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Iodine-starch test validity in amputee patients with hyperhidrosis

Disabil Rehabil. 2026 Mar 30:1-13. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2026.2650049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Validate the iodine-starch test in amputees by comparing a novel measure, the Amputee Iodine-Starch Result (AISR) with the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and to measure test-retest reliability in patients with hyperhidrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amputee patients underwent iodine-starch testing using a previously described method. AISR was derived by visually inspecting sweat reactions on the residual limb and prosthetic sheath, scoring intensity using the Sweating Intensity Visual Scale (SIVS), measuring surface area involvement, and normalizing to residual limb surface area. Ordinal logistic regression for HDSS vs AISR was performed. Intraclass correlations (ICC) measured test-retest reliability.

RESULTS: 91 participants, including 25 control participants, underwent iodine-starch testing. The ordinal logistic regression for HDSS vs AISR on both skin (AISR-SK) (χ2 = 10.57, OR = 2.91 (95% CI 1.48-5.73), p = 0.0011) and sheath (AISR-SH) (χ2 = 8.62, OR = 2.10 (95% CI 1.26-3.51), p = 0.0033) was highly significant. ICC showed poor test-retest reliability for skin (AISR-SK, r = 0.388, ICC = 0.393, 95% CI 0.028-0.662) and sheath (AISR-SH, r = 0.194, ICC = 0.198, 95% CI -0.189, 0.526) measurements.

CONCLUSIONS: The iodine-starch test is significantly associated with HDSS, but has poor test-retest reliability.

PMID:41910115 | DOI:10.1080/09638288.2026.2650049

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Advances in pharmacological treatment and management of hyperhidrosis

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2026 Mar 23:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2026.2642213. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hyperhidrosis is a functional disorder characterized by excessive sweat production beyond physiological needs for thermoregulation, significantly impairing quality of life, affecting physical comfort, psychological well-being, social interactions, and work productivity.

AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on evidence-based therapeutic options for hyperhidrosis. Topical treatments (glycopyrronium bromide, glycopyrronium tosylate, aluminum salts), systemic therapy (oral oxybutynin), injectable approaches (botulinum toxin), iontophoresis, and surgical interventions (local excision, sympathectomy) are discussed in detail. Clinical studies demonstrate that topical and systemic agents are effective for localized and multisite forms, respectively, while botulinum toxin offers strong efficacy for focal hyperhidrosis. The review also addresses combination strategies, treatment tolerability, cost-effectiveness, and patient-centered approaches.

EXPERT OPINION: Managing hyperhidrosis requires a nuanced, individualized strategy that balances symptom control, safety, patient preferences, and quality of life. Combination therapies and flexible treatment sequencing can reduce early reliance on invasive procedures. Despite therapeutic advances, widespread adoption is limited by heterogeneous guidelines, off-label use, and under-recognition of psychosocial impact. Future research should focus on prospective, large-cohort studies, standardized outcome measures, and development of selective, well-tolerated therapies. While a universal cure is unlikely, sustained symptom control and meaningful improvement in quality of life represent realistic objectives.

PMID:41871366 | DOI:10.1080/14656566.2026.2642213

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Hyperhidrosis Improved by Samhwangsasim-Tang: A Case Report

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026 Jan 14;19:575693. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S575693. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive sweating beyond physiological requirements, which significantly interferes with daily functioning and quality of life. It affects approximately 4%-5% of the population worldwide, yet its underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, with proposed mechanisms involving autonomic nervous system dysregulation, metabolic imbalance, and psychological factors. Here, we describe a case of chronic hyperhidrosis in which spontaneous sweating and facial flushing improved markedly following administration of Samhwangsasim-tang as monotherapy. A 66-year-old man presented with chronic hyperhidrosis occurring without identifiable triggers. Even minimal physical activity caused profuse craniofacial sweating accompanied by facial flushing, which was exacerbated by heat exposure and conditions associated with increased core body temperature. Based on his symptom pattern, Samhwangsasim-tang extract granules were prescribed. No other treatments, including acupuncture, cupping therapy, or conventional medications, were administered during the treatment period. Symptom severity was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS). After approximately 42 days of treatment, spontaneous sweating resolved completely (NRS 10 → 0; HDSS 4 → 1), and facial flushing was reduced to 20%-30% of baseline severity (NRS 10 → 2-3). This case suggests that the heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-regulating properties of Samhwangsasim-tang may contribute to the normalization of skin temperature, sweating regulation, and peripheral circulation. Further clinical and mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate its therapeutic potential in hyperhidrosis.

