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9 July 2024

Demystifying the Chemistry of Hyperhidrosis Treatments

Many people may feel hesitant about using certain treatments for hyperhidrosis simply because of their names. Words like aluminum, acid, or toxin can sound intimidating, especially to those without a background in chemistry. Let's break down three common active ingredients in hyperhidrosis treatments to understand them better.

Aluminum Chloride and Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate

These two ingredients are found in many topical treatments for hyperhidrosis. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, a more recent formulation, is often better tolerated and less likely to cause skin irritation. The term "aluminum" might confuse some people, as it typically brings to mind a lightweight metal used in manufacturing. However, in chemistry, aluminum is an element—one of 118 that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. While aluminum by itself is a metal, when combined with other elements at the atomic level, it forms entirely different substances.

Aluminum chloride is a compound made of aluminum and chlorine atoms. When reacted with water, it becomes aluminum chloride hexahydrate, with "hexa" from the Greek for six, meaning it is bound to six water molecules. Think of it like iron supplements: iron is a metal, but when combined with sulfur and oxygen, it becomes ferrous sulfate. When ingested, the iron from this supplement is incorporated into the core of a protein called hemoglobin, the essential carrier of oxygen found in our red blood cells.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin)

The word "toxin" can be alarming, as it often connotes poison. Botulinum toxin is indeed one of the most toxic substances known, capable of causing paralysis by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. However, the principle "The Dose Makes the Poison" applies here. This principle, addressed in our Hyperhidrosis - the condition page, is based on the idea that any substance can be poisonous if given in a higher enough dose. Conversely, a substance that can be poisonous can also be therapeutic in small, controlled doses. When injected in specific areas, Botox inhibits acetylcholine release locally and superficially, paralyzing the sweat glands and reducing excessive sweating. Thus, while botulinum toxin is effective and safe to treat hyperhidrosis it must be used at the correct dose.

While chemical terms can often be misleading, a little exploring of their actual meanings and uses can help to demystify our misperceptions and their roles in treating hyperhidrosis.

Acid

The word "acid" often evokes images of substances that burn or dissolve materials. While some acids, like sulfuric acid, are indeed powerful, others are much milder. For instance, citric acid is found in fruits like oranges and lemons. In fact, citric acid, is a naturally occurring substance and plays a critical role in the production of cellular energy (the citric acid cycle or Kreb's cycle). In chemistry, "acid" refers to a broad range of substances that don’t necessarily burn or dissolve. An example is salicylic acid, found in some topical antiperspirants. Despite its name, salicylic acid contains a "carboxylic acid" group, similar to those found in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. So, don't let the term "acid" throw you off, especially in the context of medications or foods.