Effects of a long-pulsed 800-nm diode laser on axillary hyperhidrosis: a randomized controlled half-side comparison study.

BACKGROUND

Generally, axillary hyperhidrosis (AH) is treated with antiperspirant agents, botulinum toxin, or local surgery. The effect of laser treatment on sweat secretion in patients with AH has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of diode laser epilation on the sweat rate of patients with AH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a randomized half-side controlled trial. Twenty-one patients were treated with 5 cycles of an 800-nm diode laser. Sweat rates were documented using gravimetry and a visual analogue scale. Histologic examination was performed in all patients before and after treatment.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in sweat rate was observed on the laser-treated (median 89 mg/min, range 42-208 mg/min vs 48 mg/min, range 17-119 mg/min; p < .001) and the untreated contralateral (median 78 mg/min, range 25-220 mg/min vs median 65 mg/min, range 24-399 mg/min; p = .04) sides, although no significant difference was found between the treated and untreated sides (p = .10).

CONCLUSION

Although we observed a significant decrease in sweat rate on laser-treated sites, laser epilation was not able to reduce the sweat rate significantly more than on the untreated contralateral side. These results probably indicate a placebo effect rather than a direct therapeutic effect of laser epilation.