Did you know?…...

• Thirty percent of U.S. adults - which translates to more than 70 million people nationwide - admit to suffering from problematic foot sweat; three-quarters of this group also battle foot odor

• Forty-five percent of U.S. adults - which translates to almost 110 million people - report that perspiration is either "sometimes" or "often" a problem for them

Excessive sweat seems to be a problem, pits to toes, for many.  Here, some of our experts offer help so you can wear the clothes and shoes you love without worry:

• “The Pit Stop” with Dr. David Bank, dermatologist and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery:

If you are looking for relief from excessive perspiration in a product available at the drug store, the best formula would be one that contains aluminum chloride, such as Certain Dri, which is closest to the prescription formula that dermatologists have been recommending successfully to patients for many years. A person who has axillary hyperhidrosis [excessive sweating of the underarms] may find very little relief from these newer products marketed as ‘clinical strength’ regardless of what time of the day they apply it, because the formulas are not necessarily strong enough. Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant contains 12% aluminum chloride and is available online and in mass market retailers, supermarkets, drug stores nationwide for $5.50.

• “Stomp Out Sweaty Feet” with Dr. Oliver Zong, director of foot surgery at NYC Foot Care and attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown: 

Most shoes do not allow for foot perspiration to evaporate naturally. The dark, warm, moist environment inside shoes then encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading contributors to foot problems, including odor, Athlete’s Foot, blisters and toenail fungus.  Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, new Certain Dri FEET Moisture Control Pads contain 12 percent aluminum chloride, the ingredient recommended by podiatrists to help control excessive foot moisture (plantar hyperhidrosis).

Certain Dri FEET Microsponge Powder is specifically developed for people suffering from excessive foot odor, a condition known as bromhidrosis. The powder contains the patented Microsponge Delivery System that is triggered into action with heat, friction or moisture to release five odor fighting ingredients that provide several levels of odor defense:

•    A protective barrier that prevents air from coming into contact with moisture/sweat
•    Two antibacterials to help prevent the formation of odor causing bacteria
•    An odor neutralizer that continuously works to prevent odor
•    A light menthol scent that helps keep feet fresh all day.

Both Certain Dri FEET products are available online and mass market retailers, drugstores and supermarkets nationwide for $7.99 each.

If over-the-counter options don’t solve the issue of excessive sweating/odor of the underarms or feet, speak to a dermatologist, podiatrist or other health professional about a stronger prescription antiperspirant or other options available.

Please be sure to check out the latest “in the news” postings. We are also excited to announce that Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant was recommended by dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie in a “Solving Summer Skin Issues” segment on Today Show on July 9, 2008.

**This information is for information purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice by a physician.**

Certain Dri was recently mentioned in the section “Ask the Girl Next Door” a Men’s Health staple. The section is both in print and online. The mention of the Certain Dri antiperspirant product was in the answer to a question asked about what is the best antiperspirant? Experts from the Miami Miller’s school of medicine answered that Certain Dri was their recommendation.

InStyle Weddings Magazine recommends Certain Dri antiperspirant as part of their top 25 bridal beauty secrets. They tell their readers that using the product will help them control their perspiration so they “Don’t Sweat” the big day.

So we received some very exciting news for Certain Dri underarm anti-perspirant. In the May 6th Mayo Clinic newsletter (yes, that famed Mayo Clinic!), Certain Dri was recommended as an over-the-counter treatment option to help control excessive perspiration. Well, of course WE know how great it is, but when you have such a prestigious place highlighting it as well, it surely makes us feel great….

So, we are going to toot our own horn a bit….click here to read their news brief.

To read more about Certain Dri, tips for controlling excessive sweating and much more, visit us at www.certiandri.com

A new survey conducted for Certain Dri® finds that 30 percent of U.S. adults – that translates to more than 70 million people nationwide – admit to suffering from problematic foot sweat. What’s more, three-quarters of this group also battle foot odor, probably as the a result of bacteria overgrowth in the moist, warm environment.

If you haven’t heard yet, Certain Dri® took the antiperspirant category a step further, literally, with the introduction of new Certain Dri® FEET Moisture Control Pads and Certain Dri® FEET Microsponge® Powder.

Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, new Certain Dri® FEET Moisture Control Pads contain 12 percent aluminum chloride, the ingredient recommended by podiatrists to help control excessive foot moisture (plantar hyperhidrosis). Certain Dri® FEET Microsponge® Powder is specifically developed for people suffering from excessive foot odor, a condition known as bromhidrosis. The powder contains the patented Microsponge® Delivery System that is triggered into action with heat, friction or moisture to release five odor fighting ingredients that provide several levels of odor defense:

• A protective barrier that prevents air from coming into contact with moisture/sweat

• Two antibacterials to help prevent the formation of odor causing bacteria

• An odor neutralizer that continuously works to prevent odor

• A light menthol scent that helps keep feet fresh all day

When used together as the Certain Dri® Feet Protection System, these two, new products offer maximized results for controlling foot perspiration, while helping to maintain a feeling of fresh feet all day.

If over-the-counter options don’t solve the issue of excessive sweating/odor of the feet for you personally, you should speak to a podiatrist or other health professional about a stronger prescription antiperspirant or other options available.

**This information is for information purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice by a physician.**

Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant; Which One is Right For You?

It’s true, our bodies are naturally programmed to perspire – in some cases up to a quart a day – but what comes naturally isn’t always desirable, especially if it causes body odor or leaves unsightly underarm stains on your clothes. Yet, as you reach for an antiperspirant or deodorant, do you really know how each one works and what is right for you? Though they have different modes of action, they are often grouped together in the aisles of your drug store, so here’s a little “antiperspirant/deodorant 101″ for you.

The main difference: antiperspirants help curb your perspiration, while deodorants help get rid of odor by masking the smell with a fragrance (some even contain antibacterial agents to help control the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin). Our medical experts tell us that you’d be surprised by how many people come to them with perspiration issues that they can’t control with the product they are using, only to find out that they are using a deodorant vs. an antiperspirant!

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Antiperspirant, the sweat blocker: Antiperspirants are the choice for controlling underarm wetness, since the most common active ingredients, aluminum compounds, block the pores to inhibit the release of sweat and help absorb odor-causing moisture. Most over the counter antiperspirants contain aluminum zirconium. However, for people who suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), there is something more effective available – Certain Dri® Anti-Perspirant, which contains 12% aluminum chloride, the strongest over-the-counter antiperspirant ingredient preferred by dermatologists to treat excessive perspiration. Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant® should be used sparingly, only a few times per week, at bedtime, to control excessive perspiration (use as directed).

Deodorant, the odor absorber: Deodorants cover up odor through a variety of fragrances and masking substances. Some also contain an antibacterial agent, such as triclosan, to prevent the release of odor by fighting bacteria growth that results from perspiration. Deodorants are best for stopping that sweaty smell, but won’t stop the perspiration, itself. Deodorant, alone, is best for those people who do not have a problem with excessive sweating, yet want to feel fresh and odor free. Deodorants can provide an adequate level of day-to-day protection for someone with little to mild perspiration. If you use Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant for controlling excessive sweating, but want added odor protection, look for Certain Dri A.M.TM Underarm Refresher, available in a new scented stick or roll-on application for morning use.

**This information is for information purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice by a physician.**

With so many options available in the drug store for antiperspirants, deodorants and combinations of both, my patients with sweating issues often come to me very confused. One of the most recent questions I’ve been getting is “What’s the deal with these antiperspirants that call themselves ‘clinical strength’ and do you recommend them?” So, I think this topic deserves a little attention.

With new antiperspirant products for both men and women making similar “clinical strength” claims, it’s hard for anybody who suffers from excessive perspiration to know what antiperspirant product is best for them.

What most people don’t realize is that many of these “clinical strength” products contain the active ingredient aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY, which is what may be the least effective form of aluminum salt for controlling excessive perspiration. You are instructed to put it on at night before bedtime, but any antiperspirant would be more effective if applied at night before going to sleep, since your underarm sweat glands are at rest and the antiperspirant can be more effectively penetrated.

The most recommended aluminum salt by dermatologists for treating excessive perspiration is aluminum chloride.

