Eccrine sweat duct lumen and ductal proteins

The eccrine sweat duct lumen and ductal proteins represent the primary therapeutic target for topical aluminum-based antiperspirants and certain aldehydes used in the management of hyperhidrosis. The eccrine sweat gland is a critical component of the human thermoregulatory system, consisting of a secretory coil that produces precursor sweat and a duct that reabsorbs electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, to produce a hypotonic solution at the skin surface. In the treatment of excessive sweating, aluminum salts (such as aluminum chloride) diffuse into the distal portion of the sweat duct lumen. Once inside, these salts react with various ductal proteins (including keratins) and mucopolysaccharides to form a gel-like precipitate or 'plug' that physically obstructs the duct. This mechanical blockage prevents the release of sweat onto the skin surface, effectively reducing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. Because these plugs are naturally shed along with the stratum corneum during epidermal turnover, regular reapplication of the treatment is necessary to maintain efficacy.

Other names

Sweat duct lumenDuctal proteins of the sweat glandEccrine ductal proteinsLuminal proteins of the sweat duct

Formation of a physical precipitate (plug) within the sweat duct lumen through the reaction of metal salts or aldehydes with ductal proteins and mucopolysaccharides, leading to mechanical obstruction of sweat flow.