Category: Iontophoresis

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Management of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: An Algorithmic Approach

J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 May 1;20(5):523-528. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5774.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is defined as perspiration beyond the level required to maintain temperature regulation. HH affects nearly 4.8% of the population in the United States. It can have a great impact on patient’s quality of life by disturbing daily activity, performance, confidence, social interactions, and mental health. In the majority of patients with HH (93%), the etiology of excess sweating is idiopathic, which classifies it as primary focal HH. Mild HH may be controlled with topical antiperspirants and lifestyle modifications. Based on the location of involvement, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin may be considered if the patient does not respond to topical therapies. Despite minimizing sweating, chronic use of systemic anticholinergics, in particular oxybutynin, may result in detrimental adverse effects such as dementia. Local surgery, radiofrequency, microwave, and lasers are other potential modalities for HH. Sympathectomy can be a last resort for the treatment of focal HH of the palmar, plantar, axillary, and craniofacial areas after failure of less invasive therapeutic options. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search in the PubMed electronic database to summarize an algorithmic approach for the treatment of HH. This can help broaden options for managing this difficult disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.5774.

PMID:33938689 | DOI:10.36849/JDD.5774

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Intra tester reliability of sympathetic skin responses in subjects with primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

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Intra tester reliability of sympathetic skin responses in subjects with primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Oct;24(4):57-62

Authors: Ghandali E, Hosseini SM, Moghimi HR, Khademi-Kalantari K, Talebian Moghadam S, Baghban AA, Mortazavi SM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is a disorder related to sympathetic dysfunction. Iontophoresis can be used to reduce sweating rate. Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is commonly used to evaluate the sympathetic system. However, scarce evidence exists about the reliability of SSR parameters.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative and absolute reliability of SSR before and after the application of iontophoresis with aluminum chloride hexahydrate (ACH) gel or tap water in subjects with PPH.
METHODS: Twenty subjects were randomized to receive either iontophoresis with ACH gel or tap water. Three SSRs (amplitude and latency) with 5 s intervals from both hands in both groups were recorded before and after the application of iontophoresis for 30 min. Reliability of amplitude and latency of the SSR was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC).
RESULTS: Amplitudes and latencies of SSR showed good to excellent test-retest reliability for ICC in both groups before iontophoresis. Except for right hand latency which was moderate (0.5-0.75). After iontophoresis, the ACH gel group still showed good to excellent agreement for SSR parameters, while the reliability of SSR parameters in the tap water group was reduced.
CONCLUSION: Subjects with PPH showed high intra-rater reliability for SSR parameters which was maintained after ACH gel iontophoresis and decreased after tap water iontophoresis. It seems that media used for iontophoresis or the state of media (gel vs liquid) may affect the reliability of SSR. Further research is recommended.

PMID: 33218563 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Previous recreational cold exposure does not alter endothelial function or sensory thermal thresholds in the hands or feet

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What is the central question of this study?

Does recreational cold exposure result in cold sensitivity and is this associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired sensory thermal thresholds?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Previous cold exposure was correlated with foot cold sensitivity which may indicate the development of a subclinical non‐freezing cold injury. Endothelial function and thermal detection were not impaired in cold sensitive individuals therefore further research is required to understand the pathophysiology of subclinical and clinical forms of non‐freezing cold injury.

Abstract
This study investigated whether cold sensitive (CS) individuals, who rewarm more slowly following a mild cold challenge, have impaired endothelial function and sensory thermal thresholds (STT) and whether this was related to reported cold exposure. Twenty seven participants with varying previous cold exposure undertook three tests: STT: warm and cold STT of the fingers and dorsal foot. Endothelial function: measurement of cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) during iontophoresis of acetylcholine on the forearm, finger and foot. CS test: involving immersion of a foot for 2 minutes in 15°C water followed by 10 minutes of rewarming in 30°C air. Toe skin temperature (Tsk) measured during the CS test was used to form a CS group ( 32°C; n = 9 [4 women] for both groups). A moderate relationship was found between cold exposure ranking and Tsk rewarming (r = 0.408, P = 0.035, n = 27) but not STT or endothelial function. Tsk and blood flow were lower in CS compared to CONTROL before and after foot immersion (Tsk, mean [sd]: 30.3 [0.9]°C v 34.8 [0.8]°C; 27.9 [0.8]°C v 34.3 [0.8]°C; P 

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Effects of Direct Current Administration on Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale in Patients with Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

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Effects of Direct Current Administration on Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale in Patients with Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:3232015

Authors: Şener S, Karakoç Y

Abstract
Background: Focal hyperhidrosis mostly affects the axillae, hands, feet, and face. For the management, several techniques are used. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of direct current administration on the hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS) in patients with axillary hyperhidrosis that have various HDSS scores.
Design and Setting: Original article, University Hospital.
Methods: Sixty patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were inquired about the HDSS scores and the scores were noted at the onset and at the end of the 10th application. One month after the last session, HDSS scores were also inquired. At the end of 1-month follow-up, the patients whose HDSS scores rose after the 10th session were accepted as nonresponder. For the current delivery, a new iontophoresis application module (Sweat CureR) designed by Dr. Karakoc was used.
Results: Direct current application decreased axillary sweat intensity by 70% at both sides, and lowered the HDSS by about 1.5 degree. Major reduction in sweat intensity was in the patients with low HDSS scores (75%). Negative correlation was found between initial HDSS scores and median values of decreased sweat intensity (r = -0.317, p = 0.022). Minimal temporary side effects including skin irritation and one or more vesicle formation were inspected in 29 patients and, the permanent punctual pigmentation was observed only in one patient.
Conclusions: Decrease in axillary hyperhidrosis is satisfactory for these patients. Since iontophoresis application has beneficial effect and minimal side effects, it should be recommended to the patients before advanced management or surgical techniques.

PMID: 31781610 [PubMed – in process]

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Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions.

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Management Strategies Of Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Challenges And Solutions.

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:733-744

Authors: Gregoriou S, Sidiropoulou P, Kontochristopoulos G, Rigopoulos D

Abstract
Palmar hyperhidrosis is a potentially disabling condition for which management remains a therapeutic challenge. Given the significant impact on quality of life, various treatment options are available, ranging from topical agents and medical devices to systemic therapies and surgical interventions. Nonsurgical approaches, i.e. topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, and systemic agents, are all supported by the current literature. Patients with mild-to-moderate disease can often benefit from topical therapies only. As disease severity progresses, systemic oral medication, such as anticholinergic drugs, usually becomes necessary. Last-line surgical approaches (sympathetic denervation) should be reserved for severe refractory cases. Recently, therapeutic strategies have been evolving with several new agents emerging as promising alternatives in clinical trials. In practice, however, each modality comes with its own benefits and risks. An individual therapeutic ladder is generally recommended, taking into account disease severity, benefit-to-risk profile, treatment cost, patient preference, and clinician expertise. This review will provide an update on current and emerging concepts of management for excessive hand sweating to help clinicians optimize therapeutic decision-making.

PMID: 31632121 [PubMed]

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The Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

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The Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Skin Therapy Lett. 2018 Jan;24(1):7

Authors: Wechter T, Feldman SR, Taylor SL

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a relatively common disease that has a significant impact on afflicted patient’s quality of life. The pathogenesis of the disease is thought to stem from increased cholinergic activity on eccrine sweat glands. Topical aluminum chloride based antiperspirants are good first-line agents for all affected body sites. Anticholinergic agents are emerging as effective topical alternatives. Iontophoresis passes an electrical current through the skin and is an excellent treatment option for palmoplantar disease. Botulinum toxin type A injections remain a mainstay second-line treatment. Local procedural advances including microwave thermolysis, laser therapy and focused ultrasound are emerging as safe and effective alternatives for refractory disease. Oral anticholinergics are generally well tolerated and can also be used for intractable disease. Last-line interventions include local surgical options and sympathectomy, though some patients may prefer permanent treatment. Further investigation of novel treatments as well as ways to optimize existing therapeutic options are needed.

PMID: 30817880 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jan 30;:

Authors: Nawrocki S, Cha J

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is considered to be the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

PMID: 30710603 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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]