Plantar Hyperhidrosis: An Overview.

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Plantar Hyperhidrosis: An Overview.

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2016 Jul;33(3):441-51

Authors: Vlahovic TC

Abstract
Plantar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating on the soles of feet, can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and emotional well-being. Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary and secondary categories, depending on the cause of the sweating, with plantar hyperhidrosis typically being primary and idiopathic. There is an overall increased risk of cutaneous infection in the presence of hyperhidrosis, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. This article discusses a range of treatment options including topical aluminum chloride, iontophoresis, injectable botulinum toxin A, glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, laser, and endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy. Lifestyle changes regarding hygiene, shoe gear, insoles, and socks are also discussed.

PMID: 27215162 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

A Simple User-made Iontophoresis Device for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis.

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A Simple User-made Iontophoresis Device for Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis.

J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jan-Mar;9(1):32-3

Authors: Nagar R, Sengar SS

Abstract
Iontophoresis is defined as passing of an ionized substance through intact skin by application of direct electric current. Tap water iontophoresis is reliable and effective method for treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhydrosis when practiced with appropriate technique and timing. One of the major setback for using iontophoresis is that the apparatus is expensive and is not readily available. A simple user-made Iontophoresis device have been described here, which could be easily constructed and used at home.

PMID: 27081247 [PubMed]

Plantar Sweating as an Indicator of Lower Risk of Compensatory Sweating after Thoracic Sympathectomy.

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Plantar Sweating as an Indicator of Lower Risk of Compensatory Sweating after Thoracic Sympathectomy.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2017 Sep;65(6):479-483

Authors: Kargi AB

Abstract
Background Hyperhidrosis is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that results in regional excessive sweating, mostly in the hands, armpits, and feet. A permanent and effective treatment of hyperhidrosis can be achieved by interruption of the thoracic sympathetic chain with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). However, some side effects, particularly compensatory sweating (CS), are the limitations of this procedure. The mechanism of CS and the associated risk factors are still controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship with various parameters associated with CS in patients undergoing ETS. Materials and Methods ETS was performed on a total of 95 patients for palmar hyperhidrosis, axillary hyperhidrosis and facial blushing by the same surgeon. The mean age of the patients was 26.41 (± 7) years, and 54 (56.8%) were males. Palmar hyperhidrosis was present in 54 (56.8%) patients, axillary hyperhidrosis in 33 (34.7%) patients, and facial blushing in 8 (8.5%) patients. Moreover, 38 (40%) patients also had plantar sweating. The severity of CS was rated into three scales as less, moderate, and severe. Results Regarding the severity of CS, 55 (57.9%) patients had no or less CS, 28 (29.5%) had moderate CS, and 12 (12.6%) patients had severe CS. Higher age group had a significant increased risk of severe CS (p = 0.03) (r = 0.262). Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 had a statistically significantly increased risk of severe CS (p = 0.016). Facial blushing resulted in severe CS in a significantly higher proportion of patients than by palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (p = 0.001). The level of surgery was another important risk factor for CS, with the T2 level showing an increased risk of severe CS compared with T3 level (p < 0.001). Furthermore, plantar sweating was inversely and significantly related to the development of CS. Patients with plantar sweating had a significantly decreased incidence of developing CS (p = 0.015). Conclusion CS after thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis is the most displeasing and restrictive side effect. This study demonstrates that older age, operation level, facial blushing, and high BMI are risk factors for CS, as have been shown in several similar studies. An interesting finding of the present study is that there was a decreased incidence of CS among patients with plantar sweating. This situation may help us to distinguish high risk for CS before ETS operation.

PMID: 27043786 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Plantar hyperhidrosis: A review of current management.

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Plantar hyperhidrosis: A review of current management.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2016 Nov;27(6):556-561

Authors: Singh S, Kaur S, Wilson P

Abstract
AIM: To critically appraise current literature regarding the management of plantar hyperhidrosis in the form of a structured review.
METHOD: A literature search was conducted using various databases and search criteria.
DISCUSSION: The literature reports the use of conservative, medical and surgical treatment modalities for the management of plantar hyperhidrosis. However, long-term follow-up data are rare and some treatment modalities currently available are not fully understood.
CONCLUSION: There is a considerable dearth in the literature on the management of plantar hyperhidrosis. Further study in larger populations with longer follow-up times is critical to access the long-term effects of treatment. Nonetheless, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injection and lumbar sympathectomy are promising treatment modalities for this disorder.

PMID: 27053510 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

[Effect of T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy on 
plantar hyperhidrosis in patients with 
primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis].

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[Effect of T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy on 
plantar hyperhidrosis in patients with 
primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis].

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2016 Mar 28;41(3):300-4

Authors: Xiao P, Liu A, Liu W

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T4 level on plantar hyperhidrosis in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

METHODS: The clinical data of 28 patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, who were admited in our hospital from June 2009 to May 2014, was analyzed. All patients were qualified to bilateral thoracoscopic transaction of the sympathetic chain at the thoracic level T4. Patients completed a self-administered hyperhidrosis questionnaire and scoring before and after procedure. Follow-up data were obtained at 1 and 6 months after the surgery.

RESULTS: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy at the thoracic level T4 was performed successfully for all cases. Palmar hyperhidrosis was completely alleviated after the operation and no recurrence was observed during follow-up. The ratio for initial improvement of plantar hyperhidrosis was 28.6% (8/28) at 1 month after the surgery followed by a recurrence of plantar hyperhidrosis. No case continued to show the improvement of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis at 6 months after the sympathectomy. Twenty-seven patients (96.4%) were very satisfied with the outcome of the operation, 1 patient (3.6%) satisfied and no patient regretted the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSION: T4 thoracoscopic sympathectomy could initialliy alleviate plantar hyperhidrosis in some patients with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, but the improvement was not sustained over a long period. It could not be used to treat plantar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 27033795 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Single-Port Microthoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: an Analysis of 56 Consecutive Cases.

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Single-Port Microthoracoscopic Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: an Analysis of 56 Consecutive Cases.

Indian J Surg. 2015 Aug;77(4):270-5

Authors: Shi H, Shu Y, Shi W, Lu S, Sun C

Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Between January 2008 and March 2013, 56 patients (36 male, 20 female; mean age 25.6 years, age range 16-39 years) underwent single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Nineteen patients (33.9 %) had moderate palmar hyperhidrosis that could thoroughly wet a handkerchief, and 37 (66.1 %) had severe palmar hyperhidrosis with sweat dripping from the palm. Eight patients (14.3 %) had a positive family history, 34 (60.7 %) had plantar hyperhidrosis, 22 (39.3 %) had axillary hyperhidrosis, and 20 (35.7 %) had both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis. In addition, 21 patients (37.5 %) had palmar pompholyx, five (8.9 %) had keratolysis exfoliativa, 10 (17.9 %) had chilblains, and nine (16.1 %) had palmar rhagades. A single 10-mm skin incision was made in the third intercostal space at the anterior axillary line, posterior to the pectoralis muscle. A 5-mm microthoracoscope and a 3-mm microelectrocautery hook were inserted through a single port into the thoracic cavity. The third and fourth ribs were identified, and the sympathetic chain was cut using the microelectrocautery hook. The bypassing nerve fibers, such as the Kuntz nerve fiber bundle, were ablated for 2-3 cm along the surface of the rib. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. All 56 procedures were completed using single-port microthoracoscopy. No postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, wound infection, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner’s syndrome were observed. Bilateral procedures were completed in 20-56 min (mean 30 min). The palmar temperature increased by 2.2 ± 0.3 °C after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was 1-4 days (mean 2.5 days). Mild compensatory sweating of the back and thigh occurred in five patients (8.9 %) at 2-3 days after surgery and disappeared at 7-15 days. The patients were followed up for 28.5 months (range 1-62 months). Hyperhidrosis resolved in both hands after surgery, and the previously wet, cold hands became dry and warm. The efficacy rate was 100 %. Plantar hyperhidrosis was also significantly reduced in 33 of the 34 patients with this condition (remission rate 97.1 %), and axillary hyperhidrosis was significantly reduced in 19 of 22 patients (remission rate 86.4 %). Eighteen of the 20 patients (90.0 %) with both plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis experienced significant alleviation of their symptoms. Single-port microthoracoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy is a safe, convenient, and effective method of treating palmar hyperhidrosis. This procedure can accurately locate the sympathetic chain with a small incision, minimal invasiveness, and good cosmetic results. The procedure is suitable for extensive clinical use.

PMID: 26702233 [PubMed]

Efficacy of botulinum toxin in pachyonychia congenita type 1: report of two new cases.

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Efficacy of botulinum toxin in pachyonychia congenita type 1: report of two new cases.

Dermatol Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;29(1):32-6

Authors: González-Ramos J, Sendagorta-Cudós E, González-López G, Mayor-Ibarguren A, Feltes-Ochoa R, Herranz-Pinto P

Abstract
Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare genodermatosis caused by a mutation in keratin genes, which can lead to hypertrophic nail dystrophy and focal palmoplantar keratoderma (predominantly plantar), amongst other manifestations. Painful blisters and callosities, sometimes exacerbated by hyperhidrosis, are major issues that can have a significant impact on patient quality of life. Many alternative treatments for this condition have been applied with variable and partial clinical response, but a definitive cure for this disease has yet to be discovered. After obtaining informed consent, two patients with genetically confirmed PC type 1 were treated with plantar injections of botulinum toxin type A. Both patients showed a marked improvement in pain and blistering with an average response time of one week, a six-month mean duration of effectiveness, and a lack of any side effects or tachyphylaxis.

