A novel approach to the lumbar sympathetic chain: lateral access.

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A novel approach to the lumbar sympathetic chain: lateral access.

Neurosurg Focus. 2013 Jul;35(2 Suppl):Video 12

Authors: Rodgers SD, Engler JA, Perin NL

Abstract
Plantar hyperhydrosis is a disabling condition of excessive, symmetric, focal sweating of the feet with social, psychological, and medical implications. Treatment options include topical agents, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injection, and surgical disruption of the lumbar sympathetic chain. Surgical corridors include transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. We report our technique with a novel minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal approach commonly used for lateral interbody fusions. The lateral approach for sectioning of the sympathetic chain in the treatment of hyperhydrosis appears safe. The approach may be advantageous for the patient and surgeons familiar with lateral interbody fusion. Further studies may elucidate the long term efficacy and safety of the lateral approach. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/Q82SGpmAXng.

PMID: 23829842 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Pitted keratolysis; physicians’ treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel.

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Pitted keratolysis; physicians’ treatment and their perceptions in Dutch army personnel.

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Sep;27(9):1120-6

Authors: van der Snoek EM, Ekkelenkamp MB, Suykerbuyk JC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a common plantar skin manifestation in army personnel, farmers and athletes. Due to pain while walking and marching, the condition can cause reduced operational deployability (in case of army personnel).
OBJECTIVE: We used a questionnaire to investigate currently used treatment options of PK and perceptions on perceived efficacy of these treatments among Royal Netherlands Armed Forces primary health care physicians.
METHODS: A cross-sectional anonymous postal questionnaire survey was conducted among all Royal Netherlands Armed Forces primary health care physicians. In addition to question about prescription behaviour on the treatment of PK by topical and oral therapies and given non-pharmacological treatment, several questions assessed perceived efficacy of these therapies.
RESULTS: Of the 164 eligible primary health care physicians, 51 (31.1%) completed the questionnaire. Half of physicians had seen less than five patients with PK in the preceding year. Two-thirds of physicians reported problems with operational deployability in less than 10% of army personnel with PK. PK was treated mostly with topical and non-pharmacological treatments. Oral therapy was seldom prescribed. For hyperhidrosis, aluminium chloride hexahydrate was used in most cases.
CONCLUSION: PK and related reduced operational deployability were less often reported than expected in this study. Dutch physicians prefer combined topical antibiotic therapy with non-pharmacological treatments and perceive the efficacy of topical antibiotic therapy superior to non-pharmacological treatments. Preventive measures, topical antibiotic therapy and adequate treatment of hyperhidrosis are the mainstay methods in the management of patients with PK.

PMID: 22882561 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.

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Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.

Aesthet Surg J. 2012 Feb;32(2):238-44

Authors: Doft MA, Hardy KL, Ascherman JA

Abstract
Botulinum toxin type A is a safe and effective method for treating focal hyperhidrosis, providing longer-lasting results than topical treatments without the necessity of invasive surgical procedures. Although more useful for axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin injections can also be effective in treating palmar and plantar disease. The effects of botulinum toxin last for six to nine months on average, and treatment is associated with a high satisfaction rate among patients. In this article, the authors discuss their preferred methods for treating axillary, palmar, and plantar hyperhidrosis. This article serves as guide for pretreatment evaluation, injection techniques, and posttreatment care.

PMID: 22328694 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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]