Hyperhidrosis Lifestyle Surveys :

Insights from Our Community

Individuals with focal hyperhidrosis understand the impact this condition has on their lifestyles. We discuss this in our Sweating Matters blog and under our Hyperhidrosis tab. In fact, it has been referred to as the 'Silent Handicap' because there is little awareness and understanding of the condition. Those dealing with the condition are often self-conscious and will try to get through their days without drawing attention to themselves - they often suffer in silence.

Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, often brings with it many misconceptions and stigmas. To help demystify these pre-conceived notions and to foster a deeper understanding of the "hyperhidrosis reality," we initiated a voluntary data collection effort from our readers and product users. Our primary goal was to gather and share real-life insights and experiences from those affected by hyperhidrosis. By doing so, we hope to shed light on the true nature of this condition and contribute to a more informed and empathetic dialogue.

Our typical respondent:

1. Affected Regions

To start with, let's look at what regions are most affected among our respondents. Surprisingly, 62% of our respondents had excessive sweating in the facial area. Although data from medical literature often states that the region most affected is the underarms, this region accounted for about 48%. Keep in mind that the survey results cannot be extrapolated to the hyperhidrosis population in general as our sample is too small. Also, respondents could also report more than one region if that were the case. These data (see below) help to provide a clearer picture of our typical respondent

3. Socializing

Our third line of questioning revolved around the degree to which the condition interfered with socializing (e.g., seeing friends, going out in groups, interacting with work colleagues, going to parties, etc.) in the last week or two.

2. Relationships

In a similar fashion, we asked how the condition interfered with established relationships (e.g friends, partners or relatives) in the last week or two.

4. Activities

Because individuals with hyperhidrosis often shy away from activities, we explored to what extent the condition affects this part of their lives.

Again, almost half (48%) mentioned that their condition interfered 'very much' or 'a lot' with participating in physical activities such as golf, hiking, or biking.

* Data is based on anonymously gathered results from the Dry Pharmacist's Living Life Surveys. Reproduction or use of these data is prohibited without written consent from the Dry Pharmacist.

Almost 50% responded with interfering 'very much' or 'a lot'. Results are a little less dramatic here, probably because affected individuals are dealing with people who are closer to them and likely have a better understanding of their condition.

Activities such as shopping for groceries, banking, errands, or household chores are just part of our daily lives.

When asked whether their excessive sweating interfered with these, only 15% said it never did. Half indicated that their hyperhidrosis interfered to a significant extent. One third mentioned that their condition was a nuisance.

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5. Sexual Activity

Intimacy also plays an important role in our lives. Unfortunately, this part of life can be somewhat of a struggle for individuals with focal hyperhidrosis. Almost 20% of respondents indicated that their condition interfered 'very much' or 'a lot'.

A slightly larger proportion experienced a little interference in this area of their lives. Almost 40% mentioned that the question was not pertinent. In other words, these individuals were unlikely to be involved with a partner and one can only speculate that the condition may be at the root of their lack of involvement in this area of their lives.

6. Clothing / Dressing

More than three quarters of respondents indicated that hyperhidrosis significantly dictates the type of clothing they wear.

The balance of individuals, about 25%, said that their condition has little or no effect on what they decide to wear. Only in a very few, the condition did not affect their dressing decisions.

Thank you to the individuals who took the time to anonymously answer our surveys. This page would not have been possible without their help. We hope this sheds light on the condition of focal hyperhidrosis and how it affects those who live with it.

More than 7 out of 10 indicated that their excessive sweating condition interferes 'very much' or 'a lot' with socializing. This result is in-line with the fact that hyperhidrosis is strongly associated with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, up to 32% of individuals with social anxiety have symptoms of hyperhidrosis.

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7. Work / Studying

We also looked at the impact of focal hyperhidrosis in the work or school settings. About half the respondents reported that it interfered 'very much' or 'a lot'. Close to another 40% mentioned that it interfered 'a little'.

So, in some way, shape or form, the condition is a problem in about 90% of subjects at work or school. This is a significant finding given the important role professional or academic activities play in our daily lives.

8. Embarrassment / Self-Consciousness

A significant and rather distressing finding is that a large proportion of individuals are self-conscious or embarrassed about their condition. More than 85% of individuals admitted to feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about their hyperhidrosis. This finding highlights the substantial impact that focal hyperhidrosis has on those affected by the condition.