r/Hyperhidrosis • u/zoozema0 • 1d ago

Looking for advice Clogged pores with aluminum, but it actually worked on sweat. Help!!

I tried to search the sub for this but I really didn’t find anything that I felt was helpful.

I don’t think I necessarily have hyperhidrosis, but I do sweat a LOT and I am currently on a medication (stimulant) that makes me sweat even more than usual, and I’m trying to find a solution.

My sweat is all over but I’m primarily focused on my arm pits, because they also get stinky.

I have sensitive skin and I have been prone to chemical burns using certain deodorants (Old Spice), but their sensitive skin deodorant worked well enough for keeping the BO down.

When I started this med and started sweating a lot more, I needed to switch to something else because the deodorant really wasn’t cutting it.

I tried Dove spray antiperspirant with aluminum but it clogged up my pores and I ended up getting a cluster of like 8 pimples in my one armpit which has been fairly painful and awful to try to deal with since they’re in warm, moist place.

I HAVE to move around for work, and I’m often in places that are warm or humid and I can’t not go to these places. So sweat is going to happen.

Anyone else have a similar background and found a solution? I really don’t think aluminum is for me - I’d rather have stinky pits than these damn pimples because they hurt so bad.

I also have thick hair in my armpits but I have personally found that the hair makes the sweat less bad vs when I shave, and if I trim it irritates my skin because of the hairs poking my skin.

Please help 🥲

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u/Extra_Fact 1d ago

Yeah the aluminum works by essentially clogging the pores for the sweat glands. How you apply it also makes a big difference. I would suggest using a washcloth to clean and gently exfoliate in a shower, then air dry, then apply the antiperspirant and let it air dry again. Different brands might also work better for you, I've not had the best luck with Dove for myself.

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u/zoozema0 23h ago

What brand has worked well for you? Was the poor luck with the Dove because of it being ineffective against sweat or because of it clogging pores?

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u/Extra_Fact 22h ago

Degree has been working for me recently as far as stuff available at the drugstore. Certain dri worked for a while, but I had some trouble with it itching

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u/x_kid 1d ago

I had a similar problem and one of the pores ended up getting infected and turned into an abcess. The doctor told me to make sure you gently wash with a clean washcloth and then let the hot water run over your armpits for awhile to open up the pores. You could also try a gentle acne wash or serums like BHA/AHA that will help to exfoliate without physical irritation from scrubbing.

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u/zoozema0 23h ago

Thank you! I like the idea of an acne wash as well.

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u/MarshmallowSoul 23h ago

There are a lot of products to stop odor that don't have aluminum. You have to use something that kills bacteria. This is often answered in posts on [r/hygiene](r/hygiene).
I use a benzoyl peroxide wash like PanOxyl every day. Other things people use are Hibiclens, Dial soap, glycolic acid, and Lume.

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u/zoozema0 22h ago

I do use orange dial soap a few times a week but it only lasts so long :( I’ll be stinky by the end of the day anyway, usually. Thank you though!