The management of excessive sweating and body odor has been a persistent hygiene concern throughout history. Before modern solutions were available, people employed various domestic remedies. According to pharmacist J.
Voverė, historical practices included carrying fragrant herbs, applying specialized ointments or essential oils to the armpits, and using protective pads. In traditional Lithuanian folk medicine, apple cider vinegar was also utilized to mitigate sweating. However, these older methods often proved ineffective against excessive perspiration and could sometimes lead to skin irritation.
The development of commercial products marked a significant shift. The first deodorants emerged toward the close of the 19th century, followed by antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride at the start of the 20th century. Nevertheless, these advanced products reached Lithuania considerably later, and they were often costly.
The need to control sweating has driven continuous innovation in personal care products, moving from natural remedies to chemically formulated solutions to address persistent odor and moisture concerns.
Topics: #sweating #pharmacist #excessive