Managing Hyperhidrosis

Treatment of severe axillary hyperhidrosis (HH) is limited to a few approved options. Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injections provide temporary, albeit effective reduction in axillary sweating. Several surgical techniques have been used effectively for many years, but the invasiveness, down time, and adverse effects of such procedures are not ideal. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a noninvasive microwave thermolysis device for axillary hyperhidrosis, which has shown long-term efficacy with minimal down time or adverse effects. Additionally, there is a real need for therapies targeting nonaxillary HH and secondary forms of HH such as those related to antidepressant medications and menopause. As newer technologies are developed and older technologies refined, there is a potential to develop more effective treatment options for HH.