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To the Editor:—In their interesting paper on this subject published in the A. M. A. Archives of Dermatology and Syphilology (69:713 [June] 1954), Drs. Shelley, Laskas and Satanove conclude that "no simple topical method is now available for appreciably inhibiting the normal action of the plantar sweat gland" but mention that a single application of formalin appreciably reduced plantar sweating for more than one week in 17 of 50 normal subjects.
For about 20 years, I have had entirely successful results in hyperhidrosis of the soles with the use of formalin applied in the following way. Undiluted, the formalin is painted over the weight-bearing surface of the foot, by means of a cotton swab, care being taken not to apply it to the interdigital areas. The painting is repeated once daily for three or even, in severe cases, four days, and repeated in four weeks if necessary. The