Skip to main content

Drysol and Pain: What Users Say

Pain: mentioned by 20 users (6.3%)

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
  • Lin...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • November 26, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I have been using Drysol for about 8 years now. I started sweating excessively under my armpits when I was 11 years old, and I tried everything I could to hide it or fix it. It got to the point where I wasn’t able to wear T-shirts or light-colored clothes and had to wear cardigans and hoodies to hide it, even in the summer. I started Drysol when I was 13, and it is the only thing that ever worked for me! I have very sensitive skin, but over the years I learned not to shave for at least a few days, and the burning sensation wasn’t as bad, most of the time I didn’t get it at all. But other than that, I’d rather deal with the pain for half an hour and be dry as a desert for weeks than to sweat 24/7 for no reason at all. It’s very worth it because I’m not insecure anymore, and I feel free!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Ano...
  • May 21, 2013

For Hyperhidrosis "I have dealt with excessive sweating ever since I was around 10 years old. Being that this problem started right as puberty did made it very hard and extremely embarrassing for me to handle. I spent hundreds of dollars on antiperspirants, natural treatments, OTC options, etc. I am now 19 and finally gave in to going to my doctor to seek help. She prescribed Drysol for me, and from day one of using it, I have been sweat-free. I can finally wear colors again and get rid of my worn-out black shirts. The only problem I had was on my second night of using the product. I must have used too much, and in the morning, my skin was a little sore and red, but this went away with a little pain-relieving cream and was gone within a few hours."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Bre...
  • June 28, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "Although Drysol does work, it is also very painful for me. When I apply, and even hours after, I have pain in my armpits. They are completely bumpy with red rashes, and the burning is the worst part. The morning after I apply it, the redness dies down, and so does the pain. The sweating does go away, and this product would be perfect without the horrible side effects it gives me! Overall, I feel that the product is not worth the pain I go through when and after applying."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Izz...
  • June 28, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "I have had hyperhidrosis for about 4 years now and could never find something that worked. I tried every no-prescription medication I could find. After hearing about Drysol, I figured it was my last chance, which it was. I gave it a shot the first night and did all the helpful tricks, I didn’t use too much, I hadn’t shaved, and my underarms were clean and dry. I put it on and IMMEDIATELY started screaming and crying in absolutely EXCRUCIATING pain. I had to have someone help me wash it off before it had even been 5 minutes with it on. I thought that would help, but even after I washed it off and took anti-inflammatory stuff, I still felt every ounce of pain. Keep in mind I do have extremely sensitive skin, and that might be the problem."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • C R...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 3, 2013

For Hyperhidrosis "In first year university, I started sweating so much under my arms that I would have to change my undershirt 5 times a day and only wear dark colors so I wouldn't show my sweat stains. I tried every deodorant and antiperspirant I could find, and nothing worked. I went to the doctor, and he recommended Drysol (no prescription needed). I used it for the first night and covered my underarms with lots of it. It was itchy, and my skin was irritated in the morning with a red rash, but I did not sweat again! The small amount of pain from the rash was worth it. I only have to reapply once every couple of years! Amazing."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Hum...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 28, 2019

For Hyperhidrosis "Drysol is the best thing ever. I used to sweat awfully, but this cured it. I will mention the first times that you use it, the pain is awful, and honestly, I would never wish that on my worst enemy. I was crying because of the pain. But honestly, it was worth it. I am now used to the pain (thank God), and now I just apply it before bed and never worry about sweat. It was short time pain, but for long time gain. Totally worth the first week."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Rev...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 18, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "This is my first ever product review. I felt obligated to write this because it is a life-changing solution. Was a bit worried when it only reduced my sweating after 2 days of use. I didn't think it would work because my sweaty hands were the worst I've ever seen (literally dripping and unconcealable). On the third night, there was horrible itching and pain, but I endured it. The next day, my hands were completely dry. I now only have to use it once in a while for maintenance. This completely changed my life, and I am glad to be rid of that dreaded hyperhidrosis. P.S. be sure NOT to use it on any cuts or skin that is already dry. THANK YOU SO MUCH."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Swe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 14, 2015

For Hyperhidrosis "I was prescribed Drysol by my dermatologist. I was open to try anything because I deal with hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis. You can't use any deodorants with this product, so that made me nervous. The first application was fine, but I was smelly the next day as I couldn't use deodorant. Over the course of a few days, it started working more, and I was sweating a lot less. However, the cons are that this product is so irritating! My skin was raw to the point that when I moved my arms, it hurt. You have to apply the solution at bedtime, and it was to the point that I couldn't fall asleep due to the pain of the irritation. And this was after I had stopped doing daily applications and was only applying it every 2 to 3 days. Overall, I wouldn't recommend."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 20, 2017

