Hyperhidrosis
About this PSP
Hyperhidrosis is a skin condition where an individual has abnormal levels of sweating, and it is very common, affecting 1 -3 % of the population. It affects both sexes and all races equally. It can cause both physical problems and psychological distress, and significantly affect quality of life.
Despite it being widespread, excessive sweating is relatively under-researched compared with other skin conditions that affect a similar number of people.
It is essential that future research into the treatment of hyperhidrosis should focus on the questions that are important to people who have this condition, the people who care for them and the health professionals that treat them.
In the initial survey, this PSP received 592 questions from patients, families, carers and health professionals about the treatment and management of hyperhidrosis.
The Hyperhidrosis Top 10 was published in March 2019.
Learn about Hyperhidrosis and the PSP
PSP website
Articles and publications
Key documents
Top 10 priorities
- Are there any safe and effective permanent solutions for hyperhidrosis?
- What is the most effective and safe oral treatment (drugs taken by mouth) for hyperhidrosis?
- What are the most effective and safe ways to reduce sweating in particular areas of the body (e.g. hands, feet, underarms, face, head etc.)?
- How does hyperhidrosis affect quality of life?
- Are combinations of different treatments more effective than one type of treatment for hyperhidrosis?
- What is the most safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate hyperhidrosis?
- Could targeted therapies or biologics (e.g. antibodies, hormones, stem cells), be effective in treating hyperhidrosis?
- What is the most effective severity scale that can be used to determine if a person is eligible for hyperhidrosis treatment?
- What is the safest and most effective surgery for hyperhidrosis?
- How safe are hyperhidrosis treatments at different stages of life, e.g. childhood, pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The following questions were also discussed and put in order of priority at the workshop:
- How do hormones (e.g. puberty, menstrual cycle or hormonal imbalances) affect people with hyperhidrosis?
- Are there links between hyperhidrosis and mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression)?
- Are there any other health conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, eczema etc.) that are linked to primary hyperhidrosis (hyperhidrosis with no currently known underlying cause)?
- What is the most effective and safe way to reduce sweating on the face and head?
- How safe and effective are antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis?
- Can lifestyle changes (e.g. changes to habits or routines) affect hyperhidrosis?
- What are the long-term effects of sweat gland removal for hyperhidrosis?
- How does diet impact on hyperhidrosis?
- What are the best ways to control the odour from hyperhidrosis?
- How do complementary therapies (e.g. meditation, hypnosis, acupuncture etc.) affect hyperhidrosis?
- How do products such as soaps, moisturisers or alcohol based wipes affect hyperhidrosis?
- How does weight impact on hyperhidrosis?
- Could a vaccine be created to prevent hyperhidrosis?