Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

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Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

Int J Pharm Compd. 2019 Jan-Feb;23(1):23-31

Authors: Zur E

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, localized, uncontrollable, excessive, and unpredictable sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to affect approximately 2% to 3% of the population, and its effect on a patient’s quality of life is very significant. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can be managed using various therapeutic options, including drugs (topical and systemic), nonsurgical interventions (e.g., iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections), and surgery. This article, which is presented in 2 parts, is a comprehensive review of the topical, evidence-based treatments of primary focal hyperhidrosis, and it covers the following active pharmaceutical ingredients: aluminum salts, methenamine, glycopyrronium salts, oxybutynin chloride; the latter 2 ingredients will be discussed in part 2 of this article. This article discusses the evidence-based data that exists from clinical trials that support the use of topical medications to treat the pathology from efficacy and from a safety point of view. This review also discusses compounding considerations for professionally and safely compounding various topical preparations. In addition, a range of relevant formulas are attached to the article and can be used by compounding pharmacists.

PMID: 30668532 [PubMed – in process]

A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

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A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2019 Jan 16;:1-9

Authors: Gollins CE, Carpenter A, Steen C, Bulinski H, Mahendran R

Abstract
Tap water iontophoresis as a treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, is given as an initial series of treatments in hospital followed by home maintenance treatments. Our study assessed quality of life and perception of hyperhidrosis with the use of iontophoresis. All patients treated with iontophoresis at our hospital from 2012 – 2017 were retrospectively assessed (n = 82, mean age 34 years; 60% female). 50 of the 82 patients (mean age 34 years; 60% female) had a pre-treatment DLQI (mean 12.6). Twenty three of these patients (mean age 33 years; 60% female) had a paired pre- and post-treatment DLQI recorded. The average DLQI pre-treatment was 14.1 and post-treatment was 2.2. Therefore, the average reduction (improvement) was 11.9 (p < 0.05). 38 of the 82 patients (46%) completed a telephone interview (mean age 35 years; 65% female). Of this cohort, 24 had an improvement in HDSS following treatment, and the remaining 14 patients had no change. 9 patients (24%) bought their own iontophoresis machine. In these patients, there was a higher average improvement in HDSS (1.8), compared to the total interviewed cohort (1.0). In conclusion tap water iontophoresis can result in a significant improvement in perceived severity of hyperhidrosis and quality of life.

PMID: 30646797 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

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Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

Am J Manag Care. 2018 Dec;24(23 Suppl):S496-S501

Authors: Jacob CI

Abstract
Primary hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that causes significant distress and financial burden for affected patients, triggering them to seek medical care for their excessive sweating. Once a diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis has been established, treatment is initiated to help control sweat production and increase quality of life. While there are no current guidelines in the United States for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, there are International Hyperhidrosis Society guidelines that clinicians can use. Currently, a step-therapy approach with the least invasive treatments prioritized first is recommended; the patient’s reported disability should also be taken into consideration when selecting a first-line treatment. This update will discuss new treatment modalities, surgical procedures, associated comorbidities, and the impact on managed care of hyperhidrosis, so clinicians can tailor therapy, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.

PMID: 30589249 [PubMed – in process]

Hyperhidrosis and its impact on those living with it.

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Hyperhidrosis and its impact on those living with it.

Am J Manag Care. 2018 Dec;24(23 Suppl):S491-S495

Authors: Lenefsky M, Rice ZP

Abstract
Sweating plays a vital role for humans. However, excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, is a condition resulting in sweating beyond what is physiologically necessary. The increased rate of sweating is not caused by external stimuli or temperature fluctuations, as with an individual without hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 4.8% of Americans. Primary hyperhidrosis, a specific classification of the disease, primarily affects younger adults aged 18 to 39 years, and it often has a genetic component. Living with hyperhidrosis presents many challenges and impacts numerous aspects of daily life. Patients with hyperhidrosis are impacted in their social and professional lifestyles, as well as their mental and emotional health. These negative effects, which have been studied, lead to a lower quality of life (QOL) in this population. Additionally, constant moisture from sweating can lead to skin maceration. This increases the risk of skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and more severe conditions such as bacterial infections or pitted keratolysis. Study results report a nearly 30% greater risk of skin infections in patients with hyperhidrosis compared with healthy controls. This section of the continuing education supplement will examine the pathophysiology and clinical severity of hyperhidrosis and identify the comorbidities and QOL challenges associated with this condition.

