Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition where the body produces more sweat than needed to regulate temperature. This affects daily life, causing stress and limiting social and professional activities, especially when it occurs on the palms. Primary palmar hyperhidrosis has few effective treatment options, with current choices often causing discomfort, side effects, or high costs, highlighting a need for better solutions. This pilot study aims to evaluate a topical cyanoacrylate (TCA) antiperspirant as a new treatment option for adults with palmar hyperhidrosis. Participants will apply a cyanoacrylate polymer topically to the palms once or twice daily for one week. This polymer forms a flexible film over sweat pores, potentially reducing sweating quickly without damaging skin or grip. The study is open-label and single-site, involving about 30 adults aged 18 and older. After baseline screening, participants will use the treatment daily and be monitored for safety and sweat reduction effects over a total of four weeks, including a follow-up phone call. During the study, researchers will assess sweating severity using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), measure sweat production, and test grip strength. Participants will complete daily sweat severity ratings, and safety will be monitored throughout. The main goal is to see if the treatment safely reduces sweating severity and improves hand function. The study concludes with a phone survey at four weeks to gather final data on treatment effects and participant experience.

Researchers are evaluating a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to assist primary care providers in assessing skin conditions. This AI-powered dermatology image reference app works with a smartphone to provide reference images, helping providers make diagnoses using their medical training. The study aims to compare diagnoses made by primary care providers using the AI tool to those of a panel of dermatologists, considered the gold standard. The research is supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy and care in real-world clinical settings. The study involves primary care providers using the Belle AI tool, which analyzes images captured via a smartphone app and identifies over 2,000 skin conditions based on a large image database. Providers use the app during patient visits to capture images and receive differential diagnoses, which they review before making final decisions. After the initial visit, participants receive notifications to submit follow-up images using the app over a two-week period. Providers reassess diagnoses based on updated AI analysis, and follow-up visits may be scheduled or canceled depending on results. Providers receive training on the app and give feedback through surveys. Participants present with a primary dermatological complaint and consent to study procedures, including using the smartphone app to submit images. Researchers monitor diagnosis accuracy compared to a dermatology review committee consensus and assess economic impact and provider experience. The study lasts about 14 days per participant, with ongoing documentation in electronic medical records and continuous case review to determine care needs or resolution.

Researchers are exploring the role of TRPV1 nociceptors in the development of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by type-17 inflammation. This study aims to test whether blocking neuropeptide activity with botulinum toxin can reduce the harmful inflammation associated with HS. Participants will receive botulinum toxin treatment, with 50 units injected intradermally into lesional skin in 10 small injections per axilla. Skin punch biopsies will be collected before treatment and again 1 to 2 months after the injections. These samples will be analyzed using flow cytometry, transcriptomics, and microscopy to assess changes in immune cells and inflammation. During the study, participants will be closely monitored with skin biopsies to evaluate populations of dendritic cells, macrophages, and T cells before and after treatment. The primary outcome is measuring these immune cells 1 to 2 months post-treatment to understand the effect of botulinum toxin on skin inflammation. The study is observational and involves adult participants aged 18 to 75 with HS.

This research aims to explore the therapeutic effect of Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections in patients with trismus, a common side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The study evaluates how Botox injections combined with oral rehabilitation exercises may help reduce muscle tension and spasms in the masticatory muscles, potentially improving mouth opening, quality of life, trismus condition, and pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either echo-guided Botox injections or echo-guided normal saline injections into the masticatory muscles, including the medial pterygoid muscle. The study uses a triple-masked design to compare these treatments. The treatment period lasts up to six months, during which patients also perform oral rehabilitation exercises to support muscle function. During the trial, participants' maximal mouth opening will be measured from enrollment through the six-month treatment period. Researchers will also assess quality of life, trismus symptoms, and pain levels. The study monitors the patients' health conditions to ensure stability and safety throughout the treatment. Overall participation lasts at least six months, with close observation of treatment effects and any side effects.

This research aims to compare the effects of mandibular splint and Botox injection in the lateral pterygoid muscle on cervical muscle activity in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement, often caused by internal displacement of the joint's disc. The study addresses common chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions affecting the orofacial area, focusing on how different treatments may influence muscle activity in this population. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: Botox injection in the lateral pterygoid muscle combined with medications (muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); mandibular stabilization splint combined with the same medications; or medication treatment alone. Botox is prepared at a concentration of 10 units per 0.1 mL and injected into the affected muscle, while the splint is worn as a dental device to realign the jaw. The study period includes treatment and follow-up to assess outcomes over three months. During the study, researchers measure muscle activity in the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles three months after treatment. They evaluate amplitude and root mean square of muscle activity to assess treatment effects. Participants undergo regular monitoring, including assessments of symptoms and muscle function, with attention to safety and adherence. The total study duration extends from enrollment until three months post-treatment, with ongoing observation of cervical muscle activity changes.

This research aims to evaluate the overall effectiveness of Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (BTS) for people with Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive sweating on the palms, armpits, face, and soles. The study also looks at how BTS affects heart and lung function, the occurrence and severity of compensatory sweating, postoperative pain, complications, and quality of life for those with this condition. Participants will undergo BTS surgery with general anesthesia, where the sympathetic nerve chain is cut at different levels in the chest depending on group assignment. The groups include transection between thoracic ganglia T2-T4, T3-T4, or T2-T3. This is a prospective clinical study involving patients treated at Sohag University Hospital. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires before and after surgery to assess sweating severity, quality of life, pain levels, and compensatory sweating for up to three months. Heart and lung function tests will also be monitored. The main outcome is reduction of sweating severity immediately after surgery, with follow-up assessments to evaluate lasting effects and safety. Total participation lasts through the postoperative recovery and monitoring period.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) compared to intramuscular Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOTOX) injections in people with chronic migraine. Migraines are classified as primary headaches and involve complex nerve interactions. The study aims to compare these two treatments to better understand their effects on migraine pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving 2 ml of 2% lidocaine administered via a nasal applicator in each nostril as the sphenopalatine block, and the other receiving 100 units of Botulinum Toxin Type A injected at fixed sites. Both treatments are given once, and the study does not use masking or blinding. During the 12 weeks after treatment, participants will have their pain levels assessed to measure treatment impact. Researchers will also track the percentage of patients free from headache and the rate of headache relief. The study involves regular monitoring of symptoms and treatment effects over this period to evaluate and compare both interventions.