Now that we’re officially in the dog days of summer, this news couldn’t have come at a better time. The FDA just approved a topical treatment called Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) aka a cloth for your underarms that stops excessive sweating.
If you’re someone who suffers from hyperhidrosis (read: you sweat a lot) under your arms, this cloth will be your saving grace. It can be applied directly to your armpits, and it blocks sweat production by stopping your sweat glands. It’s not the sort of medical-grade antiperspirant that can irritate your skin, rather it works to prevent sweat before it even becomes an issue.
Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital (he’s unaffiliated with the product) explained how Qbrexza works to Marie Claire.
“Antiperspirants work by preventing wetness from reaching the surface of the skin,” he says. “Their active ingredient is an aluminum salt that creates a plug within the sweat gland that physically blocks the sweat.” Qbrexza, however, “decreases the activity of the sweat gland itself, so you’ll have less sweat to begin with.”
The topical wipe, Zeichner went on to clarify, contains the same ingredient currently available in pill form. The benefit of the wipe is that it doesn’t have the same side effects oral medication can come saddled with. That being said, there still are possible side effects in the form of dry mouth, dry skin, sore throat, or stinging.
Considering about 10 million people are affected by hyperhidrosis, this product will likely fly off the shelves when it’s available. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use Qbrexza this summer, as it won’t be available in pharmacies until October 2018. But breezy dreams of light-colored tops are in your future!