4. Kraft, S. (2017, April 26). What is heat rash and how do we treat it? Retrieved July 31, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181512.php
5. Talcum Powder and Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2019, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/talcum-powder-and-cancer

Excessive groin sweating is an embarrassing issue for many people. Here are some signs that your groin sweating may warrant further investigation:

Soaking through undergarments on a regular basis

Itching

Bad odor

Chafing

Irritation

If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms as a result of groin sweat then you may want to consider possible causes and treatment options. Here are several potential reasons that people experience excessive groin sweat.[1]

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is one reason that many people experience excessive groin sweating.[2] This a condition that causes excessive sweating on specific areas of the body, including the hands, feet, face, armpits, and sometimes, the groin. When someone has PFH that affects the groin region it is often medically referred to as Hexsel’s hyperhidrosis. This type of hyperhidrosis can affect the inside surfaces of the upper thighs, the front of the pubic region, external genitalia, and sometimes the gluteal cleft. About 2.8% of the US population has some form of PFH which makes is fairly common. The number of people who have hyperhidrosis and are affected by groin sweating is unknown, but it is thought to be less common than other types of PFH. About 50% of people who have Hexsel’s hyperhidrosis have a family history of the condition which suggests that it is a heritable condition. There are many treatment options that can help people with hyperhidrosis to stop or decrease their groin sweat production so medical intervention is worth looking into. PFH usually begins around puberty and is a lifelong condition.[3]

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating all over the body. It typically develops suddenly and is caused by a specific factor such as disease or condition that causes secondary hyperhidrosis, or as a side effect of a medication. While secondary hyperhidrosis does not specifically affect the groin region, it can cause excessive groin sweating. However, it would probably cause sweating on other parts of the body as well. If you suspect that you might have groin sweat that is a result of secondary hyperhidrosis then you should speak with a doctor. This is because, in certain cases, it can be caused by a serious underlying medical condition. In order to resolve secondary hyperhidrosis doctors typically treat the underlying medical issue or discontinue the medication that is causing hyperhidrosis as a side effect.[3]

Technically, excessive groin sweating that is caused by a medical condition is classified as secondary hyperhidrosis.[3] Below is a list of medical conditions that could be causing you to experience excessive groin sweating:

Diabetes

Hypoglycemia

Hormone imbalance

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Anxiety disorders or stress

Obesity

Certain medications like antidepressants, pain medications, hypoglycemic agents, and many others.

Many others

In some cases the causes of excessive groin sweating can differ between men and women. For example, women may experience secondary hyperhidrosis as a result of pregnancy or menopause.[1]

Exercise

When someone has hyperhidrosis they often sweat in the absence of normal sweat-inducing stimuli like heat or exercise which is what it is considered to be a dysfunctional reason for sweating. However, sometimes people can experience excessive groin sweat for normal physiological reasons. This is often the case for people who regularly engage in intense physical exercise. If you are exercising and experience groin sweating as a result, this is most likely a normal phenomenon. It is still important to maintain proper hygiene even if excessive groin sweating is caused by exercise. Otherwise, people can experience the same uncomfortable issues as those who struggle with hyperhidrosis.[4] It is also important to note that exercise induced groin sweating can lead to secondary conditions like bacterial infections, fungal infections, chafing, and irritation if left unaddressed.[5]

Lifestyle Habits

While lifestyle habits typically won’t cause groin sweating to be extreme by themselves, they can contribute to the problem. Sometimes people experience an increase in groin sweat because they are not wearing breathable underwear. It is normal for the groin to sweat to some degree in response to heat and restrictive undergarments can make sweating significantly worse. It is best to stick with cotton underwear as they are breathable and made of natural fibers so they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction[4] Men may prefer to use boxers instead of briefs or boxer briefs. The use of caffeine or alcohol in large quantities can also cause sweating to worsen, so modifying the consumption of these beverages may help. Finally, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, practice good hygiene, and use antiperspirant if necessary to reduce sweat production and keep your skin healthy.[5]

Sources

1. Is the Sweating Between My Legs Excessive? (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-do-i-stop-sweating-between-my-legs
2. Hexsel, D. M., Dal'Forno, T. D., & Hexsel, C. L. (2004). Inguinal, or Hexsel’s Hyperhidrosis. Clinics in Dermatology, 22, 53-59. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.sweathelp.org/pdf/Hexsel.pdf
3. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
4. Eske, J. (2018, November 16). What causes sweating around the vagina? Retrieved July 1, 2019, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323719.php
5. What Causes Excessive Testicular Sweating, and How Can I Treat It? (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-excessive-testicular-sweating-and-how-can-i-treat-it

Wonder if you are sweating more than the average person? If sweat is regularly drowning your plans then take this quiz to find out whether you might have a condition called hyperhidrosis. It is a treatable medical condition that causes people to sweat in excess of what is needed by the body.

