Press Release

CONTACT:

Ash Communications

Healthcare

TEL:

+44 (0) 20 7734 5666

23 August 2004

Hyperhidrosis: Dispelling The Myths

Nearly two thirds of people with hyperhidrosis – a condition that causes excessive sweating - are not aware they have a medical condition and consequently don’t seek help. Yet, research has shown many people with the condition said hyperhidrosis caused them severe embarrassment and prevented them from participating in normal social activity. 1 One study demonstrated a greater impact on patients’ quality of life due to hyperhidrosis than from acne or psoriasis. 2  

In a series of telephone interviews with people living with hyperhidrosis, most respondents said they had asked a pharmacist for advice on managing excessive sweating, but that the replies had often been unhelpful, the pharmacist appearing to know nothing of the condition.   Of the minority of patients who approached their GP, 16 per cent were not offered any treatment options or advice on management, although there are new treatments available.

Now a new website www.knowsweat.info provides practical advice and information for people affected, including treatment options and links to support groups.

“My excessive underarm sweating began in my late teens and I tried many products to control it, but nothing worked.  I heard about a new treatment for the condition and decided to try it and it totally changed my life”, comments Helen Share, who lives with hyperhidrosis, “Before treatment I could only wear dark colours, white was an impossibility because of staining but now I can wear any colour I want.   It's made an amazing difference to the way I feel, my confidence has grown and I don't feel self-conscious when at work or out socially”.  

Hyperhidrosis is a condition, which results in excessive perspiration and can be exacerbated by emotional stress.   The level of sweating is far greater than required to regulate body temperature and the condition may be caused by a dysfunction of the hypothalamus (part of the brain), which is responsible for controlling sweat production.

"The bad news is that the negative psychological and social effects of hyperhidrosis are probably grossly underestimated,” comments consultant dermatologist Dr Tamara Griffiths, “but the good news is that there are safe and extremely effective treatments now available." 

For further information, please contact:

Arran Titley or Carys Thomas

Ash Communications Healthcare

Sheraton House

15-19 Great Chapel Street

London W1F 8FN

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7734 5666

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7734 9666

E-mail   arran@ashcommunications.com

Ref: SCC/ SCC Releases/ 2004