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Epidemiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The prevalence of hyperhidrosis is reported to be around 1%. This figure is thought to be much higher since the majority of cases are not reported to primary care (1).

  • according to a large American national survey, only 38% of patients with a primary pattern of symptoms had consulted a health professional
  • it is estimated that there is a 15 year delay in presentation of patients with hyperhidrosis to primary care

The disease is seen in equal ratios among the sexes and may be seen at any age:

  • the mean age of onset was 14 years old
  • in teenagers, the estimated prevalence is 1.6%
  • children tend to present with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis
  • axillary hyperhidrosis (linked to the development of sweat glands) is commonly seen after the onset of puberty

In 30% to 50% of cases of primary hyperhydrosis, a family history is reported (2).

Reference:

  1. Benson RA, Palin R, Holt PJ, Loftus IM. Diagnosis and management of hyperhidrosis. BMJ. 2013;347:6800
  2. Ashton S et al. Hyperhidrosis: assessment and management in general practice. British Journal of General Practice 2024; 74 (742): 236-238. DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24X737361

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