Excessive Sweating: Are Patients Suffering Unnecessarily?

• Three percent of Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Hyperhidrosis is not well-discussed among primary care providers and patients.
• Hyperhidrosis impacts sufferer's occupation, emotions, and causes disruptions of daily life.
• There are solutions ranging from topical antiperspirants to surgery.
• There is a new minimally invasive FDA-cleared device that will disable sweat and odor glands permanently in 1 or 2 treatments.

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive axillary sweating. An underdiagnosed and underreported issue, this disorder affects almost 8 million people in the United States. The condition often impacts an individual's occupation and emotional well-being and can even cause physical impairment. The purpose of this study is to educate primary care providers about the need for routine screening during annual physical exams, which will allow referral for appropriate treatment. We also describe options for management such as noninvasive, temporary topical solutions, oral medication, botulinum toxin A injections, surgery, and microwave energy.