Astringent Gel: a multifunctional hero in dermatology

Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl3 – 6H2O) is the active ingredient in astringent gel. It is commonly used in both dermatological galenics and cosmetic industries as an antisudoral agent. When applied to the skin, for example on the axillary cords, aluminum chloride hexahydrate causes proteins to gather at the sweat gland ducts. As a result, the sweat glands temporarily deactivate and stop producing sweat.
This is not the only use of aluminum chloride hexahydrate in dermatology, as its potent astringency, antipruritic and antimicrobial make it a key ingredient in many other products.

Sweat and hyperhidrosis

Sweat glands regulate body heat through the secretion of sweat, which is essentially made up of water.
Some people’s bodies sweat both to disperse heat and during moments of anxiety or tension.
Underarm sweating: the armpits are rich in sweat glands. However sweat in itself is not the cause of bad odors from the underarms, but from the presence of bacteria.
Astringent Gel acts simultaneously as an anti-perspirant and an antibacterial, regressing both sweating and the bad odor produced by bacteria.
After washing with Eudermic Cleansing Base, dry well and massage a small amount of Astringent Gel into the area.
After using Astringent Gel, avoid spraying or applying perfume to the underarm, because the skin here doesn’t react well to perfume. Perfume can, however, be applied to clothing or elsewhere on the body. Astringent Gel can be applied anywhere from once per day to once per week, depending on the individual and/or their activity level.

Nervous hyperhidrosis in the hands and feet

Hyperhidrosis on the palms and feet as an emotional response to external triggers can be treated applying Astringent Gel several times a day as needed.

Insect bites and stings

Mosquito bites

Some people, especially children, can have significant inflammatory reactions to common insect bites, such as those of mosquitos. Hive-like rashes form and, if scratched, the skin may become infected.
When applied immediately after the sting, Astringent Gel prevents swelling, stops itchiness and reduces the risk of infection.

Jellyfish stings

Jellyfish sting human skin with their cnidocyst cells. When touched, these cells immediately release stinging filaments that penetrate the skin, releasing a substance made of three proteins that is neurotoxic, paralytic and stinging. This causes instant burning, followed by intense itchiness and the formation of welts. To prevent toxins from the sting spreading and to reduce symptoms, apply Astringent Gel as soon as possible after contact with the jellyfish. Reapply as necessary until symptoms subside.

Processionary moth caterpillars

Processionary moth caterpillars nest in trees, often pines or oaks. Older caterpillars are covered in protective hairs which contain thaumetopoein and, if these hairs come into contact with the skin (either by falling from the trees, or through being transported by the wind onto clothing or playground equipment), they can cause painful itching and redness. Applying Astringent Gel quickly after contact mitigates, then reduces these symptoms,

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus. It can occur suddenly, particularly during summer months, and is especially prevalent in children.
If intervention happens promptly, impetigo can be treated with Astringent Gel, applied two to three times per day until the scabs fall off. If the condition is more serious, combine the use of Astringent Gel with an antibiotic like macrolides.
In some individuals undergoing anti-acne treatment, impetigo can form in particularly large, inflamed and painful boils. Application of Astringent Gel to the area two to three times a day will reduce inflammation and help the boil fade.

Herpes, Shingles and Chickenpox

The herpes simplex virus (HSV), causes cold sores or ulcers to form on the lips or genitals. These blisters are very itchy and cause red, swollen skin. Applying Astringent Gel several times a day can help dry out the blisters, reduce itchiness and accelerate healing.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It causes clustered blisters to form in a band across the skin, often across the chest or along limbs. Shingles can sometimes cause nerve pain.
Applying Astringent Gel several times a day can help dry out the blisters, reduce itchiness and accelerate healing.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It usually occurs in children and causes scattered blisters to form on the trunk, limbs, scalp and oral cavity. The blisters are very itchy and, if scratched, will become infected and leave scars. Applying Astringent Gel several times a day can help dry out the blisters, reduce itchiness and accelerate healing.

Intertrigo on the feet

Intertrigo is skin maceration that is caused by bacterial infection between the toes. This often occurs in individuals who wear heavy safety boots or restrictive footwear. Intertrigo causes severe redness, weeping, inflammation and pain. Intertrigo can be treated by dressing the area with Astringent Gel and a cotton gauze to separate the toes, twice per day. It is important not to get the feet wet during treatment, so instead dry wash with potassium permanganate solution to maintain body hygiene. Following this routine for two to three weeks will heal intertrigo.

Ingrown toenails and pyogenic granulomas

Ingrown toenails often occur due to poor nail cutting, wearing inappropriate footwear or from being overweight. It usually occurs on the big toe (hallux) and happens when the edge of the nail becomes embedded in the dermis. This can sometimes cause pyogenic granuloma to form, which is an inflammatory tissue growth. Both ingrown toenails and granulomas can be extremely painful to the point they make walking and basic tasks difficult. As a first treatment step, Astringent Gel can be applied twice per day to reduce the size, and therefore pain, of the granuloma. If, however, there are no improvements in the ingrown nail or granuloma, it is likely that phenolization surgery will be needed.

Astringent Gel to prevent bleeding

Astringent Gel can also be used as a hemostatic, which means it can be used to stop bleeding following an accidental or traumatic injury. In the past, alum blocks (aluminum potassium sulfate) were often used to promote clotting and, while they stopped bleeding immediately and accelerated healing, they often caused a temporary but very uncomfortable burning sensation upon application.
Instead, applying Astringent Gel immediately to the wound encourages clotting, reduces the risk of cutaneous infection and accelerates healing without unpleasant side effects.