Quantitative comparison of topical aluminum salt solution efficacy for management of sweating: a randomized, controlled trial

Background There is a lack of studies objectively comparing the efficacy of topical antiperspirants in reducing sweat. Objective To objectively and quantitatively compare the efficacy of two aluminum salt solutions for the reduction of induced sweating. Methods A subject, rater, and statistician-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Nineteen subjects were exposed to a standardized heat challenge for 3 h. Topical agent A (20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate) was randomized to either axilla, and topical agent B (1% aluminum acetate) assigned to the contralateral side. A sauna suit induced sweating during three 30-min heat intervals: (1) with no study agents (pre); (2) with both study agents, one on each side; and (3) after the agents were washed off (post). Sweat levels were measured by securing Whatman (R) filter paper to each axilla and measuring the paper weight after each heat interval. The difference in paper weight following each heat interval between Study Agent A and Study Agent B was measured by a gravimetric scale. Results Topical agent A had a significantly greater effect at reducing axillary sweating than B (P = 0.0002). Conclusion In a sweating simulation, 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate quantitatively and objectively appeared to reduce sweat more effectively than 1% aluminum acetate.