A Review of Hyperhidrosis Treatment Methods

Abstract

Context: Hyperhidrosis is known to cause numerous individual and social problems with sweating more than the body’s physiological needs. Researchers have discussed the causes of this disease so far; however, factors such as heredity, nervous system defects, infections, and drugs have been introduced as the causes. Evidence Acquisition: Firstly, 127 articles were identified from different databases. After categorizing and removing duplicate papers and reviewing the abstracts and full texts, we selected 50 articles to review and include in this study. Results: Hyperhidrosis is a burdening disorder leading to physical and social problems. Hyperhidrosis patients are not able to efficiently use specific tools such as metallic and electronic devices. Limitations of this disorder show great concern about the performance of military personnel, too. Therapeutic methods such as topical antiperspirants, anticholinergic drugs, surgery, and Botox injections are the therapeutic measures used to treat this disease; each of these treatments is prescribed at different stages of the disease, and the effect of each is observed. Topical treatment is at the forefront of treatment methods for this disease, followed by oral anticholinergic drugs. Iontophoresis is one of the methods considered in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Besides surgery, Botox injection is one of the effective methods in treating this disease, especially in the palm. Conclusions: This review presents standard treatment methods used in treating hyperhidrosis with particular attention to iontophoresis as an engineering solution to solve health problems. Based on the severity of sweating and the region of hyperhidrosis incidents, there are different solutions to treat hyperhidrosis. Topical and anticholinergic therapies are the most common treatment options. However, there are other more effective treatment methods, such as iontophoresis and Botox delivery. Iontophoresis is effective and has a long-term effect on preventing sweating with fewer side effects. Suction curettage surgery is an invasive method to treat patients with hyperhidrosis.