Hyperhidrosis: evolving concepts and a comprehensive review

Abstract

Hyperhidrosis (primary or secondary) describes a disorder of excessive sweating. It has a significant negative impact on quality of life and affects nearly 1% of the population living in the United Kingdom (UK). Axillary involvement is the most common affecting 80% of cases. A common link to these disorders is an extreme non-thermoregulatory sympathetic stimulus of exocrine sweat glands, mostly due to emotional stimuli. Non-surgical treatment involves topical medication, iontophoresis and systemic anti-cholinergics. More recently the use of intradermal botulinum toxin has gained popularity. Surgical treatment reserved for severe cases, not responding to conservative management involves local excision, curettage and thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Evolving concepts for treatment, risks and benefits are discussed in the paper herein.