Evaluation of the efficacy of salvia officinalis lotion in treatment of palmoplantar hyperhydrosis

ABSTRACT

Treatment modalities in palmoplantar hyperhydrosis [PPH] are limited to iontophoresis and topical application of aluminium chloride salts that the latter complicated by irritant dermatitis. We have evaluated the efficacy of Salvia officinalis [Sage] 5% Lotion in treatment of PPH. Sage is a native plant in the Middle East that is cheap and freely available. This is a prospective, randomized and double-blind clinical trial. The patients with severe and symmetrical PPH were treated with topical application of Sage Lotion on the one side and placebo on the other side of the body, three times a day. The patients visited at two weeks intervals until six weeks. The overall treatment response was estimated subjectively by the patients. 35 patients were involved in this study. Both drug and placebo reduced the severity of PPH. Reduction with the drug was significantly greater than with the placebo. Mean of successful treatment percent in drug treated side, after 2, 4 and 6 weeks were 29.7%, 33.2% and 37% respectively versus in placebo treated side were 13.6%, 14.5% and 14.8% [P<0.001]. The 5% Salvia officinalis Lotion is a safe drug in treatment of PPH with moderate efficacy