As Summer Heats Up, New Survey Reveals Need for Effective
Sweat Treatments; International Hyperhidrosis Society Offers
Tips for Managing Summer Sweat
June 18, 2008 PR Newswire
NEW YORK, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- As the thermometer rises,
so does the humidity. For many, the humidity can be
annoying, but for the nearly 8 million Americans who suffer
from a treatable condition called hyperhidrosis(1), or
excessive sweating, the humidity can be unbearable.
Hyperhidrosis affects underarms, palms, feet and head, among
other areas, and though not caused by heat, is aggravated by
heat or anxiety.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS), a non profit
organization dedicated to those who have the condition,
commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a survey among
nearly 3,000 U.S. adults to find out how sweat affects the
general adult population, not just those who suffer from
hyperhidrosis. The survey found that one third of U.S.
adults (33%) think that they have too much underarm sweat,
yet only three percent(1) of the U.S. population are known
to suffer from hyperhidrosis -- even less from excessive
underarm sweating specifically.
The findings also revealed that more than half of U.S.
adults (60%) would be embarrassed or very embarrassed by
visible underarm sweat stains. Additionally, more adults
would be embarrassed by visible underarm sweat stains than
having bad acne (58%) or being overweight (47%).
Furthermore, although more men (39%) feel they have too much
underarm sweat compared to women (28%), more women would be
embarrassed by underarm sweat than men (68% vs. 51%
respectively). Young females are particularly affected by
underarm sweat. The survey found that more than three in
four (77%) young females (ages 18 to 34) would be
embarrassed by underarm sweat and about half (49%) feel that
they have too much underarm sweat.
Interestingly, the survey found that, of those who think
they have too much underarm sweat, only 5% have consulted a
healthcare professional; many more altered their lifestyle
to cope, for example, by avoiding certain clothing or
activities. Executive director of the IHHS, Lisa Pieretti,
says, "Many people do not realize that excessive underarm
sweat is a treatable medical condition, therefore going
undiagnosed and untreated. People do not have to alter their
lifestyle to accommodate or suffer in silence; many
physicians, specifically dermatologists, specialize in the
treatment of excessive underarm sweat, offering a range of
treatments from prescription strength topical
antiperspirants to BOTOX(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type A)
injections."
Most U.S. adults who think they have too much underarm sweat
(70%) go to various lengths to hide or prevent their
underarm sweat -- mostly altering activities (47%) and
clothing choices (49%). For example, the survey found that
about a third of those who think they have too much underarm
sweat avoid raising their arms (35%) and others avoid
hugging or putting their arms around people (18%) and
participating in sports and athletic activities that may
induce sweating (17%). Some even try and avoid giving
presentations at work or school (5%) for fear of revealing
underarm sweat stains. Additionally, they make clothing
choices based on too much underarm sweat -- avoiding certain
fabrics (25%), avoiding some colors (21%) and frequently
choosing others (e.g., black) (19%), carrying additional
clothing (12%) and changing clothes several times daily
(11%).
To help both excessive sweaters and normal sweaters stay dry
in the hot, humid weather, the IHHS (visit the Society
online at http://www.sweathelp.org/ ) has compiled the
following list of summer survival tips.
-- Drink early, drink often, and drink again -- thirst is
simply a sign your fluid levels are already low. Sweat plays
a critical role in keeping your body cool in hot
temperatures. The key to keeping this internal air
conditioning system working properly is drinking enough
fluids. If your urine is relatively clear you know you are
drinking enough.
-- Wear loose, lightweight natural fabrics, and
light-colored clothing. Loose clothing enables perspiration
to evaporate and natural, breathable fabrics "wick" moisture
away from your skin. Some of today's hi-tech textiles even
include copper and silver to fight odor-causing bacteria and
keep you cooler.
