Underarms

Dear Dr. Jen,

My underarms sweat all the time. I need to put deodorant but had such a bad experience with the roll-ons and the stick deodorants that I’m already hesitant to experiment further on my skin. I even tried the powdered “tawas” and sometimes it works, but there are also times it itches.  What is a good brand to try?

Marie

Dear Marie,

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is common in the palms, soles and underarm area. This causes unwanted stains and additional discomfort, especially during the hot summer months. Anti-perspirants can usually control the sweating. Some people can be allergic, not necessarily to the anti-perspirant component itself but more commonly to the whitening agent or the fragrance found in the deodorant. You can try purchasing a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free deodorant without any whitening agents.

Tawas is aluminum potassium chloride.  This is similar to the anti-perspirant used in derma clinics (aluminum chloride).  However organic it may sound, tawas can also cause irritation if too much powder or mineral is applied on the skin.  This can cause stinging sensation and redness.  Medical grade aluminum chloride, which is usually available at your nearest PDS derm clinic, is milder and with less chemicals as compared to the medical grade one.

If, still, none of the above suggestions work, botulinum toxin can be injected into the underarms to decrease sweating.  This can be maintained every eight months or so.  Try to exhaust all possible solutions before giving up!

Dear Dr. Jen,

My boyfriend’s feet stink every time he takes off his shoes.  I am not sure if this is a

male thing, but I don’t recall my brother or father’s feet smelling so bad.  He has tried using foot powder but it hasn’t improved much. Any suggestions, please? 

Ginny

Dear Ginny,

Stinky feet can sometimes be a clue to a fungal infection.  In the normal population, sweaty feet can give off a mild smell.  If you can smell this even from afar, chances are that your boyfriend may have athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is simple to treat with the use of anti-fungal creams (example: ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine etc.) applied twice a day for a few weeks.  This can also be treated by oral anti-fungal medications. Closed foot wear should also be disinfected to avoid recurrence.  Advice your boyfriend to always wear fresh cotton socks all the time when wearing closed shoes.  Drying the area between the toes after showers should also be done.  Lastly, if he can wear open toed footwear as much as he can, it will also be beneficial.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.