concentration
Depending on the intensity and degree of hyperhidrosis, aluminum chloride solution can be administered in various concentrations. In milder phenomena of sweat gland dysregulation, a concentration of 10-15% AlCl3 is already sufficient to reduce the rate of secretion. In extreme cases of hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, a higher concentration, up to a maximum of 30 %, should be applied, with the highest concentration level indicated for application to the hands and feet.
scientific findings
A therapeutic study conducted in 1978-1988, involving 491 patients with hyperhidrosis axillaris, demonstrated the excellent efficacy of topical application of aluminum chloride solutions in the absence of pronounced side effects. Therapeutic success was achieved in 87.5% of hyperhidrotic patients. Low-grade adverse effects occurred as transient axillary pruritus in 51% and mild skin irritation in 17.3% of treated patients. When different concentrations of aqueous aluminum chloride solution were compared, the 15% aqueous aluminum chloride preparation was found to be the agent of choice for all severities of hyperhidrosis axillaris.
Therapeutic efficacy is markedly reduced at lower concentrations, but it cannot be further increased by increasing the aluminum chloride content. Replacing the aqueous base with an alcoholic base also does not improve the antihidrotic activity. Source: The treatment of hyperhidrosis axillaris with aluminum chloride solutions.
Aktuelle Dermatologie, 1994, Jg. 20, Heft 8, J. Hilbrans, E. Hölzle