Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate

How it works

It forms an obstructive precipitate within the sweat duct that physically blocks eccrine sweat secretion, reducing localised sweating.

Prescribing in practice

• Skin irritation is common; it should be applied to dry, intact skin and not to broken, recently shaved or inflamed skin to reduce stinging and irritation.
• Apply at night to clean dry skin and wash off in the morning, reducing application frequency once sweating improves.
• Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Monitoring

Monitoring is clinical, reviewing the response and any local skin irritation.

Counselling the patient

• Apply at night to thoroughly dry skin and wash off the next morning.
• Do not shave the area immediately before applying to avoid stinging.
• Reduce how often you apply it once sweating is better controlled.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical aluminium salts are recommended as first-line treatment for primary focal hyperhidrosis in current prescribing references.