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The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jan 30;:

Authors: Nawrocki S, Cha J

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is considered to be the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.

PMID: 30710603 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Bilateral brachial plexus injury after MiraDry® procedure for axillary hyperhidrosis: a case report.

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Bilateral brachial plexus injury after MiraDry® procedure for axillary hyperhidrosis: a case report.

World Neurosurg. 2019 Jan 28;:

Authors: Puffer RC, Bishop AT, Spinner RJ, Shin AY

Abstract
Multiple treatments are available for primary axillary hyperhidrosis, including non-invasive, microwave based thermal treatments designed to destroy sweat glands in the axilla. Often these procedures involve local anesthetic injection to the axilla, followed by placement of the microwave emitter onto the skin and applying the heat treatment to varying depths of the subcutaneous tissues. CASE REPORT: A 49-year old, thin and active woman (BMI 19.6) underwent microwave based treatment to the bilateral axillary regions. She experienced an electric sensation into the ulnar digits of the right hand during anesthetic injection, and then underwent the microwave thermal treatment. She suffered a bilateral brachial plexus injury with imaging evidence of severe, subcutaneous edema surrounding the nerves of the plexus in the axilla, as well as denervation atrophy of the arm and forearm muscles bilaterally. At the time of evaluation and EMG, 8 months after treatment, she had recovered significant strength in the left upper extremity, but continued to have evidence of a severe radial nerve injury on the right. EMG demonstrated some recovery and observation was recommended followed by secondary reconstruction if required. It is likely that the patient sustained thermal injury to the nerves in the axilla bilaterally, given the close proximity to the skin surface in a patient with a low BMI. CONCLUSION: In thin patients undergoing treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis, consideration should be given to the distal brachial plexus which may be at risk of damage with high powered microwave-based therapy.

PMID: 30703585 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

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The quality of life and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Jan-Mar;13(1):16-22

Authors: Hajjar WM, Al-Nassar SA, Al-Sharif HM, Al-Olayet DM, Al-Otiebi WS, Al-Huqayl AA, Hajjar AW

Abstract
Background: Hyperhidrosis is a functional disorder identified by excessive sweating. Its incidence is approximately 1% in any population. Bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (BETS) intervention is the definitive treatment of choice for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction rate of patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis before and after BETS surgery and the influence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) on patients’ QOL after surgery.
Settings and Design: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data.
Subjects and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study designed to generate longitudinal data pre- and postbilateral BETS prospectively. This study was conducted in the surgery department of University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hundred patients with upper limb hyperhidrosis who underwent BETS from 2014 to 2017 were included. A modified and validated QOL questionnaire for hyperhidrosis was completed by the patients themselves in order to compare the QOL for patients both before and after BETS. Patients’ satisfaction and the occurrence of CH were obtained postoperatively.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the SPSS® statistical package for social studies, version 22.0 (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA) for Windows®.
Results: A total of 100 patients completed the questionnaire; 94% of patients had a positive QOL outcome after the surgery. The mean decrease in QOL scores was -42.0 points toward better QOL. The site of sweating had a significant effect on the patients’ QOL before and after the surgery (P value < 0.001). Moreover, 76% of patients reported a high satisfaction rate.
Conclusion: Primary hyperhidrosis can negatively impair patients’ QOL in different domains. BETS showed to be an effective option for improving the QOL of patients and it provided both short- and long-term effectiveness in treating upper limb hyperhidrosis. CH did not interfere with the rate of patient satisfaction or their QOL postoperatively.

PMID: 30692883 [PubMed]

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Effectiveness of bilateral clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain for the treatment of severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.

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Effectiveness of bilateral clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain for the treatment of severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing.

