Prevalence and burden of hyperhidrosis in the adult population

Aims: Hyperhidrosis is a common and sometimes burdensome hyperfunction of the sweat glands and can be a result of many underlying conditions. Patients affected with hyperhidrosis suffer from social problems, restrictions in daily activities as well as emotional and physical impairments.Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiology and the disease burden of hyperhidrosis in a representative sample of German adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 German companies from several branches. Employees underwent skin screenings with full body exams and structured interviews. Results: A total of 14,336 persons were investigated (36% women, mean age 42 yrs). Overall prevalence of hyperhidrosis was 16.3% (n=2,340), including n=869 (6.1%) with frequent or continuous sweating. Hyperhidrosis was in almost every age group more prevalent in men (18.2%) than in women (13.4%). 68% of the 2,340 study-participants suffering from hyperhidrosis reported generalised sweating whereas 28% of all hyperhidrosis was focal with the following distribution: hands 23%, feet 29%, axillary area 44%, others 34%.30% of the patients with focal hyperhidrosis stated that they felt bothered by sweating frequently or constantly.Most pronounced difference in dermatological comorbidity of study participants with vs. without hyperhidrosis hyperhidrosis was psoriasis (3% in comparison to 2% in persons without hyperhidrosis and tinea pedum (6% with vs. 4% without hyperhidrosis). As indicated by actual drug intake persons with metabolic comorbidity (diabetes, hypertension) also were at increased risk. Only 27% of persons with focal hyperhidrosis had consulted a physician, and only 28% used medication or self-medication. Conclusions: Hyperhidrosis is a frequent condition predicted by personal and medical factors. In spite of the disease burden, only few persons affected consult a physician.

epidemiology - hyperhidrosis - prevalence