PMID: 26445325 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study.

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Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome In An Adolescent Female: A Case Study.

J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 May;9(5):ZD23-5

Authors: Jijin MJ, Jaishankar HP, Narayaran VS, Rangaswamy K, Puthaswamy KA

Abstract
Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome (PLS) is a rare inherited autosomal-recessive condition with one-third of the patients’ showing consanguinity of the parents. Lesions are characterised by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and hyperhidrosis. Early onset of periodonditis, severe periodontal destruction in both primary and permanent dentitions, and calcification of the duramater form the three important features of this disease. Here, we present a case of a 14-year-old female who presented to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with a complaint of mobility of the teeth since four months. Oral examination of the patient showed generalised mobility of the teeth. General physical examination of the patient showed dry scaly skin on dorsum of bilateral feet, hands, and knee. The patient had familial history positive for consanguinity. The patient was medically diagnosed as positive for PLS. The patients with PLS show combination of dermatological and dental lesions and it requires the dentist to assume a more prominent role in early treatment and rehabilitation. There is a need for symbiotic and synergetic approach between the two specialties for effective management of this rare disease.

PMID: 26155583 [PubMed]

Unilateral sequential endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a proposed technique to overcome compensatory hyperhidrosis and improve plantar hyperhidrosis.

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Unilateral sequential endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis: a proposed technique to overcome compensatory hyperhidrosis and improve plantar hyperhidrosis.

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2015 May;25(5):370-4

Authors: Youssef T, Soliman M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) offers permanent cure of palmar hyperhidrosis (PH), compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) often complicates the procedure. We analyzed the outcomes of a 2-month interval for unilateral sequential ETS (S-ETS) in comparison with simultaneous bilateral ETS (B-ETS), notably regarding CH and associated plantar hyperhidrosis, in treating patients with PH.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred seven patients with intractable PH were randomly assigned into two groups: the B-ETS group (204 patients) and the S-ETS group (203 patients).
RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-four patients completed the study. Complication rates were comparable for both groups. No patient died perioperatively, and no conversion was necessary. Treatment success on follow-up was 97.2% for S-ETS and 96.7% for B-ETS. The incidence of CH was decreased substantially from 131 (71.1%) patients in the B-ETS group to 22 (12.2%) patients in the S-ETS group (P<.001), with no patient suffering severe CH in the S-ETS group compared with 33 (25.5%) patients in the B-ETS group. Eighty-four (58.3%) patients in the S-ETS group had simultaneous disappearance or decreased perspiration on the soles. All patients in the S-ETS group were satisfied, whereas 37.9% of B-ETS patients were unsatisfied with their operation, mostly because of CH and recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS: Although both sympathectomies were effective, safe, and minimally invasive methods for treatment of PH, unilateral sequential ETS appeared to be a more optimal technique in terms of reduction of CH to a minimum and improvement of associated plantar hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 25768057 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Long-term results of the use of oxybutynin for the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.

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Long-term results of the use of oxybutynin for the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.

Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(5):605-11

Authors: Wolosker N, Teivelis MP, Krutman M, de Paula RP, Kauffman P, de Campos JR, Puech-Leão P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Plantar hyperhidrosis is a common illness with significant impact on quality of life. Oxybutynin presents good short-term results, but longer follow-up results are lacking. We evaluated oxybutynin effectiveness in patients who were not surgically treated and who had at least six months of follow-up.
METHODS: From September 2007 to September 2013, 85 consecutive patients were enrolled in our institutional protocol for the “pharmacological-first” treatment of primary plantar hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin. Eight patients were lost to follow-up, 15 patients have not yet been under treatment for six months, and data were available for 39 patients (all female) treated for at least six months. Data at the start of the protocol, six weeks after beginning treatment, and at their final visit were analyzed.
RESULTS: Twenty-three of the 77 patients (29.87%) did not improve after pharmacological therapy. From the 39 patients with more than six months of follow-up (median 16.9 months, range 9-71), 79.5% reported moderate/great improvement in excessive plantar sweating after six weeks of treatment, and this rate increased to 84.7% in the last follow-up visit; 82.85% showed improvement in other sites presenting hyperhidrosis. Dry mouth was the most common side effect; 51.6% of patients reported it to be moderate/severe at the last visit.
CONCLUSION: In patients with good initial response to oxybutynin, more than 82% presented moderate or great improvement in plantar and other sites’ excessive sweating; dry mouth was the most common side effect but was tolerable and did not lead any patient to interrupt treatment.

PMID: 25600990 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]