85 axilla with thin polyethylene film held in place with cotton-wool balls and crepe bandage. After using this irksome regimen for six months one patient reported that control of sweating was achieved just as readily without occlusion. Accordingly we instructed our patients to apply the solution without an occlusive dressing, and subsequent experience showed that this element of Shelley and Hurley's method is unnecessary. The morning after application the axilla was washed thoroughly with soap and water. Nightly applications were continued for one week, after which the patient applied the solution only when necessary.
ResultsAll the patients were followed up closely in the two departments, and after 12 months a questionnaire was sent to the Swindon group asking for their comments. Sixty-four patients were highly delighted with the treatment and had achieved complete control of axillary sweating by periodic use of the solution. We felt that the high rate of return of the questionnaire in Swindon (41 out of 42 returned in two weeks) also reflected their satisfaction. After the initial period of nightly treatment the interval between applications varied from two days to one year. Most patients, however, had to apply the solution once every seven to 21 days to maintain control. The only side effect mentioned was irritation of the axillary skin, which we presume is caused by the high acidity of the solution. Twenty-nine experienced some irritation, but 28 of these said that it was readily relieved by applying 1 hydrocortisone cream on the morning after treatment. Some of these patients also found that they could reduce the irritation by applying the solution more accurately to the area of excessive sweating. One patient, who had the least severe hyperhidrosis, had to stop treatment because of unbearable irritation.
DiscussionThis trial was highly successful, and we think that 20", aluminium chloride hexahydrate in absolute alcohol should be considered to be the treatment of first choice in axillary hyperhidrosis. In particular, the troublesome occlusive dressing recommended by Shelley and Hurley7 was found to be unnecessary, which makes the treatment much more acceptable to the patient. Preparation of the solution has been described as laborious,1" but this has not been our experience. Our hospital pharmacists report that if the mixture of aluminium chloride hexahydrate crystals and absolute alcohol is left at room temperature and shaken occasionally a 20',( solution may be produced in three weeks. A local chemist has also made the solution without difficulty. Using absolute alcohol means paying excise duty, which increases the cost of the preparation. Thus we now use a lower-proof spirit (95-99-5%/,), and initial results indicate no diminution of effect.Irritation of the axilla was the only side effect reported and was almost always readily relieved by 1(( hydrocortisone cream. Most of the patients were so delighted with the control of their sweating that they would tolerate minor irritation for a few hours ever...