1. Do you sweat even when it’s cool out and you are dressed in light-weight clothing?

1. Yes
2. No

2. Have you been self-conscious about sweating for as long as you can remember, or at least since your teenage years?

1. Yes
2. No

3. Do you sweat excessively more often during the day or the night?

1. Day
2. Night
3. Both! It stinks.
4. Neither, I don't sweat very often.

4. When you sweat, is it brought on by exercise or being in a hot environment the majority of the time?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Sometimes, but other times I sweat for no apparent reason

5. Have you started sweating more since beginning a new medication?

1. Yes, now that I think about it...
2. No, I sweat no matter what - always have!
3. No, I don't sweat much.

6. Do you sweat a ton when you are in an anxiety-producing situation, like public speaking or when performing?

1. Yep, like a fountain.
2. A little more, but not enough to notice much.
3. Nope! Not at all.

7. Do your sandals slip off and your socks get soaked regularly because your feet are so wet from sweating?

1. Yes, half the time I don’t even bother wearing sandals anymore.
2. Sometimes, but not unless I’m very active and it doesn’t bother me.
3. No, I didn’t even know people’s feet could sweat!

8. Do you have sweaty palms so often that it feels awkward to shake someone’s hand?

1. Yes, I completely dread doing that.
2. No, I never really thought about it.

9. Do other people notice that you are sweating and make comments on it?

1. Yes, it’s embarrassing.
2. No one has ever said anything…

10. Do you change your clothes multiple times a day because they are wet from sweating?

1. Yes, I end up doing so much extra laundry!
2. Only if I work out.

Use the key below to score your quiz and see if you have hyperhidrosis or not:

If your answers are:

1. a.
2. a.
3. a. or c.
4. b. or c.
5. b.
6. a.
7. a.
8. a.
9. a.
10. a.

It sounds like you may have Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis:

Based on the answers you selected it sounds like you are sweating more than the average person, and that this has been an ongoing problem for you. Primary focal hyperhidrosis usually begins early in a person’s life and impacts specific areas of the body like the hands, feet, face, and armpits. For those with primary focal hyperhidrosis, sweating is always an issue, but it is usually worse during times of stress and anxiety. Of course, it is necessary to speak with a doctor before any diagnosis can be made. This type of hyperhidrosis is not dangerous and there are many things that can be done to manage your sweat. Try antiperspirant first, it is an over-the-counter topical treatment for hyperhidrosis specifically designed to reduce sweating. Consult a doctor if conservative measures are not working for you as there are many things that can be done to help. Don’t let sweat dampen your life!

If your answers are:

1. a.
2. b.
3. b.
4. b. or c.
5. a.
6. a. or b.
7. b. or c.
8. b.
9. a.
10. a.

It sounds like you may have Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis:

Your answers indicate that you are sweating excessively all over your body, but that it is a relatively new thing. You may also be experiencing frequent night sweats. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be triggered by a multitude of things including medication, disease, or even age-related changes. It is very important that you manage this type of hyperhidrosis with a doctor soon because its causes can be serious. This quiz is not a proper diagnostic tool but based on your results you should seek medical care. In the meantime, you should use an antiperspirant, in addition to deodorant, to control your sweating.

If your answers are:

1. b.
2. b.
3. d.
4. a.
5. c.
6. b. or c.
7. b. or c.
8. b.
9. b.
10. b.

It sounds like you don’t have a major problem with sweating!

Congratulations! Based on your answers to this quiz it doesn’t seem like you are experiencing any problems related to sweat! Carry on! But if you feel like you need a little extra help you can always try an over-the-counter topical treatment, like antiperspirant, to reduce sweating. Of course, if you feel like you may have a medical problem despite what this quiz says - you should consult a doctor!

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Huddle, J. R. (2014). Hyperhidrosis: Causes, Treatment Options and Outcomes. New York, NY: Nova Science.

