Hyperhidrosis plantaris – a randomized, half-side trial for efficacy and safety of an antiperspirant containing different concentrations of aluminium chloride.

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Hyperhidrosis plantaris – a randomized, half-side trial for efficacy and safety of an antiperspirant containing different concentrations of aluminium chloride.

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2012 Feb;10(2):115-9

Authors: Streker M, Reuther T, Hagen L, Kerscher M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary focal hyperhidrosis plantaris can cause impairment in social, physical, leisure and occupational activities. Topical treatment with aluminium chloride is the first-line treatment. The aim of this trial was to evaluate efficacy and safety of two different concentrations of aluminium chloride hexa-hydrate (12.5%, 30%) for 6 weeks.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 20 volunteers with hyperhidrosis plantaris were included. Efficacy was evaluated using a clinical rating scale of the hyperhidrosis level and qualitative assessments including Minor’s (iodine-starch) test and a standardized sniff test. Furthermore a patient questionnaire and measurements of skin surface pH were done to evaluate the subjective assessments and side effects.
RESULTS: The hyperhidrosis level significantly decreased in both concentrations. There were no differences in tolerability regarding the skin surface pH and the patient questionnaires. In addition the hidrotic areas decreased after application of both products and the sniff test improved.
CONCLUSION: Topical application of an antiperspirant containing aluminium chloride reduced sweat production in plantar hyperhidrosis significantly. As both 12.5% and 30% were efficacious and safe, we would recommend 12.5% for outpatient treatment.

PMID: 21848980 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis.

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Treatment options for hyperhidrosis.

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Oct 01;12(5):285-95

Authors: Walling HW, Swick BL

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating beyond what is expected for thermoregulatory needs and environmental conditions. Primary hyperhidrosis has an estimated prevalence of nearly 3% and is associated with significant medical and psychosocial consequences. Most cases of hyperhidrosis involve areas of high eccrine density, particularly the axillae, palms, and soles, and less often the craniofacial area. Multiple therapies are available for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Options include topical medications (most commonly aluminum chloride), iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, systemic medications (including glycopyrrolate and clonidine), and surgery (most commonly endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy [ETS]). The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review the literature on the subject, with a focus on new and emerging treatment options. Updated therapeutic algorithms are proposed for each commonly affected anatomic site, with practical procedural guidelines. For axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, topical treatment is recommended as first-line treatment. For axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin injections are recommended as second-line treatment, oral medications as third-line treatment, local surgery as fourth-line treatment, and ETS as fifth-line treatment. For palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, we consider a trial of oral medications (glycopyrrolate 1-2 mg once or twice daily preferred to clonidine 0.1 mg twice daily) as second-line therapy due to the low cost, convenience, and emerging literature supporting their excellent safety and reasonable efficacy. Iontophoresis is considered third-line therapy for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis; efficacy is high although so are the initial levels of cost and inconvenience. Botulinum toxin injections are considered fourth-line treatment for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis; efficacy is high though the treatment remains expensive, must be repeated every 3-6 months, and is associated with pain and/or anesthesia-related complications. ETS is a fifth-line option for palmar hyperhidrosis but is not recommended for plantar hyperhidrosis due to anatomic risks. For craniofacial hyperhidrosis, oral medications (either glycopyrrolate or clonidine) are considered first-line therapy. Topical medications or botulinum toxin injections may be useful in some cases and ETS is an option for severe craniofacial hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 21714579 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Dermoscopy of Pitted Keratolysis.

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Dermoscopy of Pitted Keratolysis.

Case Rep Dermatol. 2010 Aug 19;2(2):146-148

Authors: Lockwood LL, Gehrke S, Navarini AA

Abstract
Irritated hyperhidrotic soles with multiple small pits are pathognomonic for pitted keratolysis (PK). Here we show the dermatoscopic view of typical pits that can ensure the diagnosis. PK is a plantar infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Corynebacterium. Increases in skin surface pH, hyperhidrosis, and prolonged occlusion allow these bacteria to proliferate. The diagnosis is fundamentally clinical and treatment generally consists of a combination of hygienic measures, correcting plantar hyperhidrosis and topical antimicrobials.

PMID: 21076687 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

What stands in the way of treating palmar hyperhidrosis as effectively as axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A.

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What stands in the way of treating palmar hyperhidrosis as effectively as axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A.

Dermatol Online J. 2009 Apr 15;15(4):12

Authors: Benohanian A

Abstract
Botulinum Toxin type A (BTX-A) has revolutionized the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis (HH) in recent years and has dramatically reduced the invasive surgical techniques that have been performed in the past to control severe focal HH unresponsive to topical therapies. Whereas BTX-A injections are easily performed to control axillary HH with little or no analgesia, pain management is a must during the injection of palmar and plantar HH with BTX-A because of the intense pain generated with the 30 to 40 needle punctures needed on each hand or foot through the densely innervated skin present in those areas. For that reason, many physicians who contentedly treat axillary HH with BTX-A injections, refuse to do so for palmar and plantar HH. Although pain is the major stumbling block deterring patients and physicians from choosing this treatment option, it is not the only one. Many other factors may play a role in deciding whether or not to treat palmar and plantar HH with BTX-A injections. This article reviews these factors and presents some personal data from patients who have already been treated with BTX-A injections on the palms and soles and who came back once or more for repeat treatments when the effect of BTX-A started to fade away. “Jet Anesthesia” was the pain management method used in this group.

PMID: 19450405 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]