Hyperhidrosis is an extremely under-diagnosed and underappreciated condition, perhaps because patients are often embarrassed to discuss it, or because society views it as more of a nuisance than pathology. Regardless, as we were reminded by David Pariser, MD, hyperhidrosis is extremely common, affecting almost 3% of the United States population.
After providing an epidemiologic overview of the condition and discussing its far-reaching implications (it might have cost Richard Nixon the 1960 Presidential election!), Dr. Pariser led a discussion of potential treatment options. In a very clear and logical breakdown of potential therapies, we were treated to an in-depth discussion of non-invasive, minimally invasive, and surgical modalities.
Rather than simply list potential treatment options, Dr. Pariser dug to the core of mechanistic details, even for often-overlooked therapies such as antiperspirant use. He also provided clinical pearls for each treatment. We were also treated to a preview of new topical therapies that are on the horizon, such as glycopyrronium tosylate wipes, sofpironium bromide gel, oxybutynin gel, and topical botulinum toxin therapy.
After discussing these non-invasive therapies, Dr. Pariser detailed more invasive options such as iontophoresis, microwave thermolysis, botulinum toxin injection, and sympathectomy. Through Dr. Pariser’s expertise, we received an excellent review of a very challenging condition.