Clinicians who have reviewed the previous pages (Social Embarassment/Psychological Impacts, Physical Discomfort, Occupational Tasks and ADLs) on the effects of hyperhidrosis (Hh) on patients' lives have a clear understanding of the potential severity of Hh and its broad-reaching ramifications on patients' social/emotional wellness, relationships, self-confidence, self-actualization, and day-to-day functioning (at work, at school, in leisure time). And, based on the results of Quality of Life Surveys, it will have been noted that Hh impacts are often greater than those of other more frequently discussed conditions (including chronic dermatologic and systemic diseases.)
Children and adolescents with primary hyperhidrosis are at particular risk, often reporting an underappreciated but substantial psychosocial burden. A 2025 systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology analyzed data from 12 studies assessing the psychosocial burden of hyperhidrosis. The results showed that most pediatric and adolescent patients with primary hyperhidrosis reported severe impacts on quality of life and emotional well-being. Reported symptoms included poor interpersonal functioning, isolation and loneliness, issues with work or school-related tasks, perceived stigma and high social visibility. Children with hyperhidrosis were also found to have high rates of depression (40.9%) and anxiety (31.8%). But treatment for Hh, the research showed, can provide patients with psychosocial benefits such that emotional distress can improve 4 to 8 weeks after treatment (results depending on modalities). To conclude, the researchers called for more research in this area as well as greater collaboration between dermatology and psychiatry to aid in the development of integrated treatment plans and early screening for mental health comorbidities in Hh patients. Collaborations between dermatology and psychiatry could range from routine mental health screenings in dermatological settings, to streamlined referral systems, to interdisciplinary psychodermatology clinics offering integrated patient management.
Through comprehensive care, clinicians are thus poised to help Hh patients to achieve lasting positive changes in their lives.
“I’ve been a dermatologist for 36 years and for the last 15 years or so I’ve been extremely interested in treating patients who have hyperhidrosis. The reason I spend so much time and effort treating these patients is because dermatologists can improve the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis more than they can improve quality of life of patients with any other problem including the worst psoriasis, eczema, acne, and even skin cancers. You should be able to get the help that you deserve for this condition. Hyperhidrosis is the #1 dermatological disease in terms of negatively affecting a person's quality of life, but is also #1 in having the most dramatically positive impact when treated.”
Dr. David Pariser, Secretary and Founding Member, International Hyperhidrosis Society; Professor, Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School; 2009 President, American Academy of Dermatology; Senior Physician, Pariser Dermatology Specialists.
“I have patients [with hyperhidrosis] who have tried everything. They have tried hypnosis. They have tried acupuncture. They have tried to restrict their diets, their fluid intake. They are so desperate to get relief of their disease. These are remarkable patients and you can remarkably change their lives with good, effective treatment.“
Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, President and Founding Member, International Hyperhidrosis Society; Professor, Adjunct, Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; Founder, Glaser Dermatology & Aesthetics.