-- Protect your skin -- sweating is yet another consequence
of sun-damaged or burned skin, because it is not as
effective at dissipating body heat. Stay out of direct
sunlight whenever possible, wearing sunscreen, and consider
wearing a wide-brimmed or long billed hat such as the ones
found at http://www.coolibar.com/ . For extreme sweaters,
waterproof sunscreen gel or "sweat proof" and "sports"
formulations are the best bets.
-- Choose lightweight, breathable or ventilated shoes --
when it's hot outside, temperature in shoes can reach 120
degrees F. The IHHS recommends wearing open sandals or using
sweat absorbing inserts such as Summer Soles ( http://www.summersoles.com/
) -- a 10% off coupon is available on http://www.sweathelp.org!/
Absorbent foot powders and antiperspirants can also be used
on feet to minimize sweating and moisture buildup. Ask your
dermatologist or podiatrist for a recommendation.
-- Change your antiperspirant routine and bust "pit stains."
Choose a soft-solid formula and apply antiperspirant to
underarms once in the morning and again prior to bedtime.
Application twice daily -- and especially before bedtime --
has been shown to be more effective. Gently massaging the
antiperspirant into the skin may be useful. Consider using a
stronger over-the-counter antiperspirant such as Secret
Clinical Strength. To avoid irritation, only apply
antiperspirant to completely dry skin. If you suffer from an
annoyingly sweaty face, consider applying an antiperspirant
along your hairline. Follow the application tips mentioned
above but test the product on a tiny area of skin first to
make sure that it won't cause irritation.
-- Talk to a dermatologist about the effective treatments
for excessive sweating including: over-the-counter or
prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and BOTOX(R).
Visit http://www.sweathelp.org/ to use the International
Hyperhidrosis Society's Physician Finder to locate an
experienced health care provider.
About the International Hyperhidrosis Society
The International Hyperhidrosis Society is a non-profit
organization that strives to improve quality of life for
those affected by excessive sweating. The Society promotes
research and conducts education on the physiological effects
of hyperhidrosis, raises awareness about its emotional and
economic impact and advocates for patient access to
effective treatments. The International Hyperhidrosis
Society is composed of members from all over the world,
making it a true international network for people who treat
or suffer from hyperhidrosis.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society's Web site, http://www.sweathelp.org/
, includes a Physician Finder to help anyone with excessive
sweating to find medical help, information on additional
treatment options, and a comprehensive collection of
insurance and reimbursement tools, including downloadable
forms, which can help sufferers work with their physicians
and health insurance plans to get the correct coverage for
necessary treatments. There are practical tips to make the
most out of appointments with physicians and information on
clinical trials and a free newsletter that will keep
everyone current on hyperhidrosis news and medical
breakthroughs. A self-assessment tool is also available to
help people determine how much sweat is too much. And
because hyperhidrosis usually starts in the teen years, the
International Hyperhidrosis Society has created an online
teen forum and workbook to help teenagers learn how to cope
with the condition and find effective solutions.
To learn more about hyperhidrosis including key facts,
statistics, and research studies, visit the International
Hyperhidrosis Society's media resources and library online
at: http://www.sweathelp.org/English/MP_Home.asp .
About the Survey:
This International Hyperhidrosis Society study was conducted
online within the United States by Harris Interactive
between March 6 and March 10, 2008 among 2,897 adults ages
18+, of whom, 1,033 feel they have too much underarm sweat.
This online survey is not based on a probability sample and
therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be
calculated. For complete survey results, including weighting
variables, please contact Katie Saleem, mailto:KSaleem@ccapr.com
.
(1) Strutton, et. al., "US Prevalence of Hyperhidrosis and
Impact on Individuals with Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Results
from a National Survey." Journal of the American Academy of
Dermatology, August 2004, Volume 51, Number 2.
CONTACT: Katie Saleem, +1-212-229-8478, mailto:KSaleem@ccapr.com
Web site: http://www.sweathelp.org/ http://www.sweathelp.org/English/MP_Home.asphttp://www.summersoles.com/
http://www.coolibar.com/
SOURCE International Hyperhidrosis Society
