Hyperhidrosis

Focal hyperhidrosis of axillae, palms or soles is a frequent, socially debilitating condition, triggered by various emotional stimuli. There are several treatment options such as local application of metal salts or tap water iontophoresis, which provide temporary relief for patients.

For most patients, antiperspirants containing aluminium salts are the first-line treatments. Other therapeutic options, especially for those with hyperhidrosis, include botulinum toxin injection, systemic anticholinergics, iontophoresis and surgery.

There are many forms of hyperhidrosis, affecting a large proportion of the general population. Although historically challenging to manage, more treatment options are available these days. The pros and cons of various treatments are discussed.

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by sweating in excess of the physiological needs to maintain thermal homeostasis. No formal definition exists but for practical purposes any degree of sweating that interferes with activities of daily living, can be viewed as hyperhidrosis. This disease is much more common than once thought and greatly impacts upon quality of life (QOL).

An overview and update of diagnostics and devices introduced in 2011: HPV RNA detection kit APTIMA® HPV Assay, HPV DNA detection kit cobas® HPV Test cobas® 4800 System, Microwave-based device (miraDry®) for hyperhydrosis and many more drugs and devices are covered.