Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that makes you sweat more than you need to. In primary hyperhidrosis, the cause is unknown and affect specific areas, such as the armpits, hands, feet and/or face. Other factors such as diabetes, menopause, nerve damage and some medications can also cause excessive sweating, called secondary hyperhidrosis.

It affects approximately 3% of the population - some 950,000 Canadians of whom 300,000 have a severe form of the disorder.

Hyperhidrosis affects work productivity, confidence, social comfort, emotional well being and wardrobe choices. Studies show that hyperhidrosis impacts quality of life similar to or even greater than other well-known dermatological conditions, such as severe acne or psoriasis.

It has also been shown that only 38% of hyperhidrosis sufferers talk to a health care professional about their condition. People rarely seek help because many are unaware that excessive sweating is a treatable medical disorder.