Psychosocial Outcomes of Microwave Thermolysis for Axillary Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUNDPrimary axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis in adolescents cause significant physical discomfort and psychosocial distress, negatively impacting emotional well-being and social function. While microwave thermolysis is effective in adults, its psychological benefits in adolescents remain understudied.

AIMSTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of microwave thermolysis in adolescents and investigate its impact on quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

PATIENTS/METHODSThis retrospective study included 21 adolescents (mean age 15.21 years) treated with microwave thermolysis. Clinical severity was assessed using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and a bromhidrosis grading scale. Psychosocial outcomes were evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a modified Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and 1 month post-treatment.

RESULTSThe treatment yielded significant clinical improvement, with HDSS scores decreasing from 3.19 to 1.33 (p < 0.0001) and bromhidrosis severity dropping from 4.19 to 0.48 (p < 0.0001). Psychosocial burden was markedly reduced: DLQI scores improved from 17.38 to 10.71 (p < 0.0001), and QoL scores increased from 52.10 to 84.95 (p = 0.027). Significant reductions were observed in HADS-anxiety (14.05 to 1.67, p < 0.0001) and HADS-depression scores (7.48 to 1.05, p < 0.0001). All cases reported no major side effects.

CONCLUSIONSMicrowave thermolysis is a highly effective treatment for adolescent axillary hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis. Beyond symptom relief, it significantly alleviates anxiety and depression while enhancing quality of life and social function. These findings support its use as a primary therapeutic option for this vulnerable population.

Abstract from Crossref