Epidemiology

The estimated prevalence of hyperhidrosis ranges from 2% to 16% globally. This may be due to differences in methodology, diagnostic criteria, demographics, or geography.[3][4][5]​ The estimated prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the US ranges from 2.8% to 4.8%, with approximately half of these people having the axillary variety.[3][5]​ Approximately 50% of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis have a family history of the disorder.[6][7]​ There is no obvious sex predisposition.[3][8]

Primary hyperhidrosis has a bimodal onset commonly starting in early childhood or at puberty.[2]​[8]​​[9]

Of patients with severe hyperhidrosis presenting for surgery, most have palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, 15% to 20% have combined palmar-axillary hyperhidrosis, 5% to 10% have isolated axillary hyperhidrosis, and less than 5% have craniofacial hyperhidrosis.[10]

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