The problem of increased sweating is familiar to many. In the professional language of doctors, this problem is called hyperhidrosis. She has many reasons, and the problem is difficult to treat. The pharmaceutical market offers only a few really effective anti-hyperhidrosis drugs, one of which is Formagel for sweat. Reviews about this tool can be found in our article.
Release form and composition of the drug
Release form - medium density gel with a light formaldehyde aroma. It is a tool for external local use, which has a deodorizing and antibacterial effect. It is packaged in metal tubes with a volume of 15 grams.
The main active ingredient of the drug is formaldehyde. Around this substance there is a lot of controversy in the scientific world. Laboratory studies have shown that it is carcinogenic and, with a predisposition to malignant neoplasms, it is strictly forbidden to use it. The formaldehyde content in one hundred grams of the drug is 37 g. This amount is enough to cause ailments.
Instructions and reviews on Formagel report that formaldehyde is a substance that effectively suppresses the activity of most known gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mold and yeast-like fungi, and prevents damage to cosmetics. As additional components, the gel contains methyl cellulose water-soluble and purified water.
Indications for use
The gel can be used both as part of a complex therapy of dermatological diseases, and as an independent tool. Patients make their choice in favor of Formagel because of its relatively low price. Instructions for use and reviews of "Formagel" indicate that the drug is effective in the following cases:
- hyperhidrosis of any etiology;
- disinfectants for certain dermatological diseases;
- deodorizing agent in cosmetology;
- possesses antiperspirant properties with increased sweating in any part of the body (except mucous membranes).
Side effects and contraindications
The main disadvantage of the drug, due to which it cannot be used on a regular basis, is the formaldehyde content. If other antiperspirants contain it in a negligible amount, then in Formagel the proportion of this substance is quite high. There is only one contraindication in the drug: it is forbidden to use in case of intolerance to its components, as well as in the presence of inflammatory diseases of the skin patient.
Do not use Formagel for a long time. After a month of daily use, you need to take a break of several months. The danger of formaldehyde must not be underestimated. Even with external use, it penetrates the epidermis into the body and can cause the development of serious chronic diseases.
In Sweden and Japan, formaldehyde is completely banned from inclusion in cosmetics. In Russia, the use of formaldehyde as a preservative in cosmetics is practically not regulated at the state level. In the USA and Europe, it is allowed to use formaldehyde as a preservative in cosmetics that do not remain on the skin.
As mentioned above, "Formagel" is used for sweating. In reviews, consumers often report the development of the following side effects after regular use:
- peeling and dry skin on the gel-treated area;
- clogging of pores;
- inflammation of the follicles and the development of boils;
- irritation, pain at the site of application of the gel.
Method of use and special instructions
In the instructions for use and reviews of "Formagel" you can find out that the drug is not intended for daily use. This is very important, since the use of a formaldehyde gel every day can cause serious dermatological problems.
Re-treatment of the skin area with gel should be carried out only after seven to ten days, then when the sweat glands start working again and hyperhidrosis will bother the patient. After consultation with the endocrinologist and with his approval, “Formagel” can be used daily for two to three days to accumulate the effect. Such use is possible if the patient suffers from pronounced axillary hyperhidrosis.
Reviews about "Formagel" warn that it is impossible to apply the product on freshly shaved or cream epilated skin areas. This leads to severe inflammation, can provoke swelling of the hair follicles and ultimately cause furunculosis or suppuration in the thickness of the epidermis.
Do not apply the gel on wet areas of the skin - water prevents the absorption of formaldehyde and blocking sweat glands. Reviews of Formagel confirm that the drug should be used only on dry and clean skin.
A prerequisite for using the gel
A very important point that not all patients pay attention to: after application, formaldehyde forms a thin, barely noticeable film on the skin. It is extremely undesirable to leave on the body. It can stick to clothing and cause peeling and skin irritation.
Forty-fifty minutes after applying the gel, thoroughly rinse with water the area of ​​the skin on which the product was applied. This will not reduce its effectiveness, but will prevent the development of side effects. In reviews of Formagel, consumers who have tried the action of the product on themselves do not recommend using soap or shower gels when rinsing - this can even dry out the skin. It is enough just to wash off the remnants of the preparation with warm water.
In the instructions for the medication, it is recommended to leave the gel on the armpits for only twenty to thirty minutes, since in this area the skin is very thin and sensitive.
Cost and terms of sale
Buyers prefer “Formagel” because it is cheap compared to peers and can be purchased at any pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. The cost of one tube with a gel is about one hundred rubles. Since the tool is not used daily, it lasts for a long time, for about six months. If the patient takes his health seriously and takes breaks, then the gel may last for several years of use.
Reviews on the use of sweating feet
Sweating legs is a real problem for many men. Reviews on "Formagel" report that the product effectively stops the increased perspiration of the feet after the first application. This quick effect is achieved due to the fact that formaldehyde blocks sweat glands. After each use of the gel, a break of approximately seven to ten days should be taken. Reviews about "Formagel" from sweating legs in most cases are positive. It is in this area of ​​the human body that formaldehyde is most effective.
Reviews on the use of sweating hands
On the hands, the skin is very thin and sensitive, especially in women. Therefore, with hyperhidrosis of the palms, “Formagel” (doctors' reviews confirm this fact) often causes irritation and peeling of the skin. In the end, she just slit pieces. To avoid such a side effect, every time after using "Formagel" you should use a high-quality nourishing cream for extremely dry skin.
Reviews "Formagel" from axillary hyperhidrosis
Increased sweating in the armpits is usually the most difficult to treat. In some cases, you have to use "Formagel" daily or every other day in order to mitigate the manifestations of axillary hyperhidrosis.
To get rid of this unpleasant ailment, it is better to cure the cause. Hyperhidrosis does not appear just like that - most often it is a consequence of hormonal failure and endocrine disorders. Increased sweating in the armpits is equally found in both men and women. This problem can be solved by cosmetic means only with the help of formaldehyde or Botox injections, which blocks the work of sweat glands.
Analogs and substitutes
There are several analogues of Formagel on the pharmacy counter that can equally effectively cope with the problem of increased sweating:
- Dry-Dry is a German-made antiperspirant that blocks sweat glands and provides completely dry skin for five to seven days.
- "Approved" and "Maxim" are powerful antiperspirants that provide dry skin for a ten-day period. Moreover, the cost of these funds is about ten times higher than Formagel.
- Teymurov's paste is a domestic remedy, it is inexpensive and available in every pharmacy. It does not block sweat glands, but has a good deodorizing and antibacterial effect.