Open Clinical Trial for Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of a Portable “Dry-Type” Iontophoretic Device in Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Palmar hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating on the palm. Although botulinum toxin is effective and safe treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, some patients require inexpensive, easy-to-use therapeutic modalities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a portable "dry-type" iontophoretic device for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three volunteers with idiopathic palmar hyperhidrosis were enrolled; 20 completed the study. METHODS: Participants were instructed to grasp the device with the left palm for 20 minutes once a day for 4 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was conducted during 4 weeks after termination of the treatment session. Sweat intensity, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), patient satisfaction assessment (PSA), and hydration capacitance were measured for evaluation of efficacy. Adverse effects were investigated for evaluation of safety. RESULTS: Statistically significantly greater improvement in IGA and hydration capacitance was achieved in the treated palm than in the untreated palm. Improvement in sweat intensity and PSA was not statistically significantly different in the treated and untreated palms. Two cases of mild local adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: The device is an effective therapeutic modality for palmar hyperhidrosis in addition to local injection of botulinum toxin, endoscopic sympathectomy, and conventional iontophoretic treatments.