November 2018's Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month

November 2018's Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month: IHhS Reminds Us, Sweat is on the Surface, but the Pain of Hyperhidrosis Runs Deep

For immediate release: October 29, 2018


Center Valley, PA:

365 million people suffer with excessive, uncontrollable sweating or hyperhidrosis, but often feel alone.

This November 2018, during Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month, the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) wants the world to know that hyperhidrosis’ (Hh) uncontrollable, no-fault sweating can soak through clothing and water-damage electronics. Such impacts make Hh awareness especially important at school and work, where the condition can negatively impact functioning, connections, confidence, and advancement.

So, every November until there is a cure, IHhS is leading patient-centric, educational, supportive, and non-commercial efforts to champion the needs of Hh sufferers around the world.

Here’s what happened in 2018:

  1. One Hh Story + Two Hh Voices + Professional Studio = Library of Congress Treasure, Forever: As part of the #MyHhStory AUDIO Projectone Hh story will be selected for LIVE recording, added as the first entry in the International Hyperhidrosis Society's new AUDIO collection, and archived in the Library of Congress audio collection. With 365 million people directly affected by excessive sweating, the Hh story deserves to be honored, documented and shared. Entries will become part of IHhS’ collection of real Hh voices with one special story being recorded for the largest library in the world. The lead storyteller will travel with a companion (transportation and accommodations provided) to record their lasting entry in a production studio. 
  2. Documentary Debut: First #MyHhStory Film Premier: NEW IHhS documentaries were made available during Hh Awareness Month for viewing and–importantly–sharing. Each illustrates the perseverance and resilience of Hh sufferers; the significance, diversity and impact of Hh; and the work of IHhS as it campaigns for Hh understanding, compassion and awareness.
  3. Hyperhidrosis Awareness in the Workplace -- IHhS is teamed up with employers to educate about Hh and appropriate workplace accommodations. This is both a sufferer- and employer-friendly initiative because 8.8% of people 18-39 years old (prime productive years!) have been shown to experience excessive sweating. All companies are encouraged to bring Hh accommodations and understanding to their workplaces for greater employee wellness, productivity and loyalty. In 2019, the IHhS will roll out a toolkit to help make this happen. Watch for updates and video links.
  4. Hyperhidrosis Awareness 4 Pediatricians, School Nurses, Dermatologists: One of the most daunting barriers to satisfying Hh care is obtaining up-to-date, effective and empathetic attention from medical providers. Throughout November 2018, IHhS campaigned for greater awareness and knowledge in clinical settings. Public service announcements and ads ran all month in professional publications for pediatricians, dermatologists, school nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more.
  5. IHhS November Giveaways: Everyone could join in the Hh conversation on social media for a chance to win weekly #KnowSweatGiftBox giveaways valued at over $500 each and courtesy of hyperhidrosis-friendly entrepreneurs, who innovate with the hyperhidrosis sufferer, and the condition’s many forms, in mind. Facebook #iCanRelate challenges occurred every Monday in November 2018. Each week, the person with the most “relatable” Hh comment was awarded a #KnowSweatGiftBox. 

Visit IHhS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more and get involved.

For additional information, contact Christine Fleckenstein at mailto:Christine@SweatHelp.org

Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month activities were made possible by unrestricted grants from the makers of Certain Dri, from Dermira and from the makers of miraDry.

About Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that affects approximately 4.8% of the population. It results in extreme, uncontrollable sweating and:

  • Is associated with much higher rates of anxiety & depression

  • Has negative quality-of-life impacts equal to or greater than severe acne & psoriasis

  • Increases risk of skin infections by 300%
  • Is more common than peanut allergies


  • Manifests unexpectedly and often with disabling symptoms that last for hours
  • Is stigmatized while being under-recognized, under-diagnosed, under-treated
  • Forces people to develop complicated, time-consuming and expensive routines of treatments, hiding, avoiding, drying, absorbing, and more – all in an attempt to live a “normal” daily life and to feel dry, “put together” and accepted
  • Causes sweat to drip down elbows, off fingers, into the eyes, and more
  • Leads to sufferers feeling cold, slippery, unattractive, insecure, and emotionally drained
  • Drenches and damages shoes, clothes, papers, and mainstay tech tools like smartphones

Yet, only 1 in 4 hyperhidrosis sufferers is ever diagnosed, and far fewer are cared for effectively with best practices.

There is not yet a cure for hyperhidrosis, and current treatment options do not work for everyone or for every location of hyperhidrosis sweating. Additionally, many healthcare providers continue to be under-educated in effective strategies for hyperhidrosis diagnosis and care.

About the International Hyperhidrosis Society

The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHhS) was founded in 2003 by a team of physicians respected worldwide for work in hyperhidrosis research and treatment and by dedicated advocates. Today, it remains the only independent, non-profit, global organization working to improve the quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. IHhS’ mission focuses on reducing the symptoms, anxiety and social stigma associated with excessive sweating through improvements in hyperhidrosis awareness, education, research, and advocacy. Subscribe to stay up-to-date thanks to the hyperhidrosis news blog. Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.