The Cost of Hyperhidrosis
Need help convincing your healthcare insurer that you deserve reimbursement for your hyperhidrosis treatments? The answers to the questions below and the key facts at the bottom of this page are persuasive and may help.
Consider using either (or both) in appeal letters to your health insurer (see our When You've Been Denied Coverage page).
Additionally, if you find yourself trying to decide whether you can afford out-of-pocket expenses for hyperhidrosis treatments, use the questions below to determine how excessive sweating currently affects your finances. Treatments that provide you with relief from symptoms may empower you to save (or earn) in other areas.
Do you find yourself spending more money than your peers on:
- Dry-cleaning, laundering, and/or stain removal?
- New shirts, dresses, shoes, socks, uniforms, hats, helmets, sports equipment, or other apparel/accessories?
- Over-the-counter antiperspirants or powders, specialized clothing, or other products used in attempts to control sweating?
- Pads, "shields", towels, or materials to absorb perspiration?
Have you ever damaged and/or needed to replace paperwork, technology tools (smartphones, computer keyboards, a computer mouse, tablets or other touch screens), musical instruments, artwork, or leather goods due to your hyperhidrosis?
Has excessive sweating affected your income or your potential for career advancement? Have you lost time from work because you needed to go to medical appointments for in-office iontophoresis treatments that you could be doing at home?
What about your social and emotional wellbeing? Has hyperhidrosis affected your mental wellness or quality of life? These costs are hard to measure, but help to tell the whole story of the cost of hyperhidrosis, and to illustrate the value of effective treatments.
Key Facts About the Hidden Costs of Hyperhidrosis
- There are approximately 15.3 million individuals living with hyperhidrosis (Hh) in the U.S. (Archives of Dermatological Research 2016)
- Hyperhidrosis' impact on quality of life is equal to or greater than that of psoriasis, severe acne, Darier's disease, Hailey-Hailey disease, vitiligo, and chronic pruritus. (Eur Med J Neurol 2001)
- The prevalence of anxiety and depression is significantly higher in those with Hh than those without Hh (21.3% vs 7.5% and 27.2% vs 9.7%, respectively). (J Am Acad Dermatol 2016)
- 20% of hyperhidrosis sufferers report problems using computer keyboards, a computer mouse, mobile phones, and touch screens. (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2017)
- 80% of Hh sufferers say they are dissatisfied with their abilities at work; 42% say that Hh prevents them from following a particular career path; 30% say they become frustrated with daily activities. (Brit J Dermatol 2002 & Dermatology 2006)
- Hh sufferers have a 300% greater risk of skin infections. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2009)
- 60% of Hh sufferers report negative impacts on general health. (Archives of Dermatological Research 2016)
- 40% of Hh sufferers report physical discomfort. (Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2017)
- 5% of Hh sufferers indicate they take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications due to their sweating. (Brit J Dermatol 2002)