Clinical analysis on the therapeutic efficacy of 20% aluminum chloride solution in primary hyperhidrosis

Background: A large number of therapeutic options are used for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. These include application of topical agents, iontophoresis, sympathectomy and recently botulium toxin injection. But, it should be desirable as first treatment to choice a simple, safe, and less expensive method that also proved to be effective. Objective: The aim of this study was to clinically prove 20% aluminum chloride solution to deserve to be the initial choice of treatment modality for primary hyperhidrosis. Methods: A total of 22 patients(mean age 24.1, male 3, female 19) with clinical diagnosis of primary hyperhidrosis were treated by 20% aluminum chloride solution. Until the desired degree of dryness was obtained, they were educated to apply everyday and thereafter, the agent would be applided as often as is necessary. By regular meeting including telephone interview we analyzed patient satisfaction and other clinical parameters such as application time at onset of desired dryness, applicaton interval to maintain the relief of symptoms, and side effects during various follow-up periods. Result: Aluminum chloride solution was effective not only in axillary hyperhidrosis but also in palmoplantar hyperhidrosis(patient satisfaction, axillae: excellent, 12 of 16(75%); good, 4(25%), palms or soles: excellent, 3 of 6(50%); good, 2(33%)). Applicaton interval to maintain the relief of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 days with mean 10 days. There were no significant complications(mild irritation 50%). Conclusion: Aluminum chloride solution is the simplest, safest and least expensive method for initial treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. And its effect could be maintainable for a relatively long-term period.