Anti-perspirant use (armpits, arms, doctor, prescription)

[lovemaine]

I am addicted to anti-perspirant. I apply it in the morning, a few times during the day, and at night before bed. Is this safe to do? I've read articles which stated that anti-perspirant can cause cancer due to the aluminum content. I've tried switching to deodorant, but it just doesn't feel the same. I can't stand the thought of sweaty armpits. Any thoughts? Thanks! (BTW, I shower daily, so it's not like I do this to cover up B.O.)

[coyoteskye]

Sweating is GOOD.
Sweating is necessary.
I see on your profile that you are a female.
It seems that there is no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirant to breast cancer but that it is a possible risk in this regard is another important reason to re-evaluate your dependency on something that is not necessary.
There are effective deodorants that are safe ... perhaps you can go to your local health food store and check them out.
But antiperspirant ... not for me and anything that interferes with the very important body function called sweating is, imo, problematic.
Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

Sweating is GOOD.
Sweating is necessary.
I see on your profile that you are a female.
It seems that there is no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirant to breast cancer but that it is a possible risk in this regard is another important reason to re-evaluate your dependency on something that is not necessary.
There are effective deodorants that are safe ... perhaps you can go to your local health food store and check them out.
But antiperspirant ... not for me and anything that interferes with the very important body function called sweating is, imo, problematic.
Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute

As usual, I agree with coyote.

[veuvegirl]

There are so many other places to sweat, I have to say I disagree with coyote about sweating. I wouldn't recommend putting it on as often as you do. BUT if you put it on before bed and in the morning, this will prevent you from sweating as much.

If you sweat a lot (which I do) there are prescription topical solutions you can use that will help.

[lovemaine]

Thanks for the replies! I don't sweat profusely, but just hate the feeling of any kind of dampness in my armpits. Thanks for link, coyotesky! I'll try to switch to a safer deodorant...

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

There are so many other places to sweat, I have to say I disagree with coyote about sweating. I wouldn't recommend putting it on as often as you do. BUT if you put it on before bed and in the morning, this will prevent you from sweating as much.

If you sweat a lot (which I do) there are prescription topical solutions you can use that will help.

It interferes with glandular function ... (apocrine sweat gland i think).
It's insane that people have such aversion to and interfere so much with the nature of the body.
And why in the world would anyone put antiperspirant on before bed?!
And if you sweat a lot it's cause the body has a need to sweat a lot.
Sweating is good.
Deodorant can prevent odor ... but use aluminum free deodorant.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by lovemaine

Thanks for the replies! I don't sweat profusely, but just hate the feeling of any kind of dampness in my armpits. Thanks for link, coyotesky! I'll try to switch to a safer deodorant...

You'll get used to it.
I think it's worth it ... obstructing those glands is not, imo, a good idea.
And wearing a tight little cotton t under your everyday clothes can help to absorb sweat and mitigate that wet feeling that you don't like.
And find a deodorant that is aluminum free.

[omigawd]

Originally Posted by lovemaine

Thanks for the replies! I don't sweat profusely, but just hate the feeling of any kind of dampness in my armpits. Thanks for link, coyotesky! I'll try to switch to a safer deodorant...

Whatever you do, DON'T use the "clinical strength" deodorants!! I hate that armpit dampness also so I tried a "clinical" deodorant last year. It actually burned my armpits! I used it exactly as directed and I'm assuming that because of the strength it caused some kind of chemical burn. Definitely not fun.

[veuvegirl]

Originally Posted by coyoteskye

It interferes with glandular function ... (apocrine sweat gland i think).
It's insane that people have such aversion to and interfere so much with the nature of the body.
And why in the world would anyone put antiperspirant on before bed?!
And if you sweat a lot it's cause the body has a need to sweat a lot.
Sweating is good.
Deodorant can prevent odor ... but use aluminum free deodorant.

With all due respect coyote, there are people, like me that SWEAT. I am not talking about normal sweating. TMI, but I sweat just sitting doing nothing so the sweat will literally be so much that I will be covered under my arms down to my waste and up to my shoulders.

Using topical solutions and prescription deodorants stop this. You put deodorant on before bed, because it prevents you from sweating as much during the day. I still sweat a bit, but nothing embarassing. I don't mind sweating like crazy if I am exercising or gardening. But there are times, that it just isn't necessary.

[tilli]

I live in Florida, I know sweat! It is not becoming for anyone, especially a professional woman, to have big wet pit stains, blech. I use anti-perspirant and trust me, my body has plenty of other, less obvious places to sweat it out. Now, using it multiple times in one day seems excessive. Maybe you should try a different brand that has more staying power. Have you ever tried Mitchum? It doesn't smell so great but it is very effective and you wouldn't need to put it on so often. You might also want to talk to a doctor because it sounds like you might sweat excessively and there are treatments for that.