Open AccessClinical Evaluation of a Microwave Device for Treating Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Author(s) -
ChihHo Hong H.,
Lupin Mark,
O'Shaughnessy Kathryn F.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
dermatologic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.659
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1524-4725
pISSN - 1076-0512
DOI - 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02375.x
Subject(s) - hyperhidrosis , medicine , sweat , dermatology life quality index , quality of life (healthcare) , surgery , axilla , adverse effect , dermatology , breast cancer , nursing , cancer , psoriasis
Background A third‐generation microwave‐based device has been developed to treat axillary hyperhidrosis by selectively heating the interface between the skin and underlying fat where the sweat glands reside. Materials and Methods Thirty‐one (31) adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled. All subjects had one to three procedure sessions over a 6‐month period to treat both axillae fully. Efficacy was assessed using the H yperhidrosis D isease S everity S cale ( HDSS ), gravimetric weight of sweat, and the D ermatologic L ife Q uality I ndex ( DLQI ), a dermatology‐specific quality‐of‐life scale. Subject safety was assessed at each visit. Subjects were followed for 12 months after all procedure sessions were complete. Results At the 12‐month follow‐up visit, 90.3% had HDSS scores of 1 or 2, 90.3% had at least a 50% reduction in axillary sweat from baseline, and 85.2% had a reduction of at least 5 points on the DLQI . All subjects experienced transient effects in the treatment area such as swelling, discomfort, and numbness. The most common adverse event (12 subjects) was the presence of altered sensation in the skin of the arm that resolved in all subjects. Conclusion The device tested provided efficacious and durable treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis.