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Drysol and Itching: What Users Say

Itching: mentioned by 105 users (32.8%)

Based on user experiences from 320 Drysol reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

itching 32.8%
burning 28.8%
stinging 8.8%
pain 6.3%
rash 5.6%
irritation 4.1%
tingling 2.8%
discomfort 1.9%
dry skin 1.9%
dryness 1.3%

Reviews for Drysol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • yos...
  • February 13, 2020

For Hyperhidrosis "On my first night applying Drysol, it felt fine with only a little itching in my armpits. The day, I sweat a little bit but drastically less than normal. The second night applying it, it itched and burned pretty bad to the point where I was tossing and turning for almost an hour. I put Vaseline over it and it just helped enough so that I could fall asleep. That day, I sweat almost nothing with no pit stains or anything. The whole day, I had a rash on my armpits and they just felt irritated though, so I decided not to apply it for a third night. I put deodorant on the next day and didn't sweat a drop. The irritation was also completely gone. I put it on once more and it itched but didn't nearly hurt as bad as the second night. My point is that Drysol has a few downsides, but they don't last and it is so worth it with the impact that it makes on the way you can live. I highly recommend, just get ready for a little itching."

9 / 10
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77 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2018

For Hyperhidrosis "I love Drysol. I literally have excessive sweating everywhere: arms, legs, hands, armpits, even my lower back/butt, and groin area. It is so embarrassing and awful. My armpits are actually the only place I have it under control. My face and scalp are the worst. I use Drysol on my scalp at night, per instructions. The doctor said not to use it on my face or groin because the skin is more sensitive. I use it on my face at night anyway, and it works great. I do get the side effect of pins and needles and itching, sometimes worse than others. But the end result is worth it. I sweat so much I get dehydrated and get headaches. Drysol has been a life saver. I think I'm gonna try it on my under boobs next. Ladies, I know you know the struggle."

9 / 10
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78 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 17, 2015

For Hyperhidrosis "My hyperhidrosis had been quite severe for several years now and has caused me a huge amount of inconvenience and anxiety. Drysol has changed my life. I can wear whatever I want, and I no longer have to shy away from hugs and touches for fear of suffering intense humiliation. The first time I got through the day with no wetness, I cried on the way home from work; I was so happy. It does itch quite badly at night, but if your condition is anywhere near as emotionally damaging as mine is, it's worth the discomfort. And don't worry if it doesn't work completely the first few uses; it took about a week for it to really kick in for me. I seriously recommend Drysol to anyone who is sick of this condition ruling their life."

10 / 10
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63 Report
  • Lou...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 4, 2020

For Hyperhidrosis "I am 50 and just started using Drysol, and it is already making a difference. I cannot believe I have suffered my whole life with this and am only now finding relief. I see people complaining of pain and itching, and I only had mild itching for a few minutes, and I believe that is because I shaved before applying. I had far worse burning and itching with OTC Certain Dri. For me, this works, the real test will be when summer comes. I am gonna buy some white shirts and hopefully not have to wonder where the next public restroom is where I can wash my pits and reapply deodorant and spray my clothes with perfumes to try to cover up the B.O. I wish I knew about this product years ago, I wish my parents cared enough to get me help as a pre-adolescent. Would have changed my life. I am very optimistic about Drysol."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • NVa...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 8, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "I've been using Drysol for over 10 years, and it has been a blessing to my life. Like many of you, I suffered from the burning, itchy sensation and dryness as a result of the usage of this product. I was told by my dermatologist to place the Drysol solution on my underarm, and once it completely dries, to then place hydrocortisone lotion (no prescription required over the counter). As far as the dryness; in the areas where you experience dryness (i.e., hands & feet), place the Drysol solution, and once it completely dries, place Excipial lotion (no prescription required) over the areas that are dry. This has worked wonders for me and is a MUST try. Hope this helps!"

10 / 10
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38 Report

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  • Gra...
  • June 14, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I have suffered with excessive sweating on my scalp for 4-5 years, many times staying home rather than be embarrassed by sweat dripping off my hair. After 4 nights of using Drysol, I put it to the test and attended a swim meet for one of my grandkids, 90-degree temperature, and my scalp stayed DRY! The benefit of this far outweighs the temporary tingling and itchy feeling when applied to my scalp. My dermatologist who prescribed Drysol for me is my HERO!"

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • Man...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 31, 2018

For Hyperhidrosis "I remember the first time I used Drysol on my armpits, it was one of the worst and most uncomfortable things I’d ever felt. There was burning and itching and the sensation of needles randomly pricking into my skin. I actually had to wash it off after about 20 minutes because I couldn’t handle the extreme discomfort anymore. I have very fair and sensitive skin, so I’m guessing Drysol affects everybody differently. But for the people with more sensitive skin, like myself, there’s help for us! I did a little more research on Drysol, and someone recommended using it with Caladryl Clear Lotion, and I can’t tell you how much of a difference that made! I apply the Drysol to my armpits or face and let it dry as much as possible, and then slather a thick layer of Caladryl over the top of it. I sometimes still get slight itching and burning, but usually, I can just put more Caladryl on, and it’ll go away for the most part. This medication is like a miracle drug!"

9 / 10
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24 Report
  • Emm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 23, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I originally was prescribed Drysol over a year ago, but after reading about the side effects (rash, stinging, itching), I was too afraid to use it. Well, after years of dealing with excessive armpit sweat, I decided to give it a try. I bought a lot of black shirts. I'm not going to lie, it definitely stings and itches pretty bad. But it's so, so worth it. After two applications, I went for a hard run, and I was sweating everywhere else from my body EXCEPT my armpits. It's truly a miracle. I can't tell you how freeing it feels to be able to go out in public wearing a yellow shirt with sleeves and not having to worry about sweating. Give it a try!"

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • Dry...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 29, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "When I was in middle school, it is hard if you have hyperhidrosis. Your self-confidence is way low, and I can NEVER wear shirts without a jacket over it to hide the pit stains. It really did suck. I started using Drysol in the sixth grade because of my excessive sweating, and it's been helping ever since. The first week of using it, there is going to be itching, but after a few days, it should be fine. Do not use it after shaving, or don't put too much on, and that's what will cause the burning sensation everyone's talking about. Use a small amount, dry it via air or a hair dryer, and you should be fine to go to bed. There is no point in using this product every single night. I suggest it!"

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Ano...
  • February 28, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "Okay: typical story. I would cry because I couldn't wear red, and so on and so forth. Anyway, I'm currently on day three of using this. Night one: it burned and itched a bit, but nothing major, and the next day-you guessed it-no sweating. Zip. Zilch. Played ping pong for literally two hours and was dry as the Sahara. Night two: I showered and, without thinking, shaved, dried off thoroughly, and applied the Drysol. I was shaking. My armpits felt like the frickin' sun, and I was considering writing my will. Day two: my pits hurt so bad that I couldn't lift my arms. Night three: showered, but definitely didn't shave. Burns unbelievably, and itches like sandpaper, but I believe that's because I basically slaughtered my sweat glands by shaving."

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Ano...
  • February 28, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "Okay: typical story. I would cry because I couldn't wear red, and so on and so forth. Anyway, I'm currently on day three of using this. Night one: it burned and itched a bit, but nothing major, and the next day-you guessed it-no sweating. Zip. Zilch. Played ping pong for literally two hours and was dry as the Sahara. Night two: I showered and, without thinking, shaved, dried off thoroughly, and applied the Drysol. I was shaking. My armpits felt like the frickin' sun, and I was considering writing my will. Day two: my pits hurt so bad that I couldn't lift my arms. Night three: showered, but definitely didn't shave. Burns unbelievably, and itches like sandpaper, but I believe that's because I basically slaughtered my sweat glands by shaving."

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Itc...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 19, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I sweat mostly everywhere. Pits aren't the only place. It's my face, chest, back of my thighs, groin area, hands, feet... you get it. I've been like this since puberty, and it got a lot worse (of course) after I started working out regularly. I use Drysol mostly on my armpits maybe twice a week, and I don't sweat at all. I apply it very lightly and only directly where I actually perspire from (the center of my pit), and then rub it around a little by doing a circular, funky chicken-like movement. For everywhere else, I only use it maybe once a month, it's effective for a couple of days. For my face (forehead, nose, and very lightly above my upper lip), I use a cotton ball as the applicator dispenses too much at a time. The itchiness is killer, though!!!!!"

8 / 10
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23 Report
  • Joh...
  • September 30, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I have had hyperhidrosis since I was young, it started at 15 and now, 69. I suffered with this condition all my life, only shirts that hid the wetness. I used this when I was 30 for a week, it stopped the sweating under my arms for years. I have not used it for over 40 years. I still have not had any underarm sweating. However, I have suffered 10 years of sweating on my upper body, mostly chest, face, and neck. I went to a dermatologist, asked for a prescription for Drysol. I put it on underarms, my entire chest area, and sides of upper body the first night, yes, it was itchy, it's worth it. I used petroleum jelly on the areas that itched a lot, it helped. The next night, I put some on my neck areas and also some areas on my face. Some areas of my neck were quite itchy but worth it. I do not know why I haven't used this product again until now, it has totally kept my upper body from sweating. I am now looking forward to going back to wearing shirts of any color and not being embarrassed to be around people again."

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Joh...
  • January 10, 2014

For Hyperhidrosis "In 1988, I went to my doctor for something unrelated to my excessive sweating. When we were finished, he asked if there was anything else. That's when I mentioned my extreme underarm sweating and how I ruined shirts and jackets. He directed me to Drysol, which does not require a prescription in Ontario. I have been using it for over 25 years and confirm that it does the job. I have never had even a bit of wetness. I put it on about every two weeks. A small bottle costs about $22 and lasts at least 2 years. Yes, it does burn and itch at times due to the aluminum chloride, but it's a small price to pay. Make sure you wash the treated area the next morning with soap and water. A little talcum or baby powder afterwards takes away any clammy feeling."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Jma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2020

For Hyperhidrosis "Wow, Drysol has been a game changer for me! I've been very insecure about my underarm odor and finally asked the doc if anything could be done. He prescribed Drysol, and I had my doubts it would work. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and it's been a miracle worker! I will say, it has some downsides. It itches like crazy and burned a few times I've used it. I put aloe on it, and that calmed the itching and burning. So if it itches and burns, I suggest applying some aloe for relief. The good far outweighs the bad, though, and I'm happy I found this!"

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • lea...
  • September 27, 2013

For Hyperhidrosis "I read so many good reviews on Drysol, so I decided to try it! The first night I used it, it had a burning sensation, but I could handle it. The next day, I was so happy with the results. I had no sweat at all. The second time I used it, it itched like crazy, and I was up all night trying to tolerate it, but still no sweat. The third time I used it, my armpits burned, and there were red bumps! I immediately washed it off, but the pain didn't go away. Maybe it was just my skin having a reaction to it, but I do not think this is for me!"

1 / 10
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26 Report
  • Gra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 21, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I'm a 46-year-old female who has struggled with severe sweaty armpits, feet, and hands since I was 13. I've researched and tried so many products that failed me. But this truly works. It takes about 2 days for it to actually stop the sweating process, but once it's in your pores, you can use it every other day. Your armpits are odorless. The unfortunate part is... do not use after shaving, it will burn, itch, and cause a horrible outbreak, but otherwise, this product is a true BLESSING to all who sweat beyond control like I did..."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 25, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I'm an 18-year-old girl who's been sweating since the 6th grade. It's so embarrassing that I used to wear mostly black so no one would see the pit stains. Drysol works really great. The only downside I would say is that if I use it every day or after I shave, it has the worst burning/itching sensation."

9 / 10
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16 Report
  • Ano...
  • May 13, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "As a teenager, sweating is a huge problem for me, wherever and whenever. I have tried the anti-perspirant deodorant in stores, but none have worked for me until my doctor prescribed me this. After applying, it stings and itches a bit, but it is so bearable and worth it. No sweat at all the next day, and at school, I didn't have to hide the wetness under a sweatshirt. Would totally recommend."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Ang...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 9, 2024

For Hyperhidrosis "I am 30 and have suffered from hyperhidrosis ever since I can remember. Like most, I oversweat primarily from hands, feet, and underarms. I would sweat so much that you could see it all over my shirt at the underarms. My hands would be clammy, which was especially problematic when I had to touch somebody, such as shaking or holding hands. Sometimes I'd even get my papers wet from the sweat (people tend to look at you almost with disgust when this happens). All this, of course, led to lesser self-esteem. Finally, a few months ago, I decided to be brave and talk to my doctor about it. She recommended and prescribed Drysol, which has changed my life. It started working within just a few days and has resolved my problem. I now use it every two to three days and no sweat. My side effects are that it causes itching sometimes and dry skin at the application sites. So I use Cortizone on days when I'm not using Drysol, which helps tremendously with these side effects."

8 / 10
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4 Report
  • Jul...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 23, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "After reading some other misleading reviews, I wanted to write my own. I have dealt with hyperhidrosis my entire life, and it's such a confidence killer. I could never dress nicely in high school because I'd always hear whispers about my underarm sweat stains. I tried CertainDry and it worked for about 2 months, then stopped. I was crushed. I finally was prescribed Drysol, but I wasn't convinced that it would work. I've been using it for about a year now and I'm so shocked that it still works! I noticed that if you wash your underarms thoroughly and dry them thoroughly, the itch isn't as bad as if you were to just apply at the end of the day. The only time it's ever burned is if I overuse it or use it the same day as shaving. Worth a try."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Mad...
  • April 7, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I used to sweat so bad. Dripping sweat from my underarm to my back. Leaving embarrassing sweat stains. I could be freezing cold and sweat crazy. After the first use of Drysol, I saw results the next day, no longer had sweat stains. I’ve only used it 3 times now, and it’s been amazing. I used it 2 nights straight. Now doing every other night. But I do have a bad rash under my arm, which I was told was expected. It does burn and itch a little after application, but it goes away after an hour. APPLY AT NIGHT TIME BEFORE BED. When the sweat glands are working less. But I am in love with this product and have never been so confident."

10 / 10
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14 Report
  • Wil...
  • December 24, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I’ve been using Drysol for a few months now, just like most of you guys here. I had super bad armpit sweating. So, so bad. I could only wear dark shirts and hoodies because the sweat would show through both, even in the winter. I had to throw shirts away from the sweat ruining the shirts. I first tried the lesser intense over-the-counter remedy, Certain Dri, which worked like a charm. That product is definitely good. It doesn’t make your pits itch after you’re done. But I asked my doctor what to do, and the first thing he recommends is Botox and getting the surgical way, but he said that you’d have to go back every so often to get it redone. But then he said Drysol worked, and I gave it a try, and I love it. It does itch, unfortunately, but if you can resist the urge, you’ll love the product. That is my only complaint. But I would recommend Drysol for anyone going through the same issue, especially in high school."

9 / 10
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11 Report
  • skr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 23, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "Used to sweat constantly through my pits, applying Drysol at night before bed and about 95% of the sweat is stopped. Only reason it's not a 10 is because for some, the extreme itching can be a problem, but for me, the itching was mild and not so bad that I couldn't tolerate it. Itching went away about 15-20 minutes after it dried. Also, a tip: use a blow dryer with low heat on your pits to dry it faster because this stuff takes ages to dry by itself."

9 / 10
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11 Report
  • Mat...
  • September 25, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I’ve had hyperhidrosis for the past 6-7 years. I used Drysol about 2-3 years ago, and although the first two weeks were filled with itchiness and red skin, I can say that Drysol has changed my life. I was actually able to wear a grey. Yes, GREY. Shirt to school with so much confidence. Now, I’m back to some pit stains and just got another refill about 2 weeks ago, and it has stopped. After a while, the itching goes away. This product has alcohol & aluminum chloride. It’s not meant for super sensitive skin. But most reviews I’ve seen, it’s been the same for me. From my experience, Drysol works."

10 / 10
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11 Report

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