Survey on Awareness of Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Results of Internet Questionnaire Survey in 608 Individuals

Abstract

Background: It has become clear that primary axillary hyperhidrosis significantly impairs QOL and reduces the productivity, with tremendous economic loss in the sufferers, but it seems that most sufferers do not consult a physician. Objective: Awareness of primary axillary hyperhidrosis by individuals and their willingness to consult a physician, as well as the effect of the disease on daily life, were investigated. Methods: Of 707,358 individuals registered with a survey panel owned by an Internet questionnaire survey company, 608 respondents who had a hyperhidrosis disease severity scale score of 3 or more for excessive axillary sweating and met at least two of Hornberger's diagnostic criteria were extracted as potential patients with severe axillary hyperhidrosis and included in an Internet questionnaire survey. Results: Of all respondents, 92.3% replied that "I have heard" the name of hyperhidrosis, and 17.1% replied that "my studies and work have been affected" by axillary sweating, with the most common reply (6.6%) being "I have given up my desired occupation/job." As an action taken for axillary hyperhidrosis, 9.5% replied that "I visited a medical facility." Of respondents who had never visited a medical facility, 58.9% replied that "I know that hyperhidrosis can be treated at a medical facility," and 64.0% replied that "I want to be treated for hyperhidrosis at a medical facility." While more than half knew that axillary hyperhidrosis can be treated or wanted to be treated, many sufferers do not visit a medical facility. Conclusion: Physicians need to actively treat axillary hyperhidrosis, which may significantly affect a patient’s life, however, many individuals suffering from excessive axillary sweating do not consult a physician. It is necessary to expand the treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis in a medical facility, and to improve the suffers’ understanding of the disease.