Craniofacial hyperhidrosis: clinical characteristics and response to treatment in a cohort of 97 patients treated with oral oxybutynin.

The term craniofacial hyperhidrosis (HH) refers to HH that affects the face and/or scalp. Few studies have focused on this specific location, and even fewer distinguish between the two areas. Our study aims are to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with craniofacial HH, specifying whether the condition affects the scalp, face or both, and to compare these cases with those recorded at other locations. As secondary objectives, we determine the effectiveness and adverse effects of oral oxybutynin (OOx), and assess patients' adherence to treatment. This prospective observational study was carried out with respect to the period 2007-2019. All patients diagnosed with HH of the scalp and/or face and who were treated with OOx at our HH unit were included in the study group. Of 292 patients treated with OOx, 97 (33.2%) had craniofacial HH. Of these, four (4.1%) presented HH exclusively on the scalp, 56 (57.7%) exclusively on the face and 37 (38.1%) in both locations. The patients in the latter category (compared to those with exclusively facial HH) were significantly older than the others, had a later onset of HH, a greater frequency of secondary HH, less simultaneous involvement of the classical areas of primary focal HH (the palms, soles and armpits) and greater generalised HH and of the trunk. No significant differences were observed between the three locations (face, scalp or both) regarding the efficacy and side effects of OOx. The patients with exclusively facial HH presented greater adherence to treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.