Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limb, in May 2014.
Description
Primary hyperhidrosis is characterised by excessive, bilateral sweating, most commonly affecting the axillae, palms, feet and face. It typically begins during childhood or adolescence, but can occur at any age and runs a chronic course. In a few people, symptoms can spontaneously improve over time. Excessive sweating can have a profound effect on quality of life, interfering with daily activities, and causing anxiety and embarrassment.
First-line management of primary hyperhidrosis includes lifestyle measures, such as avoiding known triggers, avoiding tight clothing and using antiperspirants (including aluminium chloride hexahydrate). Iontophoresis involves immersing the sites of hyperhidrosis in warm water (or a wet contact pad may be applied) through which a weak electric current is passed. It is suitable for the hands, feet, and less easily, the axillae. Oral medications used to treat hyperhidrosis include anticholinergics and antimuscarinics, beta-blockers, antihypertensives and anxiolytics. Another treatment option is botulinum-toxin A, delivered by multiple intradermal injections to the affected areas. If the hyperhidrosis fails to respond to conservative treatment, surgical options include local sweat-gland excision by subcutaneous curettage or tumescent liposuction, and sympathectomy. Sympathectomy involves dividing appropriate parts of the sympathetic chain beside the vertebral column: this removes the sympathetic drive that promotes sweating.
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance