A retrospective analysis of the use of tap water iontophoresis for focal hyperhidrosis at a district general hospital: the patients' perspective.

Objective: Tap water iontophoresis as a treatment for focal hyperhidrosis is given as an initial series of treatments in hospital, followed by home maintenance treatments. Our study assessed quality of life and perception of hyperhidrosis with the use of iontophoresis. Materials and methods: All patients treated with iontophoresis at our hospital from 2012 to 2017 were retrospectively assessed (n = 82, mean age 34 years; 60% female). Fifty of the 82 patients (mean age 34 years; 60% female) had a pre-treatment DLQI (mean 12.6). Twenty-three of these patients (mean age 33 years; 60% female) had a paired pre- and post-treatment DLQI recorded. The average DLQI pre-treatment was 14.1 and post-treatment was 2.2. Therefore, the average reduction (improvement) was 11.9 (p < .05). Results: Thirty-eight of the 82 patients (46%) completed a telephone interview (mean age 35 years; 65% female). Of this cohort, 24 had an improvement in HDSS following treatment, and the remaining 14 patients had no change. Nine patients (24%) bought their own iontophoresis machine. In these patients, there was a higher average improvement in HDSS (1.8), compared to the total interviewed cohort (1.0). Conclusion: In conclusion, tap water iontophoresis can result in a significant improvement in perceived severity of hyperhidrosis and quality of life.

A study of the number of female editors-in-chief of dermatology journals.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past 50 years the proportion of women entering medical school has vastly increased, however there still exists a gender gap in top leadership positions, including within academic medicine. It is important to investigate the influence of women in this area, and assess change over time. The aim of the study was to assess the number of women who have acted as editors-in-chief of prominent dermatology journals over the 20th and 21st centuries. METHODS: A list of 25 journals was collated based on their impact factors and prominence. Information regarding previous and current editors was obtained, compiled and analysed. RESULTS: Overall there have been 26 female editors and at least 128 male editors in the 25 dermatology journals, which means that less than 19% of editors-in-chief have been female. 45.8% of journals have not yet had a female editor. The percentage of female editors ranged from 0% to 100%, with only one journal having had all female editors (International Journal of Women's Dermatology). On average, the journals had female editorship for 27.2% of the total number of years in publication. Of the 13 journals that have had a female editor, 61.5% had their first female editor after the year 2000. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There are various factors that influence these numbers including age of the journals and length of each editorship. It is clear that over time there has been an increase in the number of women holding these prestigious positions however gender equity has not yet been reached.