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The Effects on Patients' Lives: Occupational Tasks and Activities of Daily Living
Palmar hyperhidrosis can interfere with activities of daily
living as well as with occupational tasks. Having sweaty palms
makes it difficult to grip tools, play musical instruments,
and use electronic devices, and paper can be stained and ink smeared
by dripping sweat.[9,134]
Prior to sympathectomy surgery, 95% of patients with palmar
hyperhidrosis reported that their condition interfered with
their ability to perform daily tasks.[2]
These patients reported difficulty writing or drawing, getting
frequent electric shocks, and dropping glass objects.[2]
There are anecdotal reports of patients in the police or armed
services having difficulty holding weapons, a secretary whose
sweat drenched a keyboard,[32]
and the excess sweat from patients known as “rusters”
corroding metal surfaces.[57]
There can be occupational difficulties for those with axillary
or generalized hyperhidrosis who need to change clothes frequently
or are anxious about making presentations in front of audiences
because of sweat-stained clothing.[32]
Less than 20% of patients with axillary hyperhidrosis evaluated
prior to therapy were satisfied with their ability to perform
current work activities, with many noting an effect of their
excess sweating on both performance and productivity.[100]
In a U.S. national consumer survey, 13% of patients with axillary
hyperhidrosis reported decreasing the amount of time at work.[135]
Since primary hyperhidrosis begins in childhood, adolescence,
or young adulthood,[9]
career choices of affected patients may be negatively impacted
by their symptoms. In a series of sympathectomy patients,
19% said their choice of career was directly influenced by
their hyperhidrosis.[46]
Positions like education or sales and marketing that require
frequent handshaking or presentations before groups may be
difficult. For those with palmar hyperhidrosis, occupations
involving contact with paper, metal, or electric and electronic
equipment are said to be “unattainable.”[95]
Given these occupational limitations, there are potential
negative economic consequences for hyperhidrosis patients.
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