Hypohidrosis and dermatological manifestations as guides for the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy. Hypohidrosis along with some skin findings have been reported to be associated with CTS. Our aims are to detect the incidence of hypohidrosis and accompanying skin manifestations in patients with CTS and to investigate potential relationships between the severity of CTS and the accompanying skin manifestations/hypohidrosis. Methods: Thirty-four patients with CTS were enrolled in the study. The severity of CTS was divided into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. The patients were examined to detect skin findings occurring due to CTS. The starch iodine test was applied to measure hypo-or hyperhidrosis. Results: Of the 34 patients, 29 (85.3%) had bilateral CTS and 63 hands with CTS were evaluated. Skin manifestations were detected in 36hands (57.1%) with CTS. The most common skin findings were contact dermatitis, painful swelling on fingers, and xerosis. Hypohidrosis was detected on 16 hands (47%) with CTS and was found to be statistically more common on the hands with moderate or severe CTS (p=0.000). Discussion and Conclusion: Hypohidrosis is a common finding of CTS and is associated with severe disease. If there is presence of suspicious skin findings and hypohidrosis on hands and fingers, a differential diagnosis of CTS should be kept in mind.