Evaluation of Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis Undergoing Treatment with a Microwave Device: One-year Follow-up.

Hyperhidrosis is associated with social and emotional stress, affecting quality of life. Microwave energy technology treats primary axillary hyperhidrosis by thermolysis of sweat glands. The successful reduction of sweating in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis after microwave treatment has been studied, but there is limited evidence on the psychological and long-term effects. This study examined patient- reported outcome measures including depression and anxiety in patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis and the effect of microwave therapy on these parameters. Patients received 1 or 2 microwave-based treatments, within 3-month intervals. All patients were finally examined at approximately 1 year after the first treatment using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life©, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale©. A total of 103 individuals with primary axillary hyperhidrosis were included in the study, with a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale score of 3 or 4. Statistically significant improvement in quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores were observed at 1-year follow-up. The primary endpoint, Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale of 2 or less 1 year after the first treatment, was achieved by 88.2% of patients. No serious adverse side effects were observed.

Comparison of Microwave-Based Therapy and Negative-Pressure Suction-Curettage for Axillary Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis are common clinical diseases, affecting the patients' work and life. Negative-pressure suction-curettage is the most popular treatment now, but challenged by a new microwave-based therapy (MiraDry). We intend to compare the safety and efficiency of the 2 treatments. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 39 female patients with both primary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis was conducted. Seventeen patients were treated with MiraDry, and 22 underwent negative-pressure suction-curettage. The postoperative follow-up program included sweat and odor assessments, satisfaction measurement, safety evaluation, and recurrence assessment at different time points until 12 months. RESULTS: Both treatments showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in HDSS score and odor level at 6 and 12 months compared with the baseline. No significant difference in relative reduction was observed between the 2 groups. The satisfaction score of the microwave-based therapy group was higher than that of the negative-pressure suction-curettage group, but no statistical difference was found. The difference in the recurrence rate and complication rate between the groups did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Microwave-based therapy is a noninvasive treatment with durable effects, low risks, shorter downtime, good appearance, and high satisfaction for axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis.

Self-reported clinical features and treatment effectiveness of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome patients from five Latin American countries: A cross-sectional online survey study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Most studies about Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) are limited to case reports and patients of the same nationality. This study aimed to determine the self-reported prevalence of signs, symptoms and treatment effectiveness in PLS patients from five Latin American countries. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among adult and paediatric patients from Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Brazil. Data were collected using multiple-choice, open-ended and image-chooser questions on demographics, signs and symptoms, perceived treatment effectiveness and quality of life. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (10 males and 7 females) aged 4-47 years were surveyed. All had palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Other affected sites were the feet and hand dorsum (82.35%), Achilles tendon (88.24%), forearms (58.82%), legs (29.41%) and glutes (23.53%). They frequently presented hyperhidrosis and nail pitting. Four had a history of delayed umbilical cord separation. All used topical treatments, with moderate effectiveness; half used oral retinoids, perceived as highly effective. Most reported decreased quality of life and walking difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The study's results align with prior research on PLS, but reveal new insights, including the impact on patients' quality of life and a history of delayed umbilical cord separation. These findings warrant consideration in future research and patient care.

The application of microwaves in axillary hyperhidrosis: Curative effect observation of a pathological examination over 1 year.

BACKGROUND: In Asia, axillary hyperhidrosis is a frequent problem for many people, and the consequent excessive sweating can seriously affect many aspects of daily life and even lead to mental disorders. Microwave therapy is a new, non-invasive treatment method for axillary hyperhidrosis, whose energy and long-term effectiveness still needs to be clinically validated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, histological changes, and psychological status of microwave devices in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. METHOD: We conducted a prospective self-controlled study in a top-tier Chinese hospital. After a 5/5 energy treatment session, a skin biopsy was taken to observe histological changes both before and after treatment. An iodine starch test was used to determine the sweating range. We evaluated symptoms of improved efficacy using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and assessed changes in life status with the DLQI. In the case of concurrent underarm odor, odor-5, VAS, and Young-Jin Park grading were used to assess odor relief. The effect of odor on psychology was assessed by using a psychological status symptom checklist (scl-90). The study period was 1 year. RESULTS: We observed 20 patients in this study. Of those, 90% met the primary treatment endpoint of a decrease in axillary hyperhidrosis symptomatology to below grade 2 on the HDSS score (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75% of patients achieved a treatment endpoint of at least 50% reduction in VAS (p < 0.001). 70% of patients achieved a treatment endpoint of at least 50% reduction in odor-5 (p < 0.001). The iodine starch test showed that the region decreased 99% from the baseline to 12 months after follow-up had ended (p < 0.001). Eight patients volunteered to undergo histological examination; their average light density of immunohistochemistry decreased from 1.04 (0.4-2.11) to 0.07 (0.04-0.46; p < 0.05). The immunohistochemical positive number for sweat glands was initially 104 (59.75-132.5) but was 41.5 (29.75-62) after the procedure. None of the patients experienced any serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: The treatment demonstrated high effectiveness, safety, and short-lived adverse reactions.

