Helping Create Dryer Lifestyles

A Closer Look at Focal Hyperhidrosis

So what do individuals with focal hyperhidrosis (FHH) look like? Well, to start with, from a physical perspective, they are just regular people. But there is a recent study that paints a picture of the condition. In other words, the study examined patterns and characteristics related to individuals with profuse sweating. In medical terms, we refer to this as the epidemiology of a medical condition.

The following data are based on over 500 individuals with focal or primary hyperhidrosis reporting to two clinics, one American (242 individuals) and the other Canadian (266 individuals)*

Age, Onset, and Gender

The average age of onset was 14 years of age*. Those with a positive family history had an earlier onset. In another study, the age of onset was 13 years, as opposed to 16 years for those without a family link.**

While this study* suggests a higher prevalence among women (63%), it's important to consider that these findings are based on individuals seeking treatment at a clinic. Women are generally more likely to seek treatment for conditions involving excessive sweating compared to men, which may skew the gender distribution in clinic-based studies. Most broader population studies, including a significant survey of 150,000 U.S. households, indicate an equal prevalence of hyperhidrosis among men and women^

50.1%

Male gender

49.9 %

Female gender

Prevalence by Age

The condition primarily affects individuals between the ages of 25 and 54, with more than 60% of those experiencing this condition falling within this age range. Individuals under 25 years old comprise nearly 20% of those affected by excessive sweating issues^.

Aggrevating Factors

Individuals reported several factors that exacerbated their sweating condition. The most commonly cited aggravating factor was situations causing anxiety or stress. Following stress, heat or summer weather, and exercise were also significant contributors. Other triggers included factors like certain foods, humidity, physical movement, caffeine consumption, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Interestingly, individuals that are affected in the palms and/or soles were less likely to identify stress or anxiety as aggravating factors. Conversely, those experiencing symptoms on the face or scalp were more likely to attribute aggravation to factors such as specific foods, exercise, and exposure to heat.

Women were also more likely to experience isolated axillary hyperhidrosis, meaning excessive sweating specifically in the underarms. On the other hand, men were more prone to having hyperhidrosis that involves additional areas such as the back, chest, abdomen, or forearms.

Family History

Almost half (44%) of individuals reported a family history of hyperhidrosis among their relatives. It's worth noting that this percentage could potentially be higher, as more than 8% of individuals were unsure whether other family members had the condition.

About three quarters of individuals identified anxiety and stress as the most aggravating factors. This was followed by heat (a little over 60%) and exercise (about 50%).

Children and Adolescents

There were notable differences in the affected sites of hyperhidrosis based on age groups. For instance:

• Children (0-11 years old) were more likely to exhibit sweating of the palms, soles, or both.

• Adolescents (12-19 years old) were predominantly affected by axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits).

Occupations

Drawing conclusions about hyperhidrosis and its association with occupations is challenging due to potential biases in the data. Occupations with larger numbers of individuals, such as students compared to unemployed or disabled individuals, can skew results. Socioeconomic factors may also influence treatment accessibility, with wealthier individuals possibly more likely to seek and afford treatment.

However, it is clear that excessive sweating is notably prevalent among younger individuals in the population.

Affected Regions

According to a study, the axillary or underarm regions are the most commonly affected. Interestingly, men were found to be significantly more prone to experiencing facial and scalp hyperhidrosis compared to women.

In contrast, women were more likely to experience plantar hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the soles of the feet.

* Lear W et.al., Dermatol Surg 2007;33:S69–S75. **Eun Jung Park et.al., J Korean Med Sci 2010; 25: 772-5. ^ Strutton DR et.al., J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51:241–8.