Skin Hydration, Transepidermal Water Loss and Relation with Tinea Pedis in Patients with Primary Hyperhidrosis

Son, In Pyeong; Suk, Jang Mi; Park, Kui Young; Li, Kapsok; Kim, Beom Joon; Seo, Seong Jun; Kim, Myeung Nam; Hong, Chang Kwun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Primary hyperhidrosis (PHH) is the disease of production of excessive sweat mainly localized in palm, sole, and craniofacial area. The characteristics of the lesional skin and the relationship with fungal infection in patients with PHH are still not known in Korean literature.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to compare the skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in patients with PHH with those in control group and to determine the relation of PPH to tinea pedis.
METHODS
A prospective case-control study of patients with PHH was conducted. We have measured the skin hydration and TEWL on the skin of palm, sole and forehead in patients with PPH and those in control group. A total of 67 patients with PHH and 50 volunteers of control group were examined for the presence of tinea pedis. Information on the treatment history of tinea pedis were provided by means of reviewing the medical records.
RESULTS
Of 67 patients with PHH included, mean age was 28.1 years. Distributional patterns of PHH were palmoplantar (50.7%), isolated palmar (19.4%), isolated plantar (7.5%), and craniofacial (22.4%). Age at onset for palmoplantar HH (12.9+/-7.5 years) was significantly younger than that of craniofacial HH (26.8+/-10.5 years) (p < 0.05). Compared with the skin of those in control group, the values of the skin hydration and TEWL were significantly higher in the skin of patients with PHH. The risk of tinea pedis were increased in patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis compared with controls (Odds ratio: 2.44).
CONCLUSION
Skin physiological parameters of patients with PHH and normal subjects were evaluated by non-invasive skin bioengineering methods which show quantitative modifications in physiological conditions. On the basis of current data, we can expect great advances in the curative value for treatment in patients with PHH.