The old cliche - no gain without pain (Stiefel Driclor)

Member Name: palindrome

Product:	Stiefel Driclor
Date:	04/06/06 (3418 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Does what it says on the 'tin'

Disadvantages: Irritation

Having read some of the reviews here, it is clear that a few people were expecting a bit of a miracle. Sorry, real world chaps - no something for nothing here.

Firstly, Driclor DOES work but it is not a substitute deodorant in any way shape or form. It has one use and one only and that is to block sweat glands. Make no mistake it is heavy duty anti-perspirant and I mean heavy duty! Accordingly, you must face facts right now....this stuff irritates after application (mild burning feeling and itching, oh my, does it make you want to scratch!) This poses not a problem but a dilemma - a definite rock or a hard place scenario. Do you want the sweating you perceive as a problem or do you want drier underarms on a regular basis with the attendant hassle that brings?

I have been using Driclor for over a year now on and off. Hand on heart I have had excellent results by applying this stuff roughly fortnightly, initially once a week. Yes, it still irritates like mad when I apply it but for me, the results outweigh the short-term hassle. If you have it in you to be of a similar mind then here's a few tips that might come in handy (apologies to those who've raised any before):

1) Apply last thing at night to bone dry underarms (use hairdryers, talc etc. as required) and preferably when you know you are really dog tired - more chance of you nodding off despite the itching.

2) Apply liberally! Don't pussy foot about with the stuff. Roll it on good and cover the whole underarm area. One more bit on fire is not going to register, trust me, but it will ensure more effective dryness.

3) Ignore the consecutive nightly applications. This is a nonsense and is as good as impossible anyway. Your underarms will feel tight and sensitive next day and given that the bottle says "do not apply to broken or irritated skin", take the hint!

4) Before going anywhere near Driclor buy yourself a tube or two of HC45 Hydrocortisone cream from a chemist. On the morning after applying Driclor, wash off the Driclor (gently does it - you will feel sensitive), dry underarms then apply HC45 liberally to both underarms. This will soothe them a bit and is worth reapplying later in the day so take a tube with you to work etc. Also, if you must use deodorant on that first day, a quick squirt of a spray variety is best - avoid the roll ons and sticks if you can.

5) Wash and dry underarms again before bed (24hrs after applying Driclor) and use HC45 again. Hopefully come next morning things will be settling down nicely but it may pay to avoid a roll on (unless very mild) for another day or so.

5) Reapply Driclor the following week and repeat the aftercare procedure. Dependent on results (which should be dry pits and better condition shirts/blouses), lengthen applications to one every two weeks or as required.

Good luck.

Summary: Short term discomfort and dry or long term wetness?