What are the treatment options for hyperhidrosis?

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From the Research

Treatment for hyperhidrosis should start with topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate for axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, as it is a recommended first-line treatment. For axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin injections are recommended as second-line treatment, while for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis, a trial of oral medications such as glycopyrrolate (1-2 mg once or twice daily) is considered second-line therapy due to its low cost, convenience, and emerging literature supporting its excellent safety and reasonable efficacy 1.

  • Key treatment options for hyperhidrosis include:
    • Topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate
    • Botulinum toxin injections
    • Oral medications (glycopyrrolate or clonidine)
    • Iontophoresis
    • Surgery (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy)
  • The choice of treatment depends on the severity of hyperhidrosis, affected body areas, and patient preferences, with a focus on minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.
  • According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, updated therapeutic algorithms are proposed for each commonly affected anatomic site, with practical procedural guidelines 1.
  • Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that intradermal injection of botulinum toxin A is an effective and safe therapy for severe axillary hyperhidrosis, with 98% of patients recommending this therapy to others 2.

References

Research

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis.

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2011

Research

Botulinum toxin A for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

The New England journal of medicine, 2001

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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