What You Need to Know About Antiperspirant Wipes

Antiperspirant wipes are similar to what their name implies - they are individually wrapped wipes that contain antiperspirant. Traditionally, antiperspirant has been offered as a cream, stick, or gel that can be applied to the body. These forms of antiperspirant application have worked well in the past, but they can be inconvenient as they are often messy to apply and leave behind residue on clothing. Over-the-counter topical treatments for hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating, are the first-line treatment option that doctors recommend to reduce symptoms.[1] This makes over-the-counter antiperspirant a very important tool for those who have hyperhidrosis. Now, several companies, notably SweatBlock and Carpe, have come out with antiperspirant wipes to help those with the condition quickly and easily apply antiperspirant in less time and with less mess. Here is a break down of each company’s product, how to use them, and a comparison of their differences.

In addition to over-the-counter antiperspirant wipes there has also been a type of prescription antiperspirant wipe that has recently come out called Qbrexza created by the company Dermira. Qbrexza is quite different to Carpe antiperspirant wipes, or any other over-the-counter antiperspirant products, due to the powerful medication it contains.

Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes

Carpe antiperspirant wipes are another option on the market for those who struggle with excessive sweating and are interested in an over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Carpe wipes use 15% aluminum chlorohydrate as an active ingredient.[4] This is a type of newer generation active ingredient that is used in many clinical strength antiperspirants. The advantage of using aluminum chlorohydrate is that it is a strong antiperspirant that is associated with less skin irritation than products that use aluminum chloride.[1] This is in line with Carpe’s claim that their wipes can be used all over the body. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are marketed for use on the underarms, but their formulation allows for the product to be used on other areas of the body with more sensitive skin. Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be applied daily in order to keep sweat production low. Each package contains fifteen wipes which should keep users dry for about two weeks if they are used daily. Another advantage of Carpe antiperspirant wipes is that they contain fragrances and antibacterial ingredients to kill bacteria and keep odor at bay.[4] Bacteria on the surface of skin cause conditions that create stinky sweat which can make an already sweaty situation worse.

SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes

The company SweatBlock offers one type of over-the-counter antiperspirant wipe. Their product uses 14% aluminum chloride as its active ingredient.[2] The active ingredient a product uses is important to understand when choosing the right antiperspirant as it greatly impacts how a product will work. Aluminum chloride has been used for decades in antiperspirants as a way to reduce the amount of sweat a person produces. It works by forming a shallow plug within sweat glands which prevents sweat from reaching the surface of a person’s skin.[1] While aluminum chloride is known to sometimes produce skin irritation, SweatBlock claims that their wipes only need to be applied once a week on average. They also stress the importance of dabbing the wipes when applying and not rubbing the solution on to prevent irritation.[2] Each pack of wipes contains eight towelettes which are supposed to last for up to a week each. This means that a consumer is supposed to get around eight weeks of sweat protection from one package of wipes.[3] Each wipe is supposed to be applied at night, allowed to air for a few minutes, and then discarded. SweatBlock wipes are only supposed to be used on the underarms and the company encourages users to use deodorant in addition to their product to avoid odor buildup.

The Breakdown

Each company has antiperspirant wipes that can be extremely useful for those with hyperhidrosis. Each company claims that their antiperspirant wipes go on clear and do not leave residue on clothing, which is a big advantage for those who regularly use antiperspirant. Due to the fact that SweatBlock has a product tailored specifically as a treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis with a particularly strong active ingredient, that can be irritating, it may be best for those with extreme underarm sweating. Alternately, Carpe antiperspirant wipes would be better for those who struggle with excessive sweating on other parts of their body like the hands, feet, and back. Carpe antiperspirant wipes are also marketed for those with underarm sweating and can also be a useful treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. SweatBlock wipes can be used as little as once a week while Carpe antiperspirant wipes need to be used daily which is a factor that should be taken into consideration. However, SweatBlock wipes don’t provide the same odor protection and flexibility that Carpe wipes have. Both products have advantages and each consumer needs to make a decision about which product is best for them based on their own individual needs.

Sources

1. Pariser, D. M. (2014). Hyperhidrosis (4th ed., Vol. 32). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
2. Sweat Wipes by SweatBlock. (2019). Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.sweatblock.com/sweat-wipes/
3. Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes. (2019). Retrieved February 20, 2019, from https://shop.sweatblock.com/collections/sweating-products/products/sweatblock-antiperspirant
4. Innovation Counter. (2018). Final Product Profile Carpe Antiperspirant Wipes [Brochure]. North Carolina: Author.