Hyperhidrosis Research . org – Page 60 – A collection of the latest publications on hyperhidrosis

November 11, 2018

The effectiveness of tap water iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis using a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday treatment regime.

The effectiveness of tap water iontophoresis for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis using a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday treatment regime.

Dermatol Online J. 2013 Mar 15;19(3):14

Authors: Siah TW, Hampton PJ

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a benign condition of unknown etiology. Tap water iontophoresis has long been known to inhibit sweat production. The mechanism of reduced hyperhidrosis by iontophoresis is not completely clear. For operational convenience, our patients received their treatments at different intervals to those recommended by the manufacturer of the iontophoresis unit. We performed a retrospective audit to evaluate the effectiveness of tap water iontophoresis using this regimen. This new treatment regimen was effective at controlling palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Minimal undesirable effects such as mild skin irritation and erythema were noted but none were severe enough to necessitate discontinuation of treatment. In conclusion, tap water iontophoresis is a safe and effective treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis when used on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 4 weeks. Continued treatment is needed to maintain the effect and many patients go on to purchase their own machines. This technique should be considered prior to systemic or aggressive surgical intervention.

PMID: 23552011 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis in children: 21 years of experience at a tertiary care center.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis in children: 21 years of experience at a tertiary care center.

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2013 Dec;23(6):486-9

Authors: Sinha CK, Kiely E

Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to find out the outcome of “thoracoscopic sympathectomy” (TS) for palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) in children. To our knowledge, this is the largest experience of TS from the United Kingdom.
METHOD: All patients who underwent TS for PH during the past 21 years were studied retrospectively.
RESULTS: A total of 85 procedures were done in 44 children. Ratio of female to male was 4:1. Median age at operation was 12.8 years. Types of operations performed were as follows: bilateral T2-T3 sympathectomy in 87% (38/44), bilateral T2-T5 sympathectomy in 9% (4/44), and right-sided thoracoscopic (left-sided done open) in 1% (0.5/44); operation was not possible in 3% (1.5/44) of cases. No chest drains were used. Median postoperative stay was 2 days (range 1 to 5). Median follow-up time was 1.3 years (range 0.2 to 4.7 years). Only problematic patients were followed up for longer. During follow-up, 21% (9/44) developed severe hyperhidrosis of other parts of body. Seven percent (3/44) of patients developed severe axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) and required T4-T5 sympathectomy later on at a median age of 14.4 years (range 11 to 16 years). Another 9% (4/44) patients developed severe plantar hyperhidrosis. Severe hyperhidrosis of the whole body was seen in 5% (2/44) of the patients. Postoperative complications were seen in 47% (21/44) of the patients. They were as follows: postoperative pain (needing > 48 hours hospital stay) in 18% (8/44); transient Horner syndrome in 18% (8/44-right 5, left 3); and recurrence of PH in 11% (5/44) of cases. In the recurrence group, 7% (3/44) were unilateral (right 2, left 1) and 5% (2/44) were bilateral. Redo operations were performed in 11% (5/44) of cases. Median time to redo was 2.6 years (range 8 months to 4.2 years). All three unilateral recurrent patients underwent respective sided redo. In the bilateral recurrence group (2/44), one patient had bilateral redo (remained dry), whereas the other patient underwent only right-sided operation (remained dry), as that sided operation was difficult and so the other side was not tried. FINAL OUTCOMES: The final outcomes were recurrence 3.5% (3/85-right 2, left 1) and technically failed operation 3.5% (3/85-both sides 1, one side 1). Success rate for thoracoscopic sympathetectomy was 93% (79/85) overall.
CONCLUSION: TS for PH is a safe and feasible operation in children. It is successful in the majority; however, the procedure is not trouble free.