For Hyperhidrosis "I've had to deal with my sweating problems ever since 4th grade. I am now in college, and I'm happier than ever that I found this product. For years, I received Botox injections to stop my sweating in my armpits. However, that pain was unimaginable. I switched to Drysol, and I have never been happier. I can wear my shirts now without having to worry. Definitely would recommend this product to anyone who feels stuck with no solution to their sweating."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Sky...
  • August 24, 2015

For Hyperhidrosis "This works. Simple as that. One use and it works wonders. The only problem I've had was having bad irritation. Itching, burning, and quite painful, tbh. It works, though, if you can get through the pain."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 21, 2022

For Hyperhidrosis "I have had excessive sweating since I was little, I just never knew hyperhidrosis was a thing until I met my biological family. I have severe sweating on my head and face, as well as my armpits, under my breasts, and between my thighs, as well as my feet and hands. It is literally everywhere. I don’t know how much insurance covers because we already reached our out-of-pocket max, so I won't know how much it costs until January. I have fairly sensitive skin, and on the second day, it was painful to put on my armpits (at that time I hadn’t shaved in about a month), and right behind my ears, everywhere else was just a bit itchy. I skipped the third day but put it on the fourth day. It has been, I'd say, about a month, and I’ve been using it every day, but alternating where I put it. There has been a noticeable decrease in sweating! My only issue is that since it is pretty much all over my body, I have gone through a bottle and a half already. I'm hoping that over time I can use less."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 5, 2011

For Hyperhidrosis "Completely amazing. This product really works if you're like me, really worried about going out because of excessive sweating. This product is for you. I only used this once, and the next day it stung, but I was completely dry, not a single drop of sweat. So the pros far outweigh the cons. The pain and the cost are worth the payoff. Would recommend this to anyone. I am using extra strength, there is mild pain, but it works for me. There's also a mild version. Give it a try."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Cvb...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 31, 2020

For Hyperhidrosis "I am almost 20 and struggled with excessive sweating for as long as I can remember. It made me scared to join a sorority in college because I didn’t want to sweat through every shirt when I would hang out with them, but I have used Drysol for almost a year now and it’s awesome. I do agree with the other reviews about pain. It’s pretty gruesome for me if I skip a few weeks and put it on my armpits, they are worse than just itchy. I will get very red and burning on my underarms, but it’s worth it not to sweat and embarrass myself when I’m with friends."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Liv...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2013

For Hyperhidrosis "Well, I've had excessive sweating for years. I had gone to my doctor and was prescribed Drysol, and within twenty minutes of applying it, my skin broke into an extremely painful, bumpy rash. I followed all the instructions: no shaving before putting it on, just a thin layer, not to rub it in, etc. I'm sure the product works, I just have extremely sensitive skin, so I'll just need to continue looking for a product or medical procedure that works."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Tes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 17, 2016

For Hyperhidrosis "Ever since middle school, I have suffered from hyperhidrosis since I was 12. My problem area was my armpits, and I was very self-conscious. Although this product has helped with the sweating, it doesn't always work but ALWAYS causes extreme pain, rashes, and itching. There were times when I would feel like crying because of the pain. The product isn't terrible and certainly works, but is NOT WORTH THE PAIN."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 10, 2012

For Hyperhidrosis "Hurts way too much to continue using this product. I've taken a weeks break and still is unbearable. Wish it would have worked for me. Using Sweat Block now, doesn't work as well but there is no pain involved."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • Dry...
  • October 16, 2016

"I was prescribed Drysol because I found a lump in my armpit, and my doctor thought it could be a clogged pore. The lump was gone within a week, and so was any sweat! It wasn't painful for me, sometimes a little bit of itchiness, but that's it. I just want to say to anyone who is experiencing pain, make sure you do not apply to freshly shaved armpits! The pharmacist told me this, one time I had shaved but forgot to put the Drysol on before, so I had to put it on after. I was in a lot of pain, and it was very itchy. Otherwise, this is a great product! I do sweat a lot on my hands and feet, but when I use Drysol, it will stop for weeks!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
0 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 24, 2009

For Hyperhidrosis "The first night there was no problem. Since then, every time I have attempted to use it, it really hurt. I am thinking at this point I'd rather sweat."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

More about Drysol (aluminum chloride hexahydrate topical)

Related treatment guides