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Hyperhidrosis

We are committed to helping millions of patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a skin condition in which excessive sweating occurs beyond what is physiologically required to maintain normal thermal regulation.1 Sweat is produced by glands in the skin and released to the skin surface through ducts. Sweat gland activity is controlled by the nervous system. The nervous system transmits signals to the sweat glands through the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.2

Primary hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating without a known cause, can affect the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis), palms of the hands, soles of the feet, face and other areas.1

Everybody sweats. That’s because sweating is an important, natural, biological process. Find out more about the science behind sweating and why some people produce 4 to 5 times more sweat than the average person.3

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A condition that affects nearly 5 percent of the U.S. population.

Hyperhidrosis affects an estimated 4.8 percent of the U.S. population, or roughly 15.3 million individuals. Of these, 65 percent, or nearly 10 million people, suffer from sweating localized to the underarms (axillary disease), which typically starts before the age of 20 and impacts men and women equally.1

Approximately 70 percent of patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis, have severe disease that is barely tolerable and frequently interferes with daily activities, or that is intolerable and always interferes with daily activities.1 Several studies have demonstrated that excessive sweating often impedes normal daily activities and can result in occupational, emotional, psychological, social and physical impairment.1,4,5 Patients suffering from hyperhidrosis often report a feeling of helplessness that can negatively affect their mental well-being and overall quality of life.6,7

Current treatment options include:

  • Antiperspirants
  • Medications—Prescription and over-the-counter
  • Injectable treatments
  • Laser therapy
  • Surgical procedures
  • A topical, medicated cloth from Dermira

Download the Hyperhidrosis Infographic

Download the Hyperhidrosis 101 Fact Sheet

References

  • 1. Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J. Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States. Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308:743-749.
  • 2. Eisenach JH, Atkinson JLD, Fealey RD. Hyperhidrosis: Evolving therapies for a well-established phenomenon. Mayo Clin Proc. 2005;80:657-666.
  • 3. International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS). (2016). Defining Hyperhidrosis. Accessed  June 20, 2018, from https://www.sweathelp.org/home/defining-hyperhidrosis.html.
  • 4. Hamm H, Naumann MK, Kowalski JW, Kütt S, Kozma C, Teale C. Primary focal hyperhidrosis: disease characteristics and functional impairment. Dermatology. 2006;212:343-353.
  • 5. Owen K. Excessive sweating: Are patients suffering unnecessarily? JNP. 2016;12:35-40.
  • 6. Strutton DR, Kowalski JW, Glaser DA, Stang PE. US prevalence of hyperhidrosis and impact on individuals with axillary hyperhidrosis: results from a national survey. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51:241-248.
  • 7. Kamudoni P, Mueller B, Halford J, Schouveller A, Stacey B, Salek MS. The impact of hyperhidrosis on patients’ daily life and quality of life: a qualitative investigation. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2017;15:121.