My interest in going deodorant-free really started when a friend told me he didn’t use deodorant or antiperspirant and his natural pheromones made him irresistible to women……well, I wasn’t that easily convinced, so I had to do the sniff test and amazingly he did have really sweet-smelling pits!!
I was living in hot and humid Hanoi at the time, and I’d met many people who were either going without, or using natural alternatives to traditional antiperspirants and deodorants, with mixed results I might add, so I decided to experiment for myself, but why on earth would I want to take the risk of causing a stink, you might ask?
What Stinks About Deodorant?
If you’re like most men and women, your typical morning routine includes a shower or bath, brushing and flossing, and a finishing swipe or spray of deodorant. Today the deodorant business is a billion-dollar industry, but many people may not know that there is compelling evidence that shows that not only is deodorant unnecessary for many, deodorants and antiperspirants contain toxins and chemicals that are seriously hazardous to our health.
Our skin is an absorbent sponge and whatever touches it has the potential to be absorbed through our skin’s layers and enter our bloodstream. This includes toxins and chemicals that can be found in deodorant, many of which haven’t been tested for safety, so not only are we taking a risk with conventional deodorant, we’re rolling the dice when it comes to applying any untested chemical to our skin.
When we smell bad, it’s because microbes in certain warm, sweaty areas of our body are producing body odour. Body odour is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and is largely linked to the apocrine glands, or scent glands, which are coiled tubes unique to mammals that release fluids from the blood supply of the dermis layer of skin. These glands are found in the breasts, scalp, nipples, genital area, eyelids, armpits, and ear and secrete the viscous substances that invite bacterial growth. The apocrine glands are mainly responsible for body odour because the sweat they produce is high in protein, which bacteria can break down easily and it is these bacteria that create your special funk.
“If you don’t sweat as much, there’s not as much food for the odour-making bacteria, there’s not as much bacteria growth and therefore you don’t have that much body odour”.
DO WE NEED DEODORANT?
One study however, found that not everyone produced the bacteria that leads to underarm odour. According to an article in LiveScience, a gene called ABCC11 determines whether people produce wet or dry earwax. The study found that this key gene is basically the single determinant of whether a person produces underarm odour or not, as it was discovered that people who produce the “dry” version of earwax also lack a chemical in their armpits that leads to underarm odour. Researchers also discovered that 2 percent of Europeans lack the genes for smelly armpits, while most East Asians and almost all Koreans lack this gene. The study also found that over three-quarters of the women that did not produce underarm odour still used deodorant daily. The findings of the study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, show just how much a person’s daily life is dictated by what is considered normal.
What about Pheromones – Do they Communicate Sexual Interest?
So, is it true that all this sweating and secreting might be sending signals to others as well, and is my friend right when he says his pheromones make him irresistible to women? The existence of human pheromones is still a matter of debate, however research has shown that animals use pheromones to communicate nonverbally, transmitting chemical signals often through air which are related to mating or defence of territory.
In a 2007 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, it reported that a chemical in male human sweat, when smelled by a woman, raises her level of cortisone (a hormone related to stress levels), and another recent study found that women can smell a guy’s sexual intentions, but the truth is that scientists have long debated whether humans use pheromones to communicate sexual interest to potential mates, and the problem really is that the effects of pheromones are thought to be subconscious — meaning that if we do communicate using them, we sure don’t know it. It’s also hard to know what these pheromones might be and how we sense them, so researchers actually understand little about them, but this hasn’t prevented companies developing pheromone-based perfumes and aftershaves, with promises of increased sexual attraction. Researchers still don’t agree on their effectiveness, so the jury is still out on whether human pheromones are just a myth.
LET'S START WITH A BIT OF HISTORY.......
