Primary focal hyperhidrosis: current treatment options and a step-by-step approach

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Therapeutics

Background:

• Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a prevalent condition posing significant treatment challenges.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current treatment modalities for primary focal hyperhidrosis.
• To establish a step-by-step therapeutic approach for different hyperhidrosis types.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of treatment options for axillary, palmar, plantar, and craniofacial hyperhidrosis.
• Evaluation of evidence supporting non-surgical and surgical interventions.
• Assessment of the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) for severity evaluation.

Main Results:

• Non-surgical treatments (e.g., aluminum salts, anticholinergics, botulinum toxin A, iontophoresis) are well-supported by literature.
• Surgical options like suction curettage and sympathetic denervation offer definitive solutions for refractory cases.
• The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) is recommended for assessing hyperhidrosis severity.

Conclusions:

• Numerous effective treatment options exist to enhance the quality of life for hyperhidrosis patients.
• A structured approach, guided by severity assessment using HDSS, is essential for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
• Further research, including meta-analysis, is needed to standardize sympathetic denervation techniques.