Compensatory Hyperhidrosis After Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: Two-Year Single-Centered Prospective Study From Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PH) can be managed by a wide range of medical and surgical modalities. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is a well-documented complication of surgical treatment. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) in PH patients after nonsurgical treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX- A) or iontophoresis. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a unicentric prospective study on PH patients from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan. PH patients were evaluated after 1-month of nonsurgical treatment. Patients who developed CH were re-assessed after 3-6 months through a telephone-based interview. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients with PH who underwent nonsurgical treatment with iontophoresis or botulinum toxin were recruited. Twenty-four (27.9%) patients developed subjective CH. It was mild in (75%), moderate in (21%), and severe in (4%) of patients affected, it was self-limiting within a few months in all patients. Patients with CH did not differ significantly in demographic or clinical variables from patients who did not develop CH except at the site of PH (p value = .05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that more than quarter (27.9%) of patients with PH may develop minor compensatory sweating, however this didn't affect satisfaction with treatment.

Hyperhidrosis: A targeted literature review of the disease burden.

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic skin condition characterized by excessive sweating. It poses a burden on affected people, reducing their quality of life and productivity. We undertook a targeted literature review (TLR) to gather current evidence on the epidemiology as well as the human and economic burden posed on patients with hyperhidrosis. Searches were performed in Medline database (access via OVID interface) and ICHUSHI database. Articles published between January 2000 and September 2020 that analyzed at least 50 patients were included. Sixty-four publications were identified and 38 publications covering a unique domain were selected to inform this TLR. The incidence of hyperhidrosis ranged from 0.13% in the UK to 0.28% in the USA, with a higher rate in females. The prevalence of hyperhidrosis varied from 2.8%-4.8% in the US general population to 18.40% in Chinese inpatients, while the prevalence of axillary hyperhidrosis varied from 1.4% in the US general population to 5.75% in Japanese employees/students. Due to excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis was reported to be a moderate-to-extreme limitation at work for the US patients, with 33.5% feeling unhappy. Patients' satisfaction was high post-treatment. Considerable costs were related to the treatment with botulinum toxin and surgery. Hospital stays for surgery lasted from 10 h to 3 days. The percentage of patients who sought a medical consultation varied from 6.3% for Japanese patients with primary focal hyperhidrosis to 51% for the US general population with any type of hyperhidrosis. There is limited evidence of the hyperhidrosis burden, particularly among Japanese patients; however, the burden was high and limited patients' daily functioning. Future actions should include implementation of educational programs to raise awareness of the condition, conduct of larger studies, and generation of more evidence. Understanding the nature of hyperhidrosis and the burden it poses is of utmost importance.

A single session of high-energy microwave axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis therapy: Key pretherapeutic assessment and outcome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microwave therapy is used to treat axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. Even while a "danger zone" has been identified and reports of potential complications from nerve injury have been made, there has been little real-world discussion regarding whether there is any pretreatment evaluation key factor that may lower the risk. Furthermore, the efficacy of a single treatment and the safety of high-energy therapies have not been well investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the key aspects of pre-therapeutic assessment, efficacy, and suitability of a single treatment, as well as the safety of high-energy treatments. METHODS: Fifteen patients with axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) and axillary osmidrosis (AO) between ages of 20 and 50 had pretherapeutic ultrasonography and clinical assessments performed followed by a single-pass microwave treatment using the miraDry system at energy level 5. The severity of AH and AO was evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale and Odor-10 scale, respectively, at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment. Adverse reactions were recorded at each point of evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 30 treatment areas, 14 have a danger zone. Female gender, a small mid-upper arm circumference, and a low body mass index (BMI) are all associated risk factors. The average Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale score decreased from 3.1 ± 0.7 to 1.3 ± 0.5 (p < 0.001), while the odor-10 score declined from 7.1 ± 1.6 to 3.0 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001), indicating a significant improvement in AH and AO. Most of the unfavorable treatment effects disappeared within the first month. LIMITATIONS: This study has no objective quantitative measurement of axillary odor severity and sweat assessment. CONCLUSION: Female patients, those with a smaller mid-upper arm circumference, and those with a low BMI should be treated with extra caution, and the tumescent anesthetic dose may be increased based on safety. A high-energy microwave treatment procedure performed in a single session is a safe and effective therapeutic option with good recovery.