The first ever deodorant, called MUM, was launched in 1888 and was a cream that was applied using the fingertips, however the manufacturers of MUM also invented the less-messy roll-on applicator some years later after being inspired by the Ball-Point pen. The first antiperspirant, launched in 1903 used aluminum salts to block pores and inhibit sweating, and was called Everdry, it was dabbed on with a cotton swab, but took forever to dry, was messy, and was so acidic that it ate through clothing and caused burning and skin irritation.
It wasn’t until 1935 that the first deodorant specifically for men was developed, although surprisingly, at the beginning of the 20th century, male body odour was considered attractive because it was a part of being masculine, so maybe my friend wasn’t too far off the mark!
The Invention of Aerosol and Stick Forms of Antiperspirants and Deodorants
It wasn’t until the early to mid-1900’s that the use of deodorants became commonplace, and by the early 1960’s, the first aerosol antiperspirants and deodorants containing aluminum zirconium and chlorofluorocarbon propellants (CFC’s) came onto the market and quickly became a popular alternative to creams and sticks, accounting for over 80% of all deodorant sales. However, in 1977 the FDA banned the main ingredient in aerosols, aluminum zirconium because there were major health concerns about the long-term health risks of this chemical when inhaled. This, combined with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discouraging the use of chlorofluorocarbon propellants because of their effect on the Ozone layer, led to a rapid decline in the popularity of aerosol deodorant.
Nasty Chemical Ingredients to Avoid
Aluminum
Deodorant fights odour by killing bacteria and providing a covering scent, while antiperspirants use an aluminum compound to plug apocrine glands or sweat glands temporarily to stop you from sweating. Whilst the idea of having dry armpits sounds great, we actually need to sweat as it’s the bodies way of eliminating toxins. Sweat is also a healthy physical response to exertion that prevents you from overheating; some studies indicate that it may release toxins and may even fight off colds and infections.
Aluminum is controversial because it can cause genomic instability on the cell level, meaning it can increase a cells tendency to mutate, and mutations can increase the chance of cancer growth. Deodorant is applied under the arms, right next to breast tissue, and studies have shown that aluminum mimics the effects of estrogen, a hormone that has been found in high concentrations in many breast cancers. Clinical observations have shown:
“a disproportionately high incidence of breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, just the local area to which these cosmetics are applied”.
Studies have shown that the hormone estrogen can promote the growth of cancer breast cells, and although breast cancer is thought of as a female cancer, it also affects approximately 2,600 American men each year.
Aluminum is also of concern especially to those with kidney disease since the aluminum is cleaned out through the kidneys. As a heavy metal, aluminum is also recognized as a neurotoxin that can promote serious cognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, after higher traces of aluminium were found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
What is alarming too, is that whilst it is argued that the amounts of aluminum we absorb from our environment and from using deodorant and other body care products are miniscule, it seems that only a very small amount of excess aluminum in our bodies is needed to alter the structure of cells.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Skip the anti-perspirant altogether – Aluminum Clorohydrate is one of the most common compounds used in antiperspirants. Look out for aluminum salts, aluminum compounds and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY.
Triclosan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classes triclosan as a pesticide but it is also commonly found in deodorant as an antibacterial and antifungal chemical, used to kill odour-causing bacteria on the skin. Triclosan is easily absorbed, and has been linked to numerous human health problems, particularly contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children. More concerning however, is that recent scientific studies have found that triclosan interferes with the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism, and has been linked to decreasing levels of thyroid hormones. It is also an endocrine disruptor, which means it can mimic hormones or interfere with hormonal signalling and is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Triclosan has also been linked to the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibodies and antibacterial products. In the United States it’s estimated that over 23,000 people die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that are not treatable with antibiotics. Triclosan is also lipophilic, which means it can bioaccumulate in body fat for long periods of time, and as reported by Scientific American, triclosan is now detectable in human breast milk, blood, and urine samples. The abundance of health and environmental concerns associated with triclosan has led the FDA to ban its use in hand soaps, however, the chemical is still permitted for use in other products, like deodorant.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Products labelled as “antibacterial”, “antimicrobial” or “germ-fighting” might contain triclosan. Avoid Triclosan and Triclocarbon.
