Aluminum chloride hexahydrate in a salicylic Acid gel: a novel topical agent for hyperhidrosis with decreased irritation.

Hyperhidrosis is a common dermatological condition that has a tremendous impact on the quality of life of affected patients. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is considered first-line therapy for patients with mild-to-moderate hyperhidrosis. This treatment has been proven to be effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis; however, its use has been limited by significant irritation. In many patients, the irritant dermatitis is so severe that, despite clinical efficacy, this therapy must be discontinued. There are many topical aluminum chloride therapies available. Observations from a busy hyperhidrosis practice revealed decreased irritation and increased efficacy with a novel therapy that combines 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate with 2% salicylic acid in a gel base. This combination of 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate with 2% salicylic acid offers patients who have failed aluminum chloride hexahydrate in the past excellent efficacy with minimal irritation. We report seven cases of patients with a history of severe irritation from aluminum chloride who maintained excellent results with this new topical without any significant irritation.