Fire Pits has a fire in her pits: Is there any ingredient other than aluminum that works as an antiperspirant? I ask not because I am afraid of getting Alzheimer’s, but because the antiperspirants I`ve tried make me itch like mad. The Right Brain responds:

I hear you girl, antiperspirants can be itchy and irritating, especially after shaving. But as far as the Alzheimers connection is concerned, you`re wise to be skeptical. There`s no proof that aluminum antiperpirants cause Alzheimer’s.

But here are 4 ways you can switch to avoid that itch:

1. Switch to deodorant instead of antiperspirant.

Deodorants don’t contain aluminum so they’re less likely to make you itch. But remember, they won’t stop you from sweating they’ll only reduce body odor. Confused? Go read our previous post on the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants.

2. Switch to prescription Botox

Botox? Yes, Botox injections are approved by the FDA as a way to sweating. Unlike the Aluminum salts which work by plugging the sweat glands, Botox works by disrupting the chemical messages sent by nerve endings that trigger the sweat gland to produce sweat. Of course they’re expensive and you need a prescription from your doctor, but hey - it’s an option!

3. Switch to another antiperspirant brand

There are 18 different Aluminum compounds allowed in antiperspirants and some of these can be more irritating than others. Most products use either Aluminum chlorohydrate or Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly. Look at the active ingredient listed on your product, then switch to a brand that uses a different active see if the problem goes away.

4. Switch to a “regular” strength antiperspirant

Extra strength antiperspirants contain higher levels of the active ingredients which could be more irritating to your skin. Try “regular” instead of super-duper and see if that reduces the itching.

We hope this helps - you might also want to read our previous post on the top 10 skin irritants. Let us know if your pits are still in peril.