Parabens
Parabens are ingredients used primarily as preservatives used to prevent fungi, bacteria, yeast and other unwanted microbes from growing on deodorant and are found in 75-90% of all products on the market.
Parabens have the capability to be easily absorbed through the skin and can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, affecting the endocrine system and interfering with the way your body produces hormones. Researchers also found that this disruption can promote the growth of cancer cells, especially in the breast. One study undertaken by the University of Reading, in the UK, collected 160 samples of breast tissue taken from women who’d had mastectomies and tested them for the presence of five different parabens. At least one form of paraben was present in 99% of the tissue samples, and all five were present in 60% of the samples. The researchers noted a disproportionate incidence of breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant nearest the armpit and significantly higher levels of propylparaben were detected in the axilla region, closest to the armpit, which is an area where a high percentage of tumours are found. This was the first study to show that deodorant chemicals accumulate in human tissues, however other studies found parabens intact in breast tumour tissue and in breast cancer patients.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Identifying parabens in deodorant can be fairly simple. Any ingredient that contains a “methyl”, “ethyl”, “propyl”, “benzyl” or “butyl” in its name, is likely to be a paraben. The five most common parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben and isobutylparaben, but also look out for methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and propyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate.
Phthalates
Phthalates are common ingredients in deodorant and antiperspirants. These chemicals are used to make other ingredients more flexible and are also used as fragrance ingredients as they can help extend the life of fragrance. As they can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, there is public concern about phthalates because of their widespread use and their potential effects on human health. The primary concern with phthalates is their ability to disrupt the endocrine system, which means they can interfere, mimic or block hormones, causing altered reproductive development and fertility issues, especially in males by degrading sperm quality. Phthalates also confuse the male endocrine systems into believing they are actually women and can reduce testosterone levels. In fact, phthalates are so problematic to male fertility, they are being restricted in places like China.
Phthalates also impact female health, as exposure can cause early onset puberty, and they’ve also been linked to breast cancer, ADHD, obesity, fetal development issues which may lower IQ, male genital birth defects, autism spectrum disorders, asthma and are possibly linked to pre-term births in pregnant women.
Phthalates also have the ability to increase the absorption of parabens which enter the body and attach themselves to the nearest estrogen receptor. Some Phthalates, such as dibutylphthalate (DBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), have been banned by the EU, but in Canada they do not have to be disclosed in the ingredients because they are components of fragrance, and so are exempt from federal labelling requirements.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Phthalate, Dimethylphthalate (DMP), Dibutylphthalate (DBP), Diethylphthalate (DEP) and fragrance.
Ethanolamines
Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) are key examples of ethanolamines that are commonly found in deodorants, and both have been linked to liver tumours. TEA is used as a fragrance, pH adjuster and emulsifying agent. DEA is used as a wetting agent and it also acts as a pH adjuster, counteracting the acidity of other ingredients. In small doses, DEA can cause an allergic reaction in some people, producing a mild form of dermatitis. DEA is classified by the EU as a serious danger to human health from prolonged exposure, as it can increase the risk of cancer.
Although banned in Europe, to reduce contamination from carcinogenic nitrosamines, these toxins are still widely distributed in many American products, including conventional deodorant.
Another concern is that when ethanolamines are used in the same product they can react and break down into nitrogen to form nitrosamines, or nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is an extremely potent carcinogen. Nitrosamines are a class of more than a dozen different chemicals, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer lists individually as possible and known carcinogens. NDEA is readily absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, oesophagus, liver and bladder cancers.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
DEA can be part of complex ingredients like Cocamide-DEA and DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, although these aren’t as common in deodorants. Avoid all of the following: Triethanolamine, diethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide MEA and TEA-lauryl sulfate.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is an alcohol that absorbs water and mixes completely with many solvents. It is used as a humectant, ormoisturizing agent and helps to increase absorption and moisture retention in skin and hair. Propylene Glycol also acts as a penetration enhancer, so if paired with harmful chemicals, it can increase their absorption – it is at greatest risk when contaminated (especially with 1,4 dioxane, lead, nickel and arsenic) and when it’s applied to and absorbed through injured skin (which includes a nick or cut from underarm shaving).
Considered a neurotoxin, research suggests that propylene glycol has a negative impact on the central nervous system and may be linked to seizures and depression.
Propylene Glycol is known to cause contact dermatitis, non-immunologic contact urticaria (hives) and has been shown to be a skin irritant and to cause allergic reactions even in concentrations as low as 2%. It is also known to cause liver and kidney damage and reports on its potential toxicity link it to cancer, reproductive complications, developmental abnormalities and endocrine complications. It has been declared dangerous by the U.S. Center for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC), yet low levels of this chemical are approved by the FDA in personal care products.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
While you might see propylene glycol described as an “organic compound”, this does not mean its naturally occurring. Rather the term “organic compound” refers to the fact that it contains carbon. Often listed as PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) but also PG (Propylene Glycol). Also look out for 1,2-Propanediol, Methyl Glycol, 1,2 Dihydroxypropane, Trimethyl Glyco Dipropylene Glycol, PPG-14 butyl ether and PPG-14 butyl.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a pungent, suffocating odour that is used as a preservative component in common roll-on antiperspirants. Formaldehyde can be combined with parabens to provide a broad-spectrum preservative system but can be slowly released over time; since low levels of formaldehyde can cause health concerns, this slow release of small amounts of formaldehyde are cause for concern.
Formaldehyde is an irritant on inhalation, direct contact with skin or eyes and on ingestion. Formaldehyde can cause a skin condition called contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes itching, redness and blisters, but more importantly, it is also classified as a carcinogenic hazard to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a non-regulatory body.
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.
Synthetic Fragrance
Fragrance formulations can contain hundreds of undeclared chemical ingredients, but are considered “trade secret” information, which is why the ingredients do not need to be disclosed. Some common ingredients include synthetic musks, phthalates, and numerous other substances of concern.
Related – HOW TO DE-CODE THE LABELS ON OUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS
What to avoid/look for on the label:
Products with “fragrance” or terms like “eau de toilette” or “parfum,” on the label, which means the product contains undisclosed ingredients – sometimes more than a hundred of them. Without full transparency, it’s impossible to know what you’re being exposed to and how it might impact health.
talc
Talcum powder is made from talc, which also goes by the name hydrous magnesium silicate, a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth, composed of magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Talc is one of the ingredients that provides the chalk-white colour to deodorant. As a powder, it absorbs moisture well and helps cut down on friction, making it useful for keeping skin dry and helping to prevent rashes. Talc’s safety is a contested issue though; in its natural form some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause cancers. Some studies and lawsuits link talcum powder contaminated with asbestos to mesothelioma which is a type of cancer that develops in lining of some of the body’s organs, particularly developing on the outer surface of the lungs, abdomen or heart and is linked to asbestos exposure. Studies have also linked the use of talcum powder to ovarian cancer specifically when used to control moisture in the genital area.
FD & C Colours
FD & C is the general term for a wide group of colour additives that are approved for use in drugs and cosmetics but not in foods. FD & C colours have long been controversial because of safety concerns as they are synthesized from coal-tar derivatives and now chemically refined petroleum, that contain toxic heavy metals. When an FD&C colour is followed by the word “lake,” it means the colour has been mixed with a mineral (most commonly calcium or aluminum) to make the colour insoluble (not affected by water). Some FD&C colours, such as Blue 1 and Blue 2 can cause allergic reactions.
One study found that all of the nine currently US-approved dyes raise health concerns of varying degrees. Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic. These colour additives also absorb into the skin and can deplete the body of oxygen. We need oxygen to fuel our cells – without it, we have less energy and our bodies don’t function properly. Many FD&C certified dyes are still highly toxic and are legally allowed to contain low levels of lead and other heavy metals. Over time, these heavy metals build up in the body and can cause severe health problems. Health risks include cancer, allergies, reproductive and developmental disorders, neurological problems, memory loss, mood swings, muscle disorders, kidney and renal problems, lung damage, hair loss, nausea, and headaches.
Butane and Isobutane
Butane, Isobutane and Propane are compressed gases that are used as propellants in aerosols. Butane and Isobutane are commonly used as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons, or CFC propellants in deodorants, which were harmful to the environment because they decrease the protective ozone layer. Isobutane is similar to butane but has a different molecular structure. The European Union and Canada have imposed restrictions on butane and isobutane due to concerns over contamination with 1,3-butadiene, a chemical linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity, however, there are no such restrictions in the United States.
Silica
Silica is added to deodorant to help absorb moisture from sweat, but it’s also known for being a skin irritant. The silica in deodorant may also be contaminated with a compound called crystalline quartz, which has been linked to the development of cancer cells and respiratory diseases. In addition, silica exposure has been linked to other illnesses including renal disease and other cancers.
My deodorant challenge – the story so far
So, armed with all this worrying information (pun intended!) my first step on the deodorant challenge was to switch to a natural deodorant that did not contain any of these toxic chemicals. I wasn’t ready to go the whole hog and go totally deodorant-free like my friend, as where I lived in Hanoi, sweating starts the minute you move away from the aircon – I didn’t think doing a complete detox at 39 degrees would help me keep my friends, or my job, and I didn’t want my group of students suffering a dodgy armpit aroma stinking out the classrooom!!
My initial research came up with a natural deodorant brand called Coconut Matter, based in Hong Kong, that had really great ethical credentials, aiming to produce the best performing products from natural, vegan ingredients, without testing on animals. Their core ingredient is fair trade, organic, virgin coconut oil that is cold pressed by hand, providing a livelihood, as well as improved well- being for rural Solomon Island communities. This product worked really well but I should have kept it in the fridge as it melted when left exposed to the sun on my dressing table!
My next experiment was a local brand, called Naturally Clean, and was a deodorant in a tin, made with natural antibacterial ingredients like clays, plant root powders and natural plant oils, which help nourish and moisturize your underarm skin. This was great for travel as it was compact, so I took it on a weekend trip away, but I was embarrassingly whiffy the whole time. I eventually gave up on this deodorant – it didn’t make it in the suitcase when I waved farewell to Vietnam and ventured back to the UK at Christmas.
The Ultimate Detox Guide
A common misconception is that natural deodorant just doesn’t work for some people, but as it turns out it wasn’t the deodorants’ fault – I made a crucial mistake on my deodorant challenge and realised that before going all-out-natural it’s best to do an Armpit Detox as there is a transitioning process that prevents the funky smell from developing.
Some research indicates that an armpit detox can boost the immune system and decrease the risk of cancer. There are many benefits of an armpit detox, it will:
- Increase the effectiveness of natural deodorant
- Remove the build-up of antiperspirant or deodorant
- Detox your body
- Reset your skin’s natural microbiome
- Reduce irritation
- Help eliminate odour
THE STAGES OF DETOX
PHASE ONE: SWEAT IT OUT
Because antiperspirant blocks sweat glands preventing you from sweating, it also traps toxins in your body. With natural deodorant your underarms are free to breathe but expect them to sweat as well – don’t sweat (pun intended) – that’s a good thing as sweating is part of your body’s natural detoxification process. If like me, you’ve been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant for years, it can take 2-4 weeks to detox and release all of the aluminum in your pits that’s been preventing you from sweating. A lot of the same toxins that are in deodorants are in soaps as well, so make sure you use a chemical-free soap, such as one made from coconut oil for example.
PHASE TWO: OHH THOSE STINKY PITS!
When you remove the ‘plug’ of aluminum, you begin releasing what you had been blocking off, and your body goes into overdrive, releasing waste, sweating out aluminum, and generally stinkin’ up a storm.
It takes time for the bacteria on your skin to balance out, and any product applied — including natural deodorant, soap, or a detox mask — can alter the types and amounts of bacteria. You may find that even after washing with soap, your skin still smells, but this can also happen based on foods you’ve eaten, fluctuating hormone levels, or just genetics.
Studies show that antiperspirant users experience a transient increase in odorous bacteria in the underarm area when they stop using antiperspirant. During the transition to using a natural deodorant, you may also find that you get a reaction, such as itchy pits, or a rash and you may also need to reapply your natural deodorant during the day.
You may be able to help your body along during this detox phase by applying either an underarm clay mask, an activated charcoal mask or a baking soda mask to your pits. Our skin can get a build-up of bacteria and oils called a biofilm, that can be difficult to remove.
THE BAKING SODA MASK
The baking soda helps to break down this biofilm and give you a clean slate to work with. You can easily make a mask using a small amount of baking soda in your palm (around a teaspoon size) then adding enough water to into a paste. Apply the paste to your underarms and let it sit for at least 60 seconds. Scrub and rinse off. Do a sniff test and repeat if needed until all odour is completely removed.
BENTONITE CLAY & VINEGAR MASK
You can also make a homemade mask using about 2 tbsp bentonite clay and 4 tbsp of apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria, however, it’s important to dilute the vinegar properly and remember that it won’t keep you sweet-smelling indefinitely. Charcoal works in much the same way as clay to draw out odour-causing impurities including bacteria, dirt, and oil.
BENTONITE CLAY & COCONUT MASK
For a clay mask use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that also has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil. Mix the ingredients together and apply the paste to your pits for 10 – 15 minutes, much like a face mask. Once it’s dry, wash it off, and repeat daily or as needed while you detox from conventional deo!
PHASE THREE: STICK IT OUT
Persistence is the key to transitioning from a conventional deodorant to a natural one. Luckily, I was in lockdown when I started the detox process, which seemed like the most opportune time to take a break from antiperspirant, and nobody was inflicted with my stinky pits! I tried two weeks detoxing and using natural deodorant and I was super honky, then gave up on that entirely and went deo-free for another two weeks before using natural deodorant once again. I found that I’m a lot less stinky now and I don’t seem to sweat as much either.
Whatever you decide is best for you, stick it out though, as once you get past the first few weeks of detox, you will not regret it, and you will never look back! Once you detox from conventional deodorant, you will sweat less AND you won’t stink as much because you’ll have detoxed all those toxins, which are actually contributing to those stinky pits!
PHASE FOUR: LOVE THOSE PITS!
If you’re finding that your pits get irritated, try to avoid applying deodorant right after shaving, instead shave in the evening and let your skin heal and breath overnight, then apply your deodorant in the morning. Get in the habit of raising your hands over your head a few times a day to let your pits breathe! Our pit tissue rarely sees the sun and a normal, hands by our sides stance, means our pits remain dark and moist and bacteria THRIVE in this environment. Give your pits a gentle massage once in a while to facilitate removal of unwanted deodorant build-up. And lastly, don’t forget to moisturize your pits because they need love too!
You can research the ingredients in your current deodorant at EWG’s Skin Deep database to find out if they are safe. If they are not, or if they contain any of the chemicals listed above, it’s time for a switch and an armpit cleanse.
Please note: *Each stage of the detox may vary depending on your body chemistry. **This information is not medical advice, and is my opinion, based on my personal research. The information provided in this article aims to discuss the various chemicals in deodorants, enabling you to make informed decisions based on what is best for you. If you are worried about a skin condition or need medical advice, contact a licensed medical professional for the information you need.