Basic Hyperhidrosis Facts

How much do you know about hyperhidrosis? Although many people suffer with this condition, it is not widely known. There are many misconceptions about this condition, and many people don’t even know it is a condition.

As a hyperhidrosis specialist and surgeon in Tampa, I would like to share with you some basic facts on hyperhidrosis.

• About 1 in 20 people have hyperhidrosis in the United States, which means more than 15 million Americans have the condition.
• This condition is common in both men and women – gender plays no role in whether a person will develop the condition or not.
• Hyperhidrosis is most common in people ages 18 to 39.
• People with hyperhidrosis produce 4 to 5 times more sweat than the average person.
• Hyperhidrosis can cause people to develop depression and anxiety.
• Hyperhidrosis can cause a person to have a harder time doing everyday tasks at home, at work, and socially.
• In a study, 85% of people with hyperhidrosis found their sweating to be embarrassing.
• In one study, 71% of hyperhidrosis sufferers said their condition makes them anxious.
• 65% of hyperhidrosis sufferers experience their excessive sweating in their underarms (axillary).
• There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary is not caused by another medical condition or medicine and often begins in childhood. Secondary is caused by another condition or is a side effect of a medicine.
• 49 percent of hyperhidrosis sufferers suffer in silence for many years before seeing a doctor.
• If you have a parent with primary hyperhidrosis, you have a 25 percent chance of developing primary hyperhidrosis yourself.
• Primary hyperhidrosis doesn’t usually occur while sleeping, while secondary hyperhidrosis occurs at any hour.

As you can see, hyperhidrosis is more common than you think. If you suffer from this condition, you are not alone. Now is a great time to get a handle on your sweat! Make an appointment to talk to a hyperhidrosis specialist today. There are many treatment options.

Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis contact page or call 727-312-4844.