PMID: 30589248 [PubMed – in process]

Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

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Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Dec 09;:

Authors: Cohen SR, Goodacre AK, Leong TS, Southwell L, Nomachi T

Abstract
Background: Primary excessive sweating of the axilla affects approximately 3.12% of the US population and has a negative impact on individuals’ lives.
Objectives: We report the safety and effectiveness up to 90 days after treating excessive sweating with percutaneous radiofrequency when using a standardized protocol.
Methods: Twenty adult subjects (13 females, 7 males) aged 18-49 years with excessive sweating were enrolled in a single-center, single-treatment unblinded prospective study conducted at the FACES+ Aesthetic Facility. Forty axilla were treated using the ThermiGen ThermiRF device. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and the Odor Scale (OS) were used for qualitative assessment.
Results: Primary and secondary exploratory evaluations were favorable at 90 days, indicating a significant improvement in quality of life and a significant reduction in both sweating and odor. The DLQI demonstrated an average improvement of 10.8 points at day 30, 10.7 at day 60, and 11.1 at day 90 (P = 0.0001). At day 90, 100% of individuals had ≥50% improvement in their excessive sweating based on the HDSS. At the conclusion of the study, 15 subjects had a ≥1-point drop in their OS, whereas 5 subjects had no change (P = 0.0002). There were no serious adverse events reported during this study. All adverse events were classified as mild and moderate and resolved within 2 months.
Conclusions: The addition of the ThermiRF temperature-controlled radiofrequency device to the algorithm of hyperhidrosis treatments reduces sweating and odor with minimal downtime.
Level of Evidence 4:

PMID: 30535166 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

A Pocket-Friendly and Sustainable Iontophoresis Apparatus for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: Advancement over a Previously Described Homemade Design.

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A Pocket-Friendly and Sustainable Iontophoresis Apparatus for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: Advancement over a Previously Described Homemade Design.

J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2018 Jul-Sep;11(3):153-156

Authors: Jain S, Dey VK, Agrawal N

Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Tap water iontophoresis is a promising therapy for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Non-affordability and nonavailability of the marketed device restrict its usage for many patients hailing from villages or small cities.
Materials and Methods: In an article named “A simple user-made iontophoresis device for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis” published previously in this journal, a simple inexpensive homemade device that runs on 12 V direct current battery was described. We made a small modification by using a 220-12 V alternate current to direct current semiconductor diode-based transformer for the current supply.
Results: The added innovation made the device lightweight, cheaper, and usable with domestic electric supply at home/clinic. Sustained supply of current at same voltage without dip and non-requirement to change/replace battery are added advantages. Cost of the whole assembly is ₹310. Working and clinical efficacy of our device were comparable to the commercially available apparatus as reported by 13 patients who received thrice a week of 15min sessions with our device. Mild electric pricking sensation was felt by all patients. Four of thirteen reported that pricking sensation was a bit more with our device as compared to the marketed device. No calibration for intensity is available in our device.
Conclusion: This simple to assemble and inexpensive device makes iontophoresis applicable in many needy patients with similar efficacy and few limitations compared to expensive marketed devices.

PMID: 30533993 [PubMed]

Glycopyrronium tosylate in pediatric primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc analysis of efficacy and safety findings by age from two phase three randomized controlled trials.

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Glycopyrronium tosylate in pediatric primary axillary hyperhidrosis: Post hoc analysis of efficacy and safety findings by age from two phase three randomized controlled trials.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Nov 19;:

Authors: Hebert AA, Glaser DA, Green L, Werschler WP, Forsha DW, Drew J, Gopalan R, Pariser DM

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Hyperhidrosis in pediatric patients has been understudied. Post hoc analyses of two phase 3 randomized, vehicle-controlled, 4-week trials (ATMOS-1 [NCT02530281] and ATMOS-2 [NCT02530294]) were performed to assess efficacy and safety of topical anticholinergic glycopyrronium tosylate (GT) in pediatric patients.
METHODS: Patients had primary axillary hyperhidrosis ≥ 6 months, average Axillary Sweating Daily Diary (ASDD/ASDD-Children [ASDD-C]) Item 2 (sweating severity) score ≥ 4, sweat production ≥ 50 mg/5 min (each axilla), and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) ≥ 3. Coprimary end points were ≥ 4-point improvement on ASDD/ASDD-C Item 2 (a validated patient-reported outcome) and change in gravimetrically measured sweat production at Week 4. Efficacy and safety data are shown through Week 4 for the pediatric (≥ 9 to ≤ 16 years) vs older (> 16 years) subgroups.
RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-seven patients were randomized in ATMOS-1/ATMOS-2 (GT, N = 463; vehicle, N = 234); 44 were ≥ 9 to ≤ 16 years (GT, n = 25; vehicle, n = 19). Baseline disease characteristics were generally similar across subgroups. GT-treated pediatric vs older patients had comparable improvements in ASDD/ASDD-C Item 2 (sweating severity) responder rate, HDSS responder rate (≥ 2-grade improvement]), sweat production, and quality of life (mean change from Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]/children’s DLQI), with greater improvement vs vehicle. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between subgroups, and most were mild, transient, and infrequently led to discontinuation.
CONCLUSIONS: Topical, once-daily GT improved disease severity (ASDD/ASDD-C, HDSS), sweat production, and quality of life (DLQI), with similar findings in children, adults, and the pooled population. GT was well tolerated, and treatment-emergent adverse events were qualitatively similar between subgroups and consistent with other anticholinergics.

PMID: 30451318 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment.

Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment.

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2018 Nov 08;16(4):eAO4312

Authors: Miotto A, Honda PAA, Bachichi TG, Holanda CS, Evangelista Neto E, Perfeito JAJ, Leão LEV, Costa ADS

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment.
METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites.
RESULTS: The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m2/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m2/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) – p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m2/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m2/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) - p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m2/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m2/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) - p<0.001.
CONCLUSION: Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 30427484 [PubMed – in process]