Primary Pediatric Hyperhidrosis: A Review of Current Treatment Options

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder of excessive sweating beyond what is physiologically necessary for thermoregulation. Primary hyperhidrosis is localized; it can affect the axillae, palms, soles, face, and other areas and is idiopathic. The prevalence of hyperhidrosis in the United States is estimated to be 2.8% of the population, with about one-half (1.4%) of these individuals having the axillary form. Hyperhidrosis occurs in both children and adults, with the average age of onset of primary hyