Understanding Patient Experience With Hyperhidrosis: A National Survey of 1,985 Patients

Abstract

Hyperhidrosis affects 4.8% of the US population, and despite the well documented negative impact of hyperhidrosis on patients' lives, data are generally lacking on the patient experience with this condition. The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS) conducted a study in 2014, and initial results confirmed the multifaceted impact of hyperhidrosis on quality of life and underscored the need for disease awareness and effective management. To provide further insight into the hyperhidrosis patient experience, additional results focusing on family history, physician interaction, impact on daily activities, and treatment satisfaction are presented here. The online survey included 22 multiple-choice questions (some allowing multiple responses). Respondents were IHHS newsletter registrants in the US self-identified as suffering with excessive sweating (ie, answering 'yes' to Question 1). Of 28,587 survey invitations, a total of 5,042 recipients (17.6%) opened the e-mail, and 2,045 respondents provided an answer to Question 1. Of these, 1,985 (6.9%) self-identified as having excessive sweating and continued the survey. Over 18% of survey respondents reported an immediate family member with excessive sweating. The top three areas impacted by excessive sweating were daily activity, clothing choice, and work/career (average rank scores over 3.0 for each area; range 1-8 with lower scores indicating greater impact). Nearly half (48.9%) of respondents reported waiting 10 or more years prior to seeking medical help, and 85.0% waited at least 3 years. Of the 87.2% of respondents who received treatment for hyperhidrosis, patients were most satisfied with injections and least satisfied with prescription and over-the-counter antiperspirants and liposuction. These survey results add important clinical insight for the underserved hyperhidrosis patient population. The reported delay in seeking proper medical attention highlights the need to increase hyperhidrosis awareness among the public and clinicians, to reduce stigma associated with the condition, and to encourage active treatment strategies. <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(4):392-396.</em></p>.