The best approach to solving a complex problem is to take it one step at a time. Medical algorithms help physicians to do just that. They aid in diagnosis and in forming a treatment plan in a logical, sequential fashion. Based on solid scientific evidence, algorithms provide an explicit protocol for best results.

Since its inception in June 2003, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS) has been providing healthcare professionals with reliable, evidence-based, comprehensive treatment algorithms for the major forms of hyperhidrosis.  Now, we are pleased to announce that there have been so many advances in the understanding and treatment of excessive sweating in recent years that we’ve had to update our treatment algorithms. We couldn’t have asked for more gratifying work!

From sweaty palms, to sweaty feet; from facial and scalp sweating to all-over sweating; from food-related sweating to underarm sweating – the updated treatment algorithms reflect new data and techniques. For instance:

• There are now more options for local (specific body area) procedures to treat underarm excessive sweating including miraDry microwave technology and improved surgical techniques. These are outlined in the axillary algorithm.

• We’ve added a new algorithm for gustatory (food/eating-related) sweating, also known as Frey’s syndrome.

• The list of acceptable options for systemic/oral medications used to treat hyperhidrosis has been expanded and refined.

• Any algorithms that include onabotulinumtoxinA, antiperspirants, or iontophoresis indicate that a cycle of “trial and tweaks” to the treatment regimen should be completed before moving on to the next step in the algorithm.

• Combination therapies are encouraged. Such as adding anticholinergics to the water used in iontophoresis.

The entire team of world-renowned hyperhidrosis experts that comprise the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s Board of Directors was involved in the development of these updated treatment algorithms. Dr. Dee Anna Glaser (President and founding member of the IHHS and Professor of Dermatology and Vice Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine) as well as Dr. David Pariser (Secretary and founding member of the IHHS, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and 2009 President, American Academy of Dermatology) were, however, particularly crucial to the project. Their expertise in both medical literature and clinical practice has ensured that the algorithms are scientifically sound and day-to-day realistic.

Each of the algorithms may be accessed by healthcare providers and laypeople, alike, at SweatHelp.org.