Hyperhidrosis Recognized as Legitimate Skin Disease by Major Health Organizations

After years of seeking legitimacy as a bonafide skin disease affecting 367 million people worldwide, hyperhidrosis, an excessive sweating disorder, has been recognized as such by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and the Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD). “The real victory here is for the millions of men, women and children who are afflicted with this disease,” said David Pariser, MD former president of the American Academy of Dermatology and founding board member of the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS). “For so long, they have suffered in isolation and shame from a condition not understood by the public and even members of the medical community. Today, I join them in taking this thrilling next step in our steady climb towards global awareness and education.”

As the leading authority on hyperhidrosis, IHHS has put substantial medical muscle behind this website, www.SweatHelp.org. We provide information and hope to affected individuals and families looking for answers on dealing with this debilitating condition – which may be covered by insurance. Our hyperhidrosis Physician Finder database helps individuals locate IHHS-trained doctors worldwide.

Hyperhidrosis is a treatable medical condition that results in sweating that exceeds the normal amount required to maintain consistent body temperature – up to five times the average volume. (The age of onset can be as young as infancy and usually by early-to-mid teens). The excessive sweating occurs regardless of environmental surroundings – people with hyperhidrosis sweat profusely nearly all day, every day. Primary hyperhidrosis can affect one or more body areas, most often the palms, armpits, soles of the feet or face and sometimes the groin and under the breasts in men and women. Secondary hyperhidrosis, however, is generalized, typically involving sweating over the whole body and caused by an underlying condition like diabetes or medication like some popular anti-depressants.

“IHHS now has tremendous partners in advocacy in the NORD and CSD communities. Their commitment to increased awareness, research and education mirrors our own,” said IHHS Executive Director Lisa J. Pieretti.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders is a unique non-profit federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare ‘orphan’ diseases. This voluntary health agency is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research and service. For more information, visit their website at www.rarediseases.org.

The Coalition of Skin Diseases consists of several organizations that represent patients suffering from some of the 3,000 known types of skin disease. The groups share a common mission of educating patients, advocacy and supporting skin disease research that will lead to new treatments and cures. Learn more about them by visiting www.coalitionofskindiseases.org.

Lisa J. Pieretti LJP@SweatHelp.org