Bromhidrosis treatment modalities: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for Bromhidrosis include botulinum toxin therapy, microwave-based therapy, laser therapy, and surgical intervention. Limited studies compare their efficacies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this literature review is to compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments for bromhidrosis. METHODS: A PubMed search included terms bromhidrosis and bromhidrosis AND treatment. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles were reviewed. Botulinum toxin therapy shows consistent benefit but requires repeated therapies. Microwave therapies have shown promising results but require larger cohort sizes with bromhidrosis. Similarly, laser therapy has shown promise with biopsy-proven results, but long-lasting effects remain unknown. Surgery has the best long-term prognosis, but the ideal surgical method remains unknown. LIMITATIONS: Each study varied in their treatment interval and method of assessing bromhidrosis, making direct comparisons difficult. CONCLUSIONS: Managing bromhidrosis requires shared decision making with the patient. Mild-to-moderate symptoms may be treated initially with botulinum toxin therapy. In cases that are refractory, laser therapy should be considered, as it is better studied than microwave therapy currently. Lastly, if the condition is severe and refractory to other options, surgery can be considered, although the ideal method remains unknown.

Impact of microwave thermolysis energy levels on patient-reported outcomes for axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Microwave thermolysis (MWT) is an emerging treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis reducing both sweat and odor. No prior studies have investigated and compared the different available energy settings of the MWT device. This study evaluated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis following MWT treatment with two different energy levels. METHODS: Twenty adults with axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis reported sweat on Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity scale (HDSS: 1-4) and odor on Odor scale (OS: 1-10), respectively, supplemented by overall Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI: 0-30). This was a prospective, randomized, patient-blinded and intraindividually controlled study with 3 months follow-up (FU). Randomization comprised MWT treatment of one axilla with a standard medium energy setting (energy level 3) and the contralateral axilla with a standard high energy setting (energy level 5). RESULTS: At baseline, patients reported substantial sweat and odor, negatively affecting their quality of life. At 3 months FU, PROMs showed improved quality of life with significantly reduced odor and sweat. Overall DLQI was reduced from a median of 10 to 4, with a median 6.5-point reduction (p = 0.0002). HDSS was reduced from a median of 4 to 2 on both sides, with a median reduction of 1 for medium energy level and 2 points for high energy level (p = 0.014). OS was reduced from a median of 8 to 3 for both energy levels, with a median reduction of 3.5 and 4.5 points for the medium and high energy level, respectively (p = 0.017). Local skin reactions were mild and transient, but slightly more pronounced following treatment with the high energy level. CONCLUSION: MWT effectively improved patients' quality of life, axillary sweat, and odor 3 months after on baseline treatment. Treatment with the high energy level presented a subtle but significant increase of efficacy based on PROMs for both sweat and odor. Patients were willing to accept a higher amount of temporary local skin reactions from a higher energy setting when experiencing greater odor and sweat reduction.

A Pilot Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of a Novel Device in Subjects With Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: One-third of U.S. adults are bothered by excessive sweating and 5% suffer from hyperhidrosis, both of which negatively affect quality-of-life (QoL). A single-use disposable patch using the novel targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT) technology is being developed to address this condition. OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy and safety of the TAT patch for the treatment of excessive sweating using a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) scores of 3 or 4 ( n = 16) were treated with an active or sham patch for up to 3 minutes (as established in a previous unpublished feasibility study) and evaluated weekly for 6 weeks post-treatment. The primary effectiveness measure was improved HDSS at Week-4. RESULTS: The study met its objective. For the primary efficacy measure, 83% of TAT-treated subjects reported HDSS scores of 1 or 2 at Week-4 versus 0% of sham-treated subjects ( p = .0032). Furthermore, 67% of TAT-treated subjects had a 2-point improvement in HDSS scores versus 0% of sham-treated subjects ( p = .0123). Quality-of-life improvement correlated with HDSS. The TAT patch seemed to be well-tolerated; one transient moderate adverse event that resolved without sequelae was reported. CONCLUSION: The TAT patch successfully demonstrated efficacy and was well-tolerated.

