PracticalDermatology

Brella SweatControl Patch

With Dee Anna Glaser, MD

In each issue, Practical Dermatology® magazine asks top dermatologists about the latest products they are offering to patients. Here, St. Louis, MO-based dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD, the president and a founding member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society, shares her excitement about the newest US Food and Drug Administration-cleared way to treat axillary hyperhidrosis: Candesant’s Brella SweatControl Patch.

What is Brella?

Dee Anna Glaser, MD: The Brella SweatControl Patch is a 3-minute sweat control patch for the reduction of excessive underarm sweating in adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. It is a new in-office approach to sweat control that is fast, non-invasive, needle-free, aluminum-free, and affordable, with results lasting 3 to 4 months. Providers do not need to purchase or offer expensive energy devices for sweat control, which are costly to own, maintain, and operate.

What is the mechanism of action?

Dr. Glaser: The Brella patch consists of a sodium sheet with an adhesive overlay. The disposable patch is applied to a patient’s underarm by a health care provider up to 3 minutes. When the sodium on the patch comes into contact with the water from the patient’s sweat, thermal energy is generated. This heat is precisely localized and micro-targets sweat glands to significantly reduce sweat production. I like that it’s a smart technology, selectively working where it is needed. No other treatment for excessive underarm sweating works the way Brella does by using Candesant’s patented targeted alkali thermolysis (TAT) technology. TAT is based on the well-established scientific principle that heat is generated when sodium comes in contact with water in sweat.

Tell us about the patient selection process.

Dr. Glaser: Brella candidates include adults who are bothered, frustrated, or annoyed by their excessive underarm sweating at least once per week. The underarm sweating should be due to primary axillary hyperhidrosis, which is focal localized underarm sweating. This is different from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can be caused by medications, and other conditions, and is not localized to the underarms.

Any risks or side effects?

Dr. Glaser: In clinical studies, there were no severe or serious adverse events reported by any study participant. Some participants experienced local redness or irritation which was short lasting. Patients do not require anesthesia or local pain management. With Brella, there is no downtime nor time-consuming prep time.

Are patients happy with the results?

Dr. Glaser: Brella is likely to be a game changer for the millions of people who suffer from the quality-of-life impact of excessive underarm sweating. Patients can reclaim their confidence to raise their arms, reduce their worry about sweating through their tops, or attend important and fun social events they have been avoiding. I believe they will see the reduced financial burden of dry-cleaning, purchasing new shirts, and spending money on less effective treatments and products.