Cir Esp. 2019 Jan 23;:

Authors: Fibla Alfara JJ, Molins López-Rodó L, Hernández Ferrández J, Guirao Montes Á

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Division of the thoracic sympathetic chain is the standard treatment for severe palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing. Clipping is an alternative option which allows the block to be reverted in cases of intolerable compensatory sweating.
METHODS: This is a prospective study performed to assess: a) results of clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain in patients with palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis and facial flushing; and b) to determine the improvement obtained after removal of the clip in patients with unbearable compensatory sweating. We included 299 patients (598 procedures) diagnosed with palmar hyperhidrosis (n=110), palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis (n=78), axillary hyperhidrosis (n=35), and facial flushing (n=76), who underwent videothoracoscopic clipping between 2007 and 2015.
RESULTS: 128 men and 171 women were treated, with mean age of 28 years. A total of 290 patients (97.0%) were discharged within 24hours. The procedure was effective in 92.3% (99.1% in palmar hyperhidrosis, 96,1% in palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis, 74.3% in axillary hyperhidrosis, and 86.8% in facial flushing). Nine patients (3%) presented minor complications. Compensatory sweating developed in 137 patients (45.8%): moderate in 113 (37.8%), severe in 16 (5.3%) and unbearable in 8 (2.7%). The clip was removed in these 8 patients; symptoms improved in 5 (62.8%), with sustained effect on hyperhidrosis in 4 of them.
CONCLUSIONS: Clipping of the thoracic sympathetic chain is an effective and safe procedure. If incapacitating compensatory sweating develops, this technique allows the clips to be removed with reversion of symptoms in a considerable number of patients.

PMID: 30685056 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

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Topical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, Part 1.

Int J Pharm Compd. 2019 Jan-Feb;23(1):23-31

Authors: Zur E

Abstract
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, localized, uncontrollable, excessive, and unpredictable sweating beyond what is necessary to regulate body temperature. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to affect approximately 2% to 3% of the population, and its effect on a patient’s quality of life is very significant. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can be managed using various therapeutic options, including drugs (topical and systemic), nonsurgical interventions (e.g., iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections), and surgery. This article, which is presented in 2 parts, is a comprehensive review of the topical, evidence-based treatments of primary focal hyperhidrosis, and it covers the following active pharmaceutical ingredients: aluminum salts, methenamine, glycopyrronium salts, oxybutynin chloride; the latter 2 ingredients will be discussed in part 2 of this article. This article discusses the evidence-based data that exists from clinical trials that support the use of topical medications to treat the pathology from efficacy and from a safety point of view. This review also discusses compounding considerations for professionally and safely compounding various topical preparations. In addition, a range of relevant formulas are attached to the article and can be used by compounding pharmacists.

PMID: 30668532 [PubMed – in process]

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A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

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A Retrospective Analysis of the use of Tap Water Iontophoresis for Focal Hyperhidrosis at a District General Hospital: The Patients’ Perspective.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2019 Jan 16;:1-9

Authors: Gollins CE, Carpenter A, Steen C, Bulinski H, Mahendran R

Abstract
Tap water iontophoresis as a treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, is given as an initial series of treatments in hospital followed by home maintenance treatments. Our study assessed quality of life and perception of hyperhidrosis with the use of iontophoresis. All patients treated with iontophoresis at our hospital from 2012 – 2017 were retrospectively assessed (n = 82, mean age 34 years; 60% female). 50 of the 82 patients (mean age 34 years; 60% female) had a pre-treatment DLQI (mean 12.6). Twenty three of these patients (mean age 33 years; 60% female) had a paired pre- and post-treatment DLQI recorded. The average DLQI pre-treatment was 14.1 and post-treatment was 2.2. Therefore, the average reduction (improvement) was 11.9 (p < 0.05). 38 of the 82 patients (46%) completed a telephone interview (mean age 35 years; 65% female). Of this cohort, 24 had an improvement in HDSS following treatment, and the remaining 14 patients had no change. 9 patients (24%) bought their own iontophoresis machine. In these patients, there was a higher average improvement in HDSS (1.8), compared to the total interviewed cohort (1.0). In conclusion tap water iontophoresis can result in a significant improvement in perceived severity of hyperhidrosis and quality of life.

PMID: 30646797 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

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Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

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Examining hyperhidrosis: an update on new treatments.

Am J Manag Care. 2018 Dec;24(23 Suppl):S496-S501

Authors: Jacob CI

Abstract
Primary hyperhidrosis is a debilitating condition that causes significant distress and financial burden for affected patients, triggering them to seek medical care for their excessive sweating. Once a diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis has been established, treatment is initiated to help control sweat production and increase quality of life. While there are no current guidelines in the United States for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, there are International Hyperhidrosis Society guidelines that clinicians can use. Currently, a step-therapy approach with the least invasive treatments prioritized first is recommended; the patient’s reported disability should also be taken into consideration when selecting a first-line treatment. This update will discuss new treatment modalities, surgical procedures, associated comorbidities, and the impact on managed care of hyperhidrosis, so clinicians can tailor therapy, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.

PMID: 30589249 [PubMed – in process]

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Hyperhidrosis and its impact on those living with it.

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Hyperhidrosis and its impact on those living with it.

Am J Manag Care. 2018 Dec;24(23 Suppl):S491-S495

Authors: Lenefsky M, Rice ZP

Abstract
Sweating plays a vital role for humans. However, excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, is a condition resulting in sweating beyond what is physiologically necessary. The increased rate of sweating is not caused by external stimuli or temperature fluctuations, as with an individual without hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis affects approximately 4.8% of Americans. Primary hyperhidrosis, a specific classification of the disease, primarily affects younger adults aged 18 to 39 years, and it often has a genetic component. Living with hyperhidrosis presents many challenges and impacts numerous aspects of daily life. Patients with hyperhidrosis are impacted in their social and professional lifestyles, as well as their mental and emotional health. These negative effects, which have been studied, lead to a lower quality of life (QOL) in this population. Additionally, constant moisture from sweating can lead to skin maceration. This increases the risk of skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and more severe conditions such as bacterial infections or pitted keratolysis. Study results report a nearly 30% greater risk of skin infections in patients with hyperhidrosis compared with healthy controls. This section of the continuing education supplement will examine the pathophysiology and clinical severity of hyperhidrosis and identify the comorbidities and QOL challenges associated with this condition.

PMID: 30589248 [PubMed – in process]

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Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

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Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Associated With Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment for Excessive Sweating.

Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Dec 09;:

Authors: Cohen SR, Goodacre AK, Leong TS, Southwell L, Nomachi T

Abstract
Background: Primary excessive sweating of the axilla affects approximately 3.12% of the US population and has a negative impact on individuals’ lives.
Objectives: We report the safety and effectiveness up to 90 days after treating excessive sweating with percutaneous radiofrequency when using a standardized protocol.
Methods: Twenty adult subjects (13 females, 7 males) aged 18-49 years with excessive sweating were enrolled in a single-center, single-treatment unblinded prospective study conducted at the FACES+ Aesthetic Facility. Forty axilla were treated using the ThermiGen ThermiRF device. The Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and the Odor Scale (OS) were used for qualitative assessment.
Results: Primary and secondary exploratory evaluations were favorable at 90 days, indicating a significant improvement in quality of life and a significant reduction in both sweating and odor. The DLQI demonstrated an average improvement of 10.8 points at day 30, 10.7 at day 60, and 11.1 at day 90 (P = 0.0001). At day 90, 100% of individuals had ≥50% improvement in their excessive sweating based on the HDSS. At the conclusion of the study, 15 subjects had a ≥1-point drop in their OS, whereas 5 subjects had no change (P = 0.0002). There were no serious adverse events reported during this study. All adverse events were classified as mild and moderate and resolved within 2 months.
Conclusions: The addition of the ThermiRF temperature-controlled radiofrequency device to the algorithm of hyperhidrosis treatments reduces sweating and odor with minimal downtime.
Level of Evidence 4:

PMID: 30535166 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]