Studies on the mechanism of topical anhidrosis due to polyvalent cations.

Synopsis Although eccrine sweat glands are present in the foot pads of many mammals, and are abundant in the general body skin of many of the higher primates, it is only in man that these glands have a thermoregulatory function and are cosmetically significant. The expansion in sales of various antiperspirant products containing complexes of aluminium and zirconium has resulted in many studies, whose aim is to elucidate the mode of action of these substances. Sweat production in the rat foot pad in vivo has been studied, and its modification following topical application of various polyvalent cations. Results of studies of protein precipitation by these cations are also discussed.