Comparative study of transepidermal water loss in patients with and without hyperhidrosis by closed-chamber measurer in an air-conditioned environment

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in transepidermal water loss in patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and healthy subjects, in an air-conditioned environment. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis and 20 healthy subjects were subjected to quantitative assessment using a closed-chamber device, in six previously established sites. RESULTS: The measurements showed different transepidermal water loss values for healthy subjects and patients with hyperhidrosis, especially in the hands and feet. In the Control Group, the median for the hands was 46.4g/m(2)/hour (p25: 36.0; p75: 57.6), while in the Hyperhidrosis Group, the median was 123.5g/m(2)/hour (p25: 54.3; p75: 161.2) – p<0.001. For the feet, the Control Group had a median of 41.5g/m(2)/hour (p25: 31.3; p75: 63.5) and the Hyperhidrosis Group, 61.2g/m(2)/hour (p25: 32.3; p75: 117) – p<0.02. Measurements of the axillas also showed differences. In the Control Group, the median was 14.8g/m(2)/hour (p25: 11.8; p75: 19.0) and, in the Hyperhidrosis Group, 83.5g/m(2)/hour (p25: 29.5; p75: 161.7) – p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Measuring transepidermal water loss is sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hyperhidrosis.