How Common is Hyperhidrosis?

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you're not alone. It’s estimated that at least 5% of the global population suffers from hyperhidrosis—that’s over 365 million people worldwide. Rates vary by region and demographics, but the condition is widely believed to be under-reported and under-treated. Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma associated with sweating, which prevents a lot of people from seeking the treatment they deserve. The fear of being judged prevents people from bringing the topic up with medical professionals and loved ones alike.

Studies on primary hyperhidrosis have estimated the global prevalence of the condition to be somewhere between 1-13%, and most commonly reported to be around 5%. This significant statistical disparity can be attributed to many factors, including but not limited to the number of people who seek treatment and the lack of awareness of hyperhidrosis as a medical condition. Primary hyperhidrosis is idiopathic, meaning there’s no known cause, so it is difficult to pinpoint why averages range so much from country to country. Some factors may be a genetic predisposition, and most obviously: climate, as those living in hot climates will sweat more than others.

Let’s take a look at the findings from several studies conducted on the prevalence of hyperhidrosis…

• A 2016 study estimated that the prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the United States was 4.8% of the population, but only 51% of these people had discussed their condition with a medical professional.
• A 2016 study conducted in Sweden estimated the prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis among those 18-24 to be 19.4%. Out of all respondents from all age groups, only 5.4% stated that they were seeking healthcare or treatment.
• A 2013 study determined that the prevalence of primary focal hyperhidrosis in Japan was 12.76%.
• Another 2013 study determined that the prevalence of hyperhidrosis in Germany was 16.3%.
• In a 2017 study conducted on a segment of Brazil’s population, prevalence was estimated to be 14.76%. Only 22.72% of those who reported having hyperhidrosis had discussed with a medical professional and received a diagnosis.

As is demonstrated in these studies, hyperhidrosis is a common, globally widespread condition. But that brings to light the question of what can be done about it. Hyperhidrosis is a misunderstood condition that has a significant impact on quality of life and can place a heavy burden on the physical, social, occupational, and psychological aspects of someone’s life. While no cure exists for hyperhidrosis, luckily highly effective treatment is available. Iontophoresis is a proven effective treatment option for primary hyperhidrosis. Studies conducted on the effectiveness of iontophoresis have shown that...

• Tap water iontophoresis treatments improve the patient’s quality of life significantly during treatment.
• 92.9% of patients saw results after two weeks of iontophoresis treatments.
• 88.9% of patients had positive results, and a majority of the patients found the maintenance program compatible with their lifestyle.
• Quality of life improved in 78.6% of patients after 2 weeks.

If you want to learn more about Dermadry’s iontophoresis machine that treats excessive sweating of the hands, feet, and underarms, and shop our product line below!