Okay, yes, I’m on the Certain Dri blog, so it should be obvious that I recommend this product over the other brands at the drug store, but my reason is medically driven….Certain Dri Antiperspirant Roll-On contains 12% aluminum chloride, the strongest over-the-counter ingredient preferred by dermatologists to treat excessive perspiration. Unlike its prescription counterparts, Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant is formulated with water (not alcohol), helping to minimize drying and stinging of the skin, and allowing it to be available without a prescription. For some sensitive people, this formula may still create some itching and irritation in the underarms, however, this usually will pass (if it doesn’t, you should discontinue use and ask your doctor about an alternative). Frankly, this usually will not occur if you follow the directions on the box carefully (which are: use Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant sparingly, only a few times per week, at bedtime and definitely NOT after shaving the underarms).

What it comes down to is that I’m not really sure what “clinical strength” actually means, since the formulas with this moniker don’t seem very different than their “regular” strength version. In most cases, Certain Dri, which has been recommended by doctors for more than 30 years, is a great first line of defense for excessive sweating and is what it claims to be – the closest to the prescription formula that dermatologists have been recommending successfully to patients for years.

One note, since I need to be a responsible physician…while Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant products are highly effective in treating excessive perspiration for most people, please make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you suddenly begin to experience profuse perspiration without any history of it previously, since it can be related to an underlying medical condition that will need to be treated. Also, if over-the-counter options don’t solve the issue of excessive perspiration for you personally, you should speak to your dermatologist or other health professional about a stronger prescription antiperspirant or other medical procedures/options now available.

Meet Our Experts

We are pleased to introduce our panel of blog experts to assist this community in its sweat-related issues and concerns. These medical experts are highly recognized authorities on “excessive sweating” and are excited to be part of our conversations, imparting their own medical expertise and anecdotal information.

Dr. David Bank, M.D., is a board certified dermatologist with a busy practice in Mount Kisco, New York, who specializes in skin care, as well as other therapeutic areas including excessive sweating. Dr. Bank is recognized as a leader in the cosmetic surgery arena and will be applying his knowledge about techniques used to help those who suffer with excessive sweating, including over-the-counter, prescription and surgical options. Maybe you’ve seen Dr. Bank on the TODAY Show or quoted in articles in some of the top health and beauty magazines, as he is often called upon for his expertise.

Our other noted expert Dr. Oliver Zong, D.P.M., is the director of foot surgery at NYC Footcare and also co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center. He also is often sought by media for quotes, and he has been credited with the coining of the term “foot makeover”, “foot facelift” and “high-heel feet”. He deals with many chronic foot conditions including excessive sweating and foot odor.

Both of these experts recognize excessive sweating is a major lifestyle problem for those who suffer from it and are looking forward to answering your questions and responding to your comments.

The doctors will also be offering tips and advice from time to time based on their own experiences as leaders in the field and comments they get from their own patients, so stay tuned for more of their trusted input.

At DSE Healthcare Solutions, maker of Certain Dri®, we have been hearing for years about people’s struggles with excessive perspiration, how it impacts social and professional lives, defines the types of clothes or shoes one wears…overall, how debilitating of a condition excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) can be. We are also proud of the thousands of letters and e-mails we get each year letting us know how our products have helped to change this all for the better.

So, on that note, we decided to create the “Make Certain You’re Dri” blog as an outlet for you to share information, even vent, about your struggles and success with stopping excessive perspiration in hopes that another person in this situation will see that it is a pretty common condition. As an FYI, we did a survey and found out that more than 45% of respondents – that’s more than 100 million U.S. adults – feel that their perspiration is a problem! (Who knew?).

Whether you feel your underarms are the issue or if you sweat each step with foot perspiration (or any other body parts in between), let us know about it.

Our medical experts are here to offer some information, tips and advice, and we would love to hear your thoughts and feelings so we can share them with our audience (you can do this anonymously).

In addition to listening to your comments and suggestions, we will be sharing any good news we have about Certain Dri, including product giveaways, media coverage, new product launches, etc.

We also encourage you to post your concerns, suggestions for future topics and other comments which can help make this blog and our Web sites (www.certaindri.com) and (www.certaindrifeet.com) excellent resources.

We hope you’ll enjoy the information we will be sharing, since we know that excessive sweating…is the pits.