CLINICAL INTERVENTION FOR MY ARMPITS

For almost a year, I've been attempting to manage my hyperhidrosis and smelly armpits, mainly the odor, with the help of my dermatologist, but I still haven't found anything that works.

My dermatologist recommended applying a thin layer of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide wash and letting it sit for at least one minute before showering. Afterwards, dab 1% Clindamycin solution onto dry skin, then follow up with Drysol. Drysol caused irritation: burning, itching, and flaking. Obviously, I discontinued that after giving it multiple chances, but continued the wash and solution combo, paired with either a deodorant or antiperspirant. 

I've had some success with Lume's cream deodorant, not the one in the stick packaging. The scent lasts the longest, mainly because it clings to clothes, and I don't stink until at least 3-4 p.m. the next day (I apply deodorant after my night shower), which isn't the worst performance. I had very little to no success with Secret pH-balanced, invisible solid antiperspirant deodorant. The only thing that's been bulletproof is a layer of either deodorant, followed by a spray of Secret Whole Body Spray deodorant. 

Who's buying and using two deodorants concurrently in this economy? Me, but it's too much! I also don't want to purchase aerosol products because they're difficult to recycle. 

Since the Drysol caused irritation, my dermatologist suggested Certain Dri antiperspirant, which, sadly, also caused irritation. More dollars down the drain... She also recommended Secret Clinical. (With all these mentions, sponsor me!)

But before I tried that, I used Deonatulle Double Color Control (the green tube), which sold me with its armpit brightening claims. It's minty and has a cooling sensation, but it failed miserably. I started stinking within hours after showering. To be fair, I first tried it without the wash and solution combo to test its efficacy, so we started off on the wrong foot. I gave it a second chance with the dermatologist-recommended buffs. This time, it lasted more than an hour after my shower, but it's still no match for my apocrine sweat glands. I have no peace of mind using this product alone or with all the buffs.

Sidenote: Laser hair removal immensely improved my armpit discoloration, but the Drysol and other antiperspirants have darkened my armpits again. Although Deonatulle isn't the most effective deodorant, the brightening effects are 10/10. This product is worth trying if you have normal scent glands and armpit pigmentation.

I've tried the Secret Clinical and, for now, it's effective. Deodorants are always effective for a certain period before my armpits start to overpower them. Then, I have to put a new one into rotation, which is an expensive, demoralizing, and painful cycle. 

With the clinical strength deodorant, my odor is less severe and noticeable by around 5-7 p.m., which is an impressive milestone. I no longer have rivulets of sweat dripping down my arms, but I haven't experienced this for several months, even before I started using the clinical strength. 

My least favorite side effects of antiperspirant are rearing their heads: darkened armpits, axillary pain, axillary nodules, and breast pain. The breast pain may be hormonal, but the armpit nodules definitely aren't. These symptoms and my kidney disease fears were the catalyst for me to look into natural/aluminum-free deodorants. I'm starting to feel like this return to aluminum isn't worth it. I will likely discontinue using aluminum products, so, according to my dermatologist's planned care outline, Botox will be the next option, which feels ridiculous. I will be declining that. 

My ongoing plea: Please share your favorite, most effective aluminum-free deodorant!