PMID:41858595 | PMC:PMC12997260 | DOI:10.2147/CCID.S575693

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Advances in the Management of Hyperhidrosis

Skin Therapy Lett. 2026 Mar;31(2):4-7.

ABSTRACT

Hyperhidrosis (HH), a condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond thermoregulation, significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional medications to treat HH include aluminum chloride hexahydrate, systemic anticholinergics, and botulinum toxin injections. New treatments have emerged including glycopyrronium bromide, sofpironium bromide, targeted alkali thermolysis, and microwave devices. This paper reviews the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and practical considerations associated with these treatments.

PMID:41839170

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Prediction of compensatory hyperhidrosis severity after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in primary hyperhidrosis patients based on rough set analysis

J Thorac Dis. 2026 Feb 28;18(2):146. doi: 10.21037/jtd-2025-aw-2074. Epub 2026 Feb 25.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) remains the most prevalent postoperative adverse event following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for primary hyperhidrosis (PH). Current predictive models lack reliability in estimating CH severity. This study introduces a novel predictive framework utilizing rough set theory to establish decision rules for CH stratification.

METHODS: In this single‑center retrospective cohort study, clinical data from 225 PH patients undergoing ETS were analyzed, including 37 predictive indicators. These variables were subjected to correlation analysis, regression analysis, and rough set analysis with CH severity.

RESULTS: There were 93.3% (210/225) of patients exhibiting CH following ETS, with 33.3% classified as grade III CH, and no grade IV CH was noted. Body mass index (BMI), the level of sympathectomy, and the temperature difference of the right hand after surgery and before anaesthesia were shown to be significantly correlated with CH on correlation analysis. However, no valid regression model was established with significant correlations involving indicators for further regression analysis. By switching to rough set analysis, four predictive rules for grade III CH were derived: (I) BMI >22 kg/m2 + initial onset age of PH >11 years, 84% accuracy; (II) BMI 19.5-22 kg/m2 + surgical age >28.5 years, 82% accuracy; (III) BMI 18.5-19.4 kg/m2 + postoperative right-hand temperature >36.6 ℃, 77% accuracy; (IV) BMI <18.5 kg/m2 + postoperative right-hand temperature <37.0 ℃ + initial PH onset age <10 years, 71% accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS: Rough set analysis provides a promising approach for exploring the patterns of CH severity following ETS in patients with PH, and thus which merits further investigation through multicenter, large-sample studies. The four preliminary decision rules for predicting grade III CH derived from rough set analysis show potential clinical relevance but remain tentative, as their utility requires validation in prospective cohorts prior to widespread clinical application.

PMID:41816421 | PMC:PMC12972784 | DOI:10.21037/jtd-2025-aw-2074

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Robotic ramicotomy for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis

Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg. 2026 Mar 4;2026. doi: 10.1510/mmcts.2025.150.

ABSTRACT

Ramicotomy is a surgical approach that focuses on dividing the rami communicantes of the sympathetic chain and has been introduced as a treatment for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with the goal of reducing the incidence of compensatory sweating. Evidence from recent randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses suggests that this technique effectively reduces localized excessive sweating while resulting in lower rates of compensatory hyperhidrosis and less postoperative hand dryness compared with traditional sympathetic chain interruption. Despite these advantages, ramicotomy has been linked to a greater likelihood of symptom recurrence, underscoring the importance of thorough patient selection and detailed preoperative counseling about potential long-term outcomes. Overall quality of life improvements and patient satisfaction appear similar between ramicotomy and conventional sympathicotomy, although ramicotomy may provide benefits in decreasing the severity or extent of compensatory sweating. In cases of axillary hyperhidrosis, combining ramicotomy with endoscopic sympathetic blockade does not seem to significantly change patient satisfaction or overall rates of compensatory sweating compared with blockade alone, though it may influence the pattern or distribution of compensatory symptoms. In summary, ramicotomy is a reasonable surgical option for carefully selected patients who prioritize a lower risk of compensatory hyperhidrosis, accepting the trade-off of a potentially higher recurrence rate.

PMID:41778845 | DOI:10.1510/mmcts.2025.150

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The role of acupuncture in managing hyperhidrosis and vasomotor sweating: evidence, mechanisms, and gaps

Complement Ther Med. 2026 Feb 27:103337. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103337. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperhidrosis and thermoregulatory disorders, including menopausal and treatment-induced hot flushes, can significantly impair quality of life. While acupuncture has been proposed as a potential non-pharmacological treatment for these conditions, the quality and consistency of available evidence remain unclear. This review aims to critically assess the current literature on acupuncture for various kinds of hyperhidrosis, evaluating its clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and limitations.