PMID: 23460464 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

Quantitative assessment of the intensity of palmar and plantar sweating in patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

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Quantitative assessment of the intensity of palmar and plantar sweating in patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

J Bras Pneumol. 2012 Sep-Oct;38(5):573-8

Authors: Sakiyama BY, Monteiro TV, Ishy A, Campos JR, Kauffman P, Wolosker N

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare individuals with and without hyperhidrosis in terms of the intensity of palmar and plantar sweating.
METHODS: We selected 50 patients clinically diagnosed with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and 25 normal individuals as controls. We quantified sweating using a portable noninvasive electronic device that has relative humidity and temperature sensors to measure transepidermal water loss. All of the individuals had a body mass index of 20-25 kg/cm². Subjects remained at rest for 20-30 min before the measurements in order to reduce external interference. The measurements were carried out in a climate-controlled environment (21-24ºC). Measurements were carried out on the hypothenar region on both hands and on the medial plantar region on both feet.
RESULTS: In the palmoplantar hyperhidrosis group, the mean transepidermal water loss on the hands and feet was 133.6 ± 51.0 g/m²/h and 71.8 ± 40.3 g/m²/h, respectively, compared with 37.9 ± 18.4 g/m²/h and 27.6 ± 14.3 g/m²/h, respectively, in the control group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001 for hands and feet).
CONCLUSIONS: This method proved to be an accurate and reliable tool to quantify palmar and plantar sweating when performed by a trained and qualified professional.

PMID: 23147049 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

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

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]

November 11, 2018

Botulinum toxin therapy: its use for neurological disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Botulinum toxin therapy: its use for neurological disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

J Neurol. 2013 Mar;260(3):701-13

Authors: Dressler D

Abstract
Botulinum toxin (BoNT) has gained widespread use for the treatment of overactive muscles, overactive exocrine glands and, most recently, non-muscular pain conditions. Autonomic conditions treated with BoNT include achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi spasms, and unspecific esophageal spasms in gastroenterology and prostate disorders in urology. BoNT’s use for autonomic conditions related to neurology includes various forms of bladder dysfunction (detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, idiopathic detrusor overactivity, neurogenic detrusor overactivity, urinary retention and bladder pain syndrome), pelvic floor disorders (pelvic floor spasms and anal fissures), hyperhidrosis (axillary, palmar, and plantar hyperhidrosis, diffuse sweating, Frey’s syndrome) and hypersalivation (hypersalivation in Parkinsonian syndromes, motor neuron disease, neuroleptic use, and cerebral palsy). Hyperhidrosis, hypersalivation, some forms of bladder dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders can easily be treated by neurologists. Most bladder dysfunctions require cooperation with urology departments.

PMID: 22878428 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

[Clinical importance of CT-assisted sympathicolysis in primary, focal plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis].

[Clinical importance of CT-assisted sympathicolysis in primary, focal plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis].

Rofo. 2012 Jul;184(7):624-8

Authors: Scheer F, Wins A, Kamusella P, Wiggermann P, Wissgott C, Andresen R

Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefit of thoracic and lumbar computed tomographic-assisted sympathicolysis (CTSy) in patients with primary, focal hyperhidrosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thoracic and/or lumbar CTSy was conducted on 101 patients (average age 37.5 ± 15.5 years) with primary, focal hyperhidrosis of the hands and/or feet, who experienced persistent symptoms after all conservative treatment options had been exhausted. The patients were divided into groups with palmar, palmoplantar and plantar hyperhidrosis. The patients evaluated the severity of their symptoms prior to the intervention and 2 days, 6 months and 12 months after the intervention using a Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) and side effects.
RESULTS: The performed interventions led to a statistically significant decrease in the preinterventional severity of symptoms after the intervention (2 days), and 6 and 12 months after CTSy in the palmar, palmoplantar and plantar (p < 0.01) group. The technical success rate of CTSy was 100 %. No major complications occurred. Patients reported compensatory perspiration over the course of treatment, neuralgia and paraesthesia as side effects. The differentiated assessment of the strength of perspiration of the hands and feet showed statistically significant differences between the foot and hand region, whereby the decrease in sweat secretion of the feet was more significant and more lasting (p < 0.02).
CONCLUSION: After conservative measures have been exhausted, CT-assisted sympathicolysis represents a therapeutic option with minimal side effects for patients with primary, focal hyperhidrosis.

PMID: 22661390 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

Papillon-lefevre syndrome: a combined approach from the dermatologist and dentist – a clinical presentation.

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Papillon-lefevre syndrome: a combined approach from the dermatologist and dentist – a clinical presentation.

Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Nov;56(6):740-3

Authors: Muppa R, Prameela B, Duddu M, Dandempally A

Abstract
Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare disease characterized by skin lesions, which includes palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and hyperhidrosis with severe periodontal destruction involving both the primary and the permanent dentitions. It is transmitted as an autosomal-recessive condition, and consanguinity of parents is evident in about one-third of the cases. This paper describes a 13-year-old male patient who presented to the department of pedodontics, with rapidly progressing periodontitis. A general physical examination revealed scaling on the hands and feet, which had been medically diagnosed as PLS. The incidence of this rare entity is increasing in the recent times, which is associated with irreparable periodontal destruction at an early age, with not so prominent skin lesions in some cases. In such instances, the dentist has a more important role in diagnosing, treatment planning and preservation of the periodontal tissues and, at the same time, referring for the treatment of the skin lesions. This paper emphasizes the combined effort of the two specialities in order to maintain skin as well as dental conditions in health by early intervention and a synergistic treatment approach.

PMID: 22345785 [PubMed]

November 11, 2018

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of oxybutynin for the initial treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of oxybutynin for the initial treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

J Vasc Surg. 2012 Jun;55(6):1696-700

Authors: Wolosker N, de Campos JR, Kauffman P, Puech-Leão P

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy provides excellent resolution of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis but is associated with compensatory hyperhidrosis. Low doses of oxybutynin, an anticholinergic medication that competitively antagonizes the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, can be used to treat palmar hyperhidrosis with fewer side effects.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of oral oxybutynin at low doses (5 mg twice daily) compared with placebo for treating palmar hyperhidrosis.
METHODS: This was prospective, randomized, and controlled study. From December 2010 to February 2011, 50 consecutive patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with oxybutynin or placebo. Data were collected from 50 patients, but 5 (10.0%) were lost to follow-up. During the first week, patients received 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once daily in the evening. From days 8 to 21, they received 2.5 mg twice daily, and from day 22 to the end of week 6, they received 5 mg twice daily. All patients underwent two evaluations, before and after (6 weeks) the oxybutynin treatment, using a clinical questionnaire and a clinical protocol for quality of life.
RESULTS: Palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis improved in >70% of the patients, and 47.8% of those presented great improvement. Plantar hyperhidrosis improved in >90% of the patients. Most patients (65.2%) showed improvements in their quality of life. The side effects were minor, with dry mouth being the most frequent (47.8%).
CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin is a good initial alternative for treatment given that it presents good results and improves quality of life.

PMID: 22341836 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

November 11, 2018

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]

November 11, 2018

A review of the clinical phenotype of 254 patients with genetically confirmed pachyonychia congenita.

A review of the clinical phenotype of 254 patients with genetically confirmed pachyonychia congenita.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Oct;67(4):680-6

Authors: Eliason MJ, Leachman SA, Feng BJ, Schwartz ME, Hansen CD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a group of autosomal dominant keratinizing disorders caused by a mutation in one of 4 keratin genes. Previous classification schemes have relied on data from case series and case reports. Most patients in these reports were not genetically tested for PC.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to clarify the prevalence of clinical features associated with PC.
METHODS: We surveyed 254 individuals with confirmed keratin mutations regarding their experience with clinical findings associated with PC. Statistical comparison of the groups by keratin mutation was performed using logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: Although the onset of clinical symptoms varied considerably among our patients, a diagnostic triad of toenail thickening, plantar keratoderma, and plantar pain was reported by 97% of patients with PC by age 10 years. Plantar pain had the most profound impact on quality of life. Other clinical findings reported by our patients included fingernail dystrophy, oral leukokeratosis, palmar keratoderma, follicular hyperkeratosis, hyperhidrosis, cysts, hoarseness, and natal teeth. We observed a higher likelihood of oral leukokeratosis in individuals harboring KRT6A mutations, and a strong association of natal teeth and cysts in carriers of a KRT17 mutation. Most keratin subgroups expressed a mixed constellation of findings historically reported as PC-1 and PC-2.
LIMITATIONS: Data were obtained through questionnaires, not by direct examination. Patients were self- or physician-referred.
CONCLUSIONS: We propose a new classification for PC based on the specific keratin gene affected to help clinicians improve their diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, correct spurious associations, and improve therapeutic development.

PMID: 22264670 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]