SweatTech:

The future of excessive sweat control

Humanity has been on a quest to control excessive sweating (also known as the medical condition of hyperhidrosis) since the earliest days of recorded history. From the first U.S. patent issued for a deodorant using ammonium chloride in 1867 to the first use of oral medications in the 1950s that disrupted neurotransmitter signals1, approaches to sweat control have evolved as technology has advanced. Today, people are still seeking the most modern approaches to excessive sweat control, including non-toxic, non-invasive, non-staining, and time-saving solutions.

Sweating Through the Decades

Learn how SweatTech has evolved over the decades2,3 Read More

600
BCE

Egyptians regularly used plants and food to create perfumes that mask or alter odors.

1760 -
1840
During the Industrial Revolution perfume became less expensive and more widely available for the masses to mask or alter odors.
1860-
1880

In 1867, the first U.S. patent for deodorant was issued to Henry D. Bird of Petersburgh, VA. The active ingredient was ammonium chloride. Another patent was issued to George T. Southgate of Forest Hills, PA, for a deodorant using yeast as an active ingredient.

1888

The first trademarked deodorant was launched called Mum®. It used the antiseptic zinc oxide.

1903
The first trademarked antiperspirant was launched called Everdry. This was the first use of the now commonly used aluminum chloride. Sweat was still considered a taboo subject, so these early products didn’t sell well. Instead, many people used soaps, perfumes, colognes, or diluted vinegar to mask odors. Some also used “dress shields,” which were pads sewn into clothing under the armpits to hide sweat stains.
1912 -
1919
Edna Murphey from Cincinnati, OH began commercializing an antiperspirant, Odorono, created by her surgeon father, which could stain clothing red. Advertising for Odorono is credited as the first to openly discuss excessive sweating as an embarrassing medical condition that requires intervention. Initial excessive sweating products were targeted to women until the 1930s. Most topical treatments used aluminum salts, particularly aluminum chloride hexahydrate. A challenge for these early products is they could stain clothing and cause skin irritation, particularly if used daily. Many of the same ingredients are used today.
1920s -
1930s
In 1920, Anastas Kotzareff, a doctor in Greece, successfully used endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) to treat excessive sweating of the face. This surgery severs nerve fibers to stop sweating. In 1975, the first case of the procedure used for sweating in upper extremeties was published. While successful, ETS can cause compensatory sweating and is associated with significant health risks. It wasn’t until the 1990s when minimally invasive procedures were designed that this surgery began to be used with fewer (though still significant) risks.
1939
The first modern antiperspirant, developed by chemist Jules B. Montenier, could be applied directly on the underarm and included solvents that reduced acidity, thereby reducing irritation.
1950s - 1960s

Developments during this time included roll-on and aerosol spray options, both of which dried quickly on the skin. The 1950s and 1960s were also when many physicians started using oral anticholinergic medications off-label to treat excessive sweating. These medications typically disrupt neurotransmitter signals to reduce sweating, but can cause systemic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Many of these oral treatments – including methantheline and glycopyrronium bromide – are used today in new formulations.

1968
The first known use is reported of iontophoresis – where a medical device passes a mild electrical current through water and the skin’s surface to reduce excessive sweating. This treatment is effective but requires long-term use.
1970s -
Present
The U.S. FDA banned the active ingredient used in aerosols, aluminum zirconium, due to safety concerns over long-term inhalation. From then until the present, more options were developed using newer ingredients or formulations to reduce excessive sweat. Aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine have become the most frequent active ingredients in commercial antiperspirants.
2004

In the United States, botulinum toxin injections (onabotulinumtoxinA; Botox®) are approved for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). While effective, the treatment is costly for patients and can cause discomfort at the injection sites.

2011

MiraDry® was cleared in the United States for primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). The treatment uses microwave energy to destroy the sweat glands.

2018

Qbrexza® was approved in the United States as a topical anticholinergic for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). The topical treatment, which requires a medical diagnosis and prescription, includes individually packaged wipes that are used at home once per day under the arms.

The Future

Candesant® Biomedical is developing a non-toxic, non-invasive, non-staining, quick and easy solution under investigation for the reduction of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating). This “TAT” (targeted alkali thermolysis) patch is single-use and disposable. The TAT patch uses alkali metal that creates thermal energy when it interacts with underarm sweat, microtargeting sweat glands and temporarily inactivating them to reduce sweating. Clinical studies show that the TAT patch significantly reduces sweat. The TAT patch is applied by a healthcare professional for up to three minutes per underarm. The TAT patch is undergoing review by the U.S. FDA.

It is reported that nearly 15 million Americans are impacted by excessive sweating somewhere on their body, and approximately half of those people experience this sweating under the arms. 4, 5 Many believe these numbers are an underestimation, as people often suffer in silence through the physical, social, emotional, and financial effects of excessive sweating.6, 7 In fact, research shows that as many as 1 in 3 people are bothered by excessive underarm sweating. 8


Current excessive sweating treatments reduce sweat in a multitude of ways, but with varying degrees of efficacy. In a recent survey, healthcare providers stated that 63% of patients are not satisfied with prescription topical antiperspirants, 55% are not satisfied with topical wipes, and 45% are not satisfied with oral treatments. While cost is the main reason cited for why patients are not satisfied, nearly 1 in 5 say it is because the treatments don’t work well enough or not at all.9

Current Treatment Options 1 0:

Topical Treatments* (sprays, gels, creams, wipes) – e.g., antiperspirants, topical anticholinergics, cryotherapy Read More

Systemic Treatments (orals, injectables) – e.g., anticholinergics, alpha-adrenergic agonists, calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin injections

Device-Based Treatments – e.g., microwave thermolysis, iontophoresis, lasers

Surgical Management – e.g., sympathectomy

Introducing Candesant’s Modern

SweatTech Approach:

Throughout history, technology has led to innovations in excessive sweat control – from aerosol deodorant sprays to microwave energy. However, some of these innovations have come with drawbacks including leaving clothes stained or involving injections or surgery. Now, a new technology is on the horizon that is non-toxic, non-invasive, and non-staining.
Read More

Researchers at Candesant Biomedical set out to create a solution that reduces hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating (focused first on excessive underarm sweating) that is quick, effective, and affordable with a favorable safety profile. Their investigational “TAT” (targeted alkali thermolysis) patch is single-use and disposable. The TAT patch uses alkali metal that creates thermal energy when it interacts with underarm sweat, microtargeting sweat glands and temporarily inactivating them to reduce sweating. Clinical studies show that the TAT patch significantly reduces sweat. The TAT patch is applied by a healthcare professional for up to three minutes per arm. It is designed to be simple, fast, with no downtime, and should fit easily into patients’ quarterly in-office treatment regimens. The TAT patch is currently undergoing review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a pivotal study, the TAT patch demonstrated significant reductions in sweat measured by both quality of life and quantitative measurements. Specifically, the TAT patch reduced underarm sweat and improved multiple quality of life measures including increased confidence, reduced embarrassment, reduced frustration, and less need for multiple showers and shirt changes. Additionally, the TAT patch showed a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events. In fact, 75% of patients had no adverse events. This sweat reduction technology could be a significant advancement that is non-toxic, non-invasive, simple, and affordable.

SweatTalks: Why excessive sweat speaks volumes before a word is spoken

It’s clear that new treatment options are needed to help control excessive sweat. In a recent consumer survey, dermatologists and plastic surgeons were the most commonly cited sources of information that influence aesthetic treatment decisions (53%). The same survey found that of aesthetically-minded consumers who are bothered by excessive sweat at least once a week, 80% are interested in a new technology to help them control their excessive sweat.11 Read More

Hear from three experts as they shine a light on the current impact of excessive sweat and how conversations are evolving to support modern sweat reduction solutions.

Dr. Dee Anna Glaser

Dr. Doris Day

Dr. Michael S. Kaminer

Conversation Starters

  • How many days a week do you feel bothered by your sweating?
  • Do you need to change your clothes multiple times a day due to sweating?
  • Do you select clothes based on how they may mask your sweating?
  • How does your sweating make you feel in social or professional settings?
  • What products or procedures have you tried to help control your sweating?
  • Would you be interested in a modern approach to excessive sweat control based on the  evolution of SweatTech through the decades?
Excessive sweating can affect people in many ways – physically, socially, emotionally, and financially. The impact to their quality of life is tremendous but also hard to measure. In an analysis of those with excessive underarm sweating, more than one-third reported that the condition is “barely tolerable or completely intolerable, and it nearly always interferes with daily activities.”12 Read More

Physical Impacts

There are many physical impacts of excessive sweating. People with excessive sweat may constantly feel wet, smelly, and uncomfortable. As a result, they may need to change clothes throughout the day to stay dry or prevent odors. And in severe cases, excessive sweating could even lead to skin infections.

Social and Emotional Impacts

People with excessive sweating may have lower self-esteem as they are embarrassed by their sweating. One survey found that 63% of people with excessive sweating felt unhappy or depressed about their sweating, and 74% felt emotionally damaged because of it.13 These emotions can manifest in simple actions such as being afraid to raise their arms around other people, to selecting clothing that may mask their sweating, to even avoiding certain social situations or activities due to anxiety about their sweating. They may perceive themselves as being judged by others for their sweating, particularly in professional settings.

Financial Impacts

An often overlooked issue with excessive sweating is the financial cost associated with it. People who sweat excessively may often spend extra money on products to help them reduce or mask their sweat. Some may also experience higher dry-cleaning bills or find themselves replacing clothing more often. And some may worry that excessive sweating in a professional setting may hinder their career advancement.

Managing SweatStress

As technology advances, SweatStress can be addressed by understanding that new options on the horizon may provide solutions that don’t involve injections, toxins, or discomfort. Be on the lookout for new SweatTech developments that may change the way excessive sweating is managed.
1 Everts S. The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration. 2021: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.; New York, NY).
2 Everts S. The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration. 2021: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.; New York, NY).
3 Lee K YC, Levell N J. Turning the tide: a history and review of hyperhidrosis treatment. JRSM Open. 2014 Jan; 5(1): 2042533313505511.
4 Doolittle, J., Walker, P., Mills, T. et al. Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States. Arch Dermatol Res 308, 743–749 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9.
5 McConaghy JR, Fosselman D. Hyperhidrosis: Management Options. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jun 1;97(11):729-734.
6 Doolittle, J., Walker, P., Mills, T. et al. Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States. Arch Dermatol Res 308, 743–749 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9.
7 American Academy of Dermatology. Hyperhidrosis: Who Gets and Causes. Available at https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-causes. Accessed September 20, 2022.
8 International Hyperhidrosis Society. IHHS sweat survey reveals many are suffering in silence. Sweat Solutions. September-October 2008: 1-4.
9 Candesant Healthcare Provider Market Research – 2022.
10 Arora G, Kassir M, Patil A, et al. Treatment of Axillary hyperhidrosis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022 Jan;21(1):62-70. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14378
11 Candesant Consumer Market Research – 2022.
12 McConaghy JR, Fosselman D. Hyperhidrosis: Management Options. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jun 1;97(11):729-734.
13 Everts S. The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration. 2021: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.; New York, NY).
Scroll to Top