METHODS: A narrative review was conducted based on English-language, PubMed-indexed published clinical studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses investigating acupuncture as a treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, emotional sweating, paraneoplastic sweating, and hot flushes in both menopausal and breast cancer populations. Particular attention was paid to study quality, intervention protocols, and outcome durability.

RESULTS: Evidence for the use of acupuncture in primary, emotional, and paraneoplastic hyperhidrosis is limited to small, often uncontrolled studies with significant methodological shortcomings. In contrast, acupuncture for menopausal and breast cancer-related hot flushes is supported by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses involving over 1,000 participants, demonstrating short-term improvements in frequency and severity of symptoms. However, effects on hot flushes generally diminish after three months post-treatment. Mechanistically, acupuncture is thought to act via modulation of the autonomic nervous system and neuropeptide regulation, though precise pathways remain to be fully elucidated.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may offer short-term benefits for hot flushes in menopausal and breast cancer populations, but current evidence for its effectiveness in other kinds of hyperhidrosis remains weak and inconclusive. High-quality, standardised clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to better define its role in the integrative management of thermoregulatory disorders.

PMID:41765151 | DOI:10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103337

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A multi-center, cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Japan (KOBE study) exploring factors associated with primary focal hyperhidrosis

Front Med (Lausanne). 2026 Feb 9;13:1739715. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1739715. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is defined as a condition characterized by excessive sweating in localized areas, which causes patients to experience difficulties in daily life, regardless of temperature or psychological stress. Previous surveys in Japan have revealed that the majority of patients with PFH may not visit medical institutions. Identifying the factors potentially associated with PFH is useful for detecting unmedicated patients and providing appropriate medical interventions. In this study, we explored factors associated with PFH in a multi-center, cross-sectional questionnaire survey (KOBE study).

METHODS: This study enrolled patients aged 5-64 years who visited 1 of the 24 dermatological institutions in Japan between April and July 2024 and completed a questionnaire (registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCT1050250083). A combination of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was performed to explore the associated factors.

RESULTS: A total of 3,617 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of PFH was 15.0% (544 of 3,617 participants). Among the potential associated factors, the odds ratios (ORs) were higher in order of axillary osmidrosis (OR = 5.440), psoriasis (OR = 1.830), wet earwax (OR = 1.780), a definite Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) score (OR = 1.780), a doubtful HADS-A score (OR = 1.460), and smoking (OR = 1.450). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that a HADS-A score of 6 was the optimal cutoff value for suspecting PFH.

CONCLUSION: These findings may aid in detecting unmedicated potential patients in routine clinical practice and promoting active intervention for the disease, ultimately improving the quality of life and well-being of patients with PFH.

PMID:41737399 | PMC:PMC12927475 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2026.1739715

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Compensatory Hyperhidrosis After ETS: Temporal Evolution and Predictors

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.1055/a-2819-1705. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Compensatory hyperhidrosis remains the most significant complication after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. However, its temporal evolution and long-term predictors are not fully elucidated.

METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study included 226 patients who underwent bilateral clip-based ETS between 2009 and 2023. Patients were stratified by surgical level: R3 (n=60), R4 (n=72), R2-R4 (n=81), and asymmetric interruption (n=13). Compensatory hyperhidrosis severity was assessed at 6, 12 months, and final follow-up (mean 98 months). Logistic regression identified independent predictors of Compensatory hyperhidrosis, recurrence, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: Complete palmar dryness was achieved in 84.5% of patients. Compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 48.7%, exclusively within the first 6 postoperative months, with no late-onset cases. During long-term follow-up, spontaneous regression of compensatory hyperhidrosis was observed in 28.2% of affected patients. Compensatory hyperhidrosis incidence differed significantly across surgical levels (p=0.011): 38.3% (R3), 55.6% (R4), 63.0% (R2-R4), and 30.8% (asymmetric). Multivariate analysis confirmed multi-level R2-R4 sympathectomy as an independent predictor of compensatory hyperhidrosis (OR=2.18, p=0.042), while single-level R4 interruption provided the lowest persistent compensatory hyperhidrosis burden. Overall satisfaction was 79.6%, and recurrence-not compensatory hyperhidrosis -was the main determinant of dissatisfaction (OR=2.48, p<0.001). Smoking history independently predicted recurrence (OR=2.09, p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS: Compensatory hyperhidrosis develops exclusively during the early postoperative period and shows partial spontaneous improvement over time. Multi-level interruption significantly increases compensatory hyperhidrosis risk without improving efficacy, supporting limited single-level approaches (preferably R4). These findings emphasize the importance of surgical level selection, smoking cessation, and realistic postoperative counseling.

PMID:41734813 | DOI:10.1055/a-2819-1705