CHEMICALS ABSORBED INTO THE SKIN - DAILY USE PRODUCTS

Humans have two variations of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine glands. They can be differentiated based on their location and function. Eccrine sweat glands are found on the surface of the skin, primarily the hands and the soles of the feet. On the other hand, apocrine sweat glands develop in areas with hair such as axillary and genital areas, and the scalp. Apocrine glands contribute to odors due to the bacterial growth in their select regions. Eccrine sweat glands work as thermoregulators in cooling the body. As the internal temperature of the body increases, the sweat glands release water onto the skin. Thus, cooling the body through evaporative heat loss, in which up to 10 liters of sweat can be secreted in a day. 

In 1941, a modern formulation of Everdry was patented by Jules Montenier. Before antiperspirant use, talcum powder was primarily used in removing odor from feet and underarms. In its powder formulation, it absorbs moisture and keeps the skin dry, making it a popular product for babies to prevent rashes. According to the FDA, “there is a potential of talc contamination with asbestos”. There have also been studies of talcum powder being linked to cancer, although no exact evidence proves this. This suggestion has led to many manufacturers discontinuing the production of products containing talc.

Antiperspirants are the first-line treatments for sweating of the underarms, hands, and feet. Being easily accessible to the general public and affordable, many individuals have tested varieties of products with antiperspirant abilities. Antiperspirants can be found in multiple formulations: gels, sprays, soft solids, and salt rocks. Upon administration, perspiration in the sweat ducts pulls the product into the ducts resulting in a chemical reaction in which a plug-like sweat duct forms, reducing ‘leakage’ of sweat. The main ingredient(s) found in these products are metallic salts such as aluminum zirconium or potassium aluminum. Prescription antiperspirants are more effective as they are stronger, however, skin irritation is more likely to occur. In cases of hand or foot sweating, increased concentrations are required to be effective. For patients suffering from severe hyperhidrosis, Botox can be seen as the next step in therapy. Another procedure that is primarily seen from a cosmetic standpoint is ‘sweat gland removal surgery’. Plastic surgeons scrape and suck out the sweat glands using a similar technique in liposuction. Although one may assume, a decrease in the body regulating its temperature, nerve damage, heat intolerance, and compensatory sweating have rarely been reported, with many patients satisfied by the results. The reduction of sweat production leads to less bacterial growth which ultimately leads to a decrease in odor production. 

References

1. Shibasaki, M., Wilson, T. E., & Crandall, C. G. (2006). Neural control and mechanisms of eccrine sweating during heat stress and exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 100(5), 1692–1701. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01124.2005 

Hodge, B. D. (2022, October 10). Anatomy, skin sweat glands. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/#article-36636.s1