The Effects on Patients' Lives: Conclusion: Impact of the disease
Clinicians who have reviewed the previous pages (Social Embarassment/Psychological Impacts, Physical Discomfort, Occupational Tasks and ADLs) on the effects of hyperhidrosis (Hh) patients' lives will likely have a clear understanding of the potential severity of Hh and its broad-reaching ramifications for 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.)
After recognizing, thus, the impacts of Hh, clinicians are more ready than ever to help patients to achieve lasting positive changes in their lives through effective diagnosis and treatment of Hh. With appropriate, individualized care, patients with excessive sweating can enjoy some relief from the physical, psychosocial, and occupational burdens of their condition.
In closing, experts in Hh treatment and research have this to say:
“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 you 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 and Interim Chair of the Department of Dermatology, Professor of Internal Medicine and Otolaryngology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.