International Hyperhidrosis Society
www.sweathelp.orgHyperhidrosis is an idiopathic disorder of extreme, uncontrollable, episodic, and/or unexpected sweating beyond what’s “normal” or necessary to regulate temperature or as a reaction to stress.
Primary Hyperhidrosis (Hh)
Hyperhidrosis = 4 or 5 times more sweat than “normal”\
~365 million people worldwide affected
4.8% of the general population; 8.8% of those aged 18-39
Childhood/Adolescent Onset | Bilateral | Ceases when Sleeping | Familial
Hyperhidrosis is Not Rare or Benign
But it is often misunderstood, over-simplified, under-diagnosed & under-treated.
You can help Hh patients to be heard, to find relief, and to live a life that’s not dominated by their sweating. It starts with recognition. The facts are:
- Hh is more common than Autism, Melanoma, Psoriasis, and Peanut
- Hh has quality of life impacts equal to or greater than those of: Psoriasis, Severe acne, Darier’s disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, Vitiligo, & Chronic
Mental Health Impacts
With Hyperhidrosis: Depression 27% Anxiety 21%
Without Hyperhidrosis: Depression 10% Anxiety 7.5%
5% of Hh sufferers say they take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications due to their sweating.
Relationship Impacts
Most Hh sufferers avoid public view, handshakes and other forms of touch.
75% of those with excessive sweating say the condition has had negative impacts on their social life.
Physical Health Impacts
300% greater risk of skin infections among Hh sufferers 60% report negative impacts on general health
40% report physical discomfort
Daily Life Impacts
Needing to change clothes frequently Damaging paperwork
Impaired dexterity Slips and falls
Difficulty gripping tools, playing musical instruments, and using electronic devices
80% of Hh sufferers dissatisfied with their abilities at work
It’s important to address Hh with patients in a timely fashion as, research shows, the severity of Hh does NOT lessen with age and the negative impacts are many (and arguably cumulative).
Hh diagnosis algorithm available @ www.SweatHelp.org/pdf/diagguide2.pdf
Treatments
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help your patients with Hh: Clinical Strength Antiperspirants, Iontophoresis, Qbrexza® medicated cloths, Botox®, Oral medications, miraDry®, Local procedures of the underarms, ETS surgery, and patient- centric combinations of these.
Hh treatment algorithms available @ SweatHelp.org/treatments-hcp/clinical- guidelines/hyperhidrosis-treatment-algorithms.html
Visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society’s website @ www.SweatHelp.org
to learn more and access:
- Medical professionals section with videos
- Comprehensive diagnosis & treatment information algorithms
- Links to relevant scientific literature
- Physician Finder healthcare provider database (register your practice!)
- Continuing education
- Patient/sufferer section (refer patients for education, clinical research, treatment overviews, support & more)
- Insurance/reimbursement tools
- News blog (updates on research results & trials, treatments, events, etc.)
International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS)
Founded in 2003 by a team of respected experts in hyperhidrosis research and patient care, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) is the only independent, non-profit, global organization working to improve quality of life among those affected by excessive sweating. Our mission is to reduce the impact, symptoms, anxiety and social stigma associated with excessive sweating by improving the information, awareness and treatments available. Throughout, we serve and advocate for the entire Hh community – from pediatric, adolescent, adult & senior sufferers, to clinicians and their staff, researchers, employers & educators. Learn more about Hh and our work at www.SweatHelp.org, Facebook via @SweatingStopsHere and Twitter @WeKnowSweat. All are welcome.