Potential use of microwave technology in dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Microwaves are used in medicine for diagnostics, and treatment of cancer. Recently, novel microwave devices (Swift®, Emblation Ltd, UK and miraDry®, Miramar Labs Inc., CA) have been cleared by the FDA and Health Canada for various dermatological conditions. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To review the dermatological use of microwave-based treatments (plantar warts, corns, actinic keratosis, dermatophytosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, osmidrosis, and hidradenitis suppurativa). Clinical trials, case reports, or in vitro studies for each condition are summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Microwaves are a promising alternative therapy for cutaneous warts, actinic keratosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, and osmidrosis, with favorable safety profiles. However, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have had negative clinical outcomes. Limited treatment of corns showed good pain reduction but did not resolve hyperkeratosis. A preliminary in vitro study indicated that microwave treatment inhibits the growth of T. rubrum. We present the first case of toenail onychomycosis successfully treated with microwaves. Despite the advancements in the use of microwaves, the mechanism of action in non-ablative treatment is not well understood; further research is needed. More high-quality randomized clinical trials with larger groups and long follow-up periods are also required to evaluate the clinical benefits and possible adverse effects of microwaves in treating dermatological conditions.

Comparison of Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Microwave and Surgery in the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: A microwave-based device is a newly developed method for treating axillary osmidrosis. Few studies have compared the difference between microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage for axillary osmidrosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term effectiveness, complications, and recurrence of osmidrosis after microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Medical records of 155 patients with osmidrosis treated with microwave therapy or subcutaneous curettage were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, visual analog scale for odor, hyperhidrosis disease scale, complications, and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Osmidrosis improved significantly in both treatment groups at 6 months. Effective improvement was observed in 90% and 23% of the patients in the surgery and microwave groups, respectively, after 3 years postoperatively. The recurrence rates were 39% and 21% in the microwave and surgery groups, respectively. The transient complication rate was higher in the microwave group, and long-term complications only occurred in the surgery group. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous curettage is a more effective approach for axillary osmidrosis. However, microwave therapy is recommended for patients with cosmetic concerns.

Treatment of Axillary hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Axillary hyperhidrosis characterized by excessive sweating in the axillary regions is a frustrating chronic autonomic disorder leading to social embarrassment, impaired quality of life and usually associated with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Identifying the condition and its cause is central to the management. AIM: The aim of this article is to discuss treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: Comprehensive literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to review relevant published articles related to diagnosis and treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. RESULTS: Treatment modalities for axillary hyperhydrosis vary from topical and systemic agents to injectables, newer devices and surgical measures. None except for physical measures using devices or surgery, which destroys the sweat glands to remove them, is possibly permanent and most are associated with attendant side effects. CONCLUSION: Several treatments including medical and surgical option are available for the treatment of axillary hyperhydrosis. Patient education is important component of its management. Individualized approach of management is necessary for optimal outcome of treatment.

Treatment of axillary bromhidrosis in adolescents by combining electrocauterization with ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A injection.

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of treatment-combined electrocauterization after removal of apocrine sweat glands with ultrasound-guided (BOTOX) injection for adolescents with axillary bromhidrosis. From January 2015 to January 2018, 90 adolescents with axillary bromhidrosis were recruited and randomly divided into three groups (group A, B, and C). Patients in group A underwent electrocauterization after removal of apocrine sweat glands, patients in group B received ultrasound-guided BOTOX injection, and patients in group C had electrocauterization after the removal of apocrine sweat glands followed by ultrasound-guided BOTOX administration after two weeks. All patients were followed up for one year. The percentages of axillary malodor score at twelve months after treatments compared with pre-operation for group A, group B, and group C were 20.2%, 27.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. Significant statistical differences were observed in changes of axillary malodor score among the three groups at three, six, nine and twelve months postoperatively. Satisfaction rates of group A, group B, and group C were 90.0%, 93.3%, and 96.7%, respectively. The side effects after surgery in group A were similar to group C, and no side effect was observed in group B. One-year postoperative scar formation rate of group A was 16.7%, which was significantly higher than that of group B (0) and group C (6.66%). Combination of electrocauterization after removal of apocrine sweat glands with ultrasound-guided BOTOX injection showed better treatment effects.

Management of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: An Algorithmic Approach.

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is defined as perspiration beyond the level required to maintain temperature regulation. HH affects nearly 4.8% of the population in the United States. It can have a great impact on patient’s quality of life by disturbing daily activity, performance, confidence, social interactions, and mental health. In the majority of patients with HH (93%), the etiology of excess sweating is idiopathic, which classifies it as primary focal HH. Mild HH may be controlled with topical antiperspirants and lifestyle modifications. Based on the location of involvement, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin may be considered if the patient does not respond to topical therapies. Despite minimizing sweating, chronic use of systemic anticholinergics, in particular oxybutynin, may result in detrimental adverse effects such as dementia. Local surgery, radiofrequency, microwave, and lasers are other potential modalities for HH. Sympathectomy can be a last resort for the treatment of focal HH of the palmar, plantar, axillary, and craniofacial areas after failure of less invasive therapeutic options. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search in the PubMed electronic database to summarize an algorithmic approach for the treatment of HH. This can help broaden options for managing this difficult disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 20(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.5774.

Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) in various dermatologic conditions. However, the efficacy and safety of RFMN, and how it compares with other energy-based devices in a clinician's armamentarium, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To review higher-quality evidence supporting RFMN and the dermatologic conditions which it can be used in. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 13, 2020, using the terms: "radiofrequency microneedling" OR "fractional radiofrequency" OR "radiofrequency needling" OR "radiofrequency percutaneous collagen induction." Only randomized, split body or blinded studies with original data on humans were included. Non-English or non-dermatology-related studies were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-two higher-quality studies were included after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 14 studies for skin rejuvenation, 7 for acne scars, 6 for acne vulgaris, 5 each for striae and axillary hyperhidrosis, 2 for melasma, and 1 each for rosacea, cellulite, and androgenetic alopecia. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective intervention that can be used repeatedly and safely in combination with other treatment modalities and in individuals with darker skin phototypes. Radiofrequency microneedling-induced dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis are slow and progressive but continue to improve even 6 months after treatment.

Microwave Thermolysis Reduces Generalized and Social Anxiety in Young Adults With Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis (HH) is associated with impairments in quality of life (QOL) and elevated anxiety. Microwave thermolysis is a newer treatment that reduces sweating, yet effects on QOL and emotional symptoms have not been examined. Two treatment sessions are recommended to achieve 80% amelioration of clinical HH. We hypothesized that microwave thermolysis would reduce sweat severity, improve QOL, and reduce anxiety in young adults suffering from axillary HH in a prospective clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 24 young adults (mean age = 23.57 years, 54% female) with elevated scores on the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale. All participants received one session of microwave thermolysis, and 83% received two sessions. Participants completed measures of sweat severity, QOL, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, social avoidance, and anxious/depressive mood symptoms at baseline; post-first treatment; and following second treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, all participants had severe sweating; 87.5% had impaired QOL, 75% had elevated social anxiety, 50% with generalized anxiety, 48% with social avoidance, and 38% with anxious/depressed mood. Paired samples t tests indicated significant improvements from baseline to first procedure, including decreased sweating (t(21) = 5.68, P < 0.001), improved QOL (t(23) = 4.97, P < 0.001), and decreased generalized anxiety (t(23) = 8.11, P < 0.001), social anxiety (t(22) = 4.55, P < 0.001), mood symptoms (t(21) = 3.81, P = 0.001), and social avoidance (t(22) = 3.12, P = 0.005). After second treatment, further improvements were noted in sweating (t(18) = 3.28, P = 0.004) and QOL (t(18) = 3.83, P = 0.003), and a marginal trend for generalized anxiety (t(19) = 1.96, P = 0.064). CONCLUSION: There were significant improvements in sweat severity, skin-specific QOL, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, anxious/depressive symptoms, and social avoidance. The majority of the psychosocial benefit appears to emerge after one treatment of microwave thermolysis, whereas the level of sweat severity and QOL continued to show further improvements after a second treatment. Results would suggest that although two microwave thermolysis sessions are needed for maximal treatment optimization of axillary HH, patients may experience significant benefits in improving psychosocial functioning after just one session. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Axillary Osmidrosis: Past, Present, and Future.

Axillary osmidrosis is characterized by offensive odor resulting from bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretions in the axillae, and individuals with axillary osmidrosis suffer detrimental effects to their psychosocial functioning. We searched the literature in January 2019 for all English-language publications discussing axillary osmidrosis to identify previous reports, present trends, and emerging treatments. Studies were listed chronologically by the country of the first author's institution. Publications were also classified regarding the study type (literature review), pathophysiology, and treatments. We identified 133 publications on axillary osmidrosis, and of these, 120 were from East-Asian countries. Before 1990, there were only 9 publications, but after 2000, publications increased in number. One hundred of 133 reports discussed treatment, namely, 39 reports on suction curettage, 28 reports on open surgery, and 8 reports on subdermal laser. Other studies focused on the pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis. This literature review revealed unique trends in the identified studies. Because control of axillary odor is a universal subject, the etiology and pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis have been studied throughout the world and are clearly described. However, almost all studies of surgical treatments have been performed in East-Asian countries. After the year 2000, various surgical and nonsurgical treatments, namely, laser therapy and suction curettage, have been attempted. Emerging treatments for axillary osmidrosis include ethanol injections, microwave therapy, and microneedle radiofrequency technologies; however, further studies of these treatments are needed.