Antiperspirant clogs glands, but relationship of use with disease is not conclusive

The best solution is to use deodorants, which do not produce changes in the glands.

Antiperspirant clogs glands

DrawnByShaun image by Pixabay

A possible relationship between antiperspirant deodorants and cancer is linked on the internet, often anonymously. In order to bring information to the population, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) constituted a subcommittee to assess whether this information is true, preparing a technical opinion.

All products referred to as antiperspirants by Anvisa require registration, in addition to complying with legal formalities. As the action of these items occurs by reducing the amount of sweat produced by the body, changing physiological mechanisms, such as closing the sweat-producing glands, their regulation by Anvisa is extremely necessary. Basically, the antiperspirant works due to the obstruction of the glands or their total closure, caused by salts, often aluminum ones.

Deodorants act differently. They work as a local antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria that spread and ferment with sweat - which stops the bad smell. The oldest and safest antiseptic is sodium bicarbonate, which has no contraindication. The antiseptic most commonly found in deodorants available for purchase is triclosan. This substance can cause harm to health if used indiscriminately.

However, some users get confused on the shelves of pharmacies and markets, as many antiperspirants also act as deodorants, although the opposite does not occur.

Risks not yet conclusive

As most antiperspirants use aluminum salts as their active ingredient, it is to be expected that many aluminum-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, were also related to the use of deodorants. It turns out that the relationship between the use of antiperspirants and this type of disease has never been proven - studies by Anvisa and the National Cancer Institute of the United States are inconclusive.

On the other hand, the incidence of breast cancer is higher in the upper quadrant of the breast area, precisely where the lymph nodes are located and where there is a large accumulation of tissue. Some antiperspirants irritate the skin, which not infrequently results in a form of infection called hidradenitis suppurativa, which can lead to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and shock if left untreated. The use of blades can aggravate the axillary infection.

Even so, the other known factors, such as family history, obesity, smoking, inadequate diet and high age group still proved to be much greater risk factors than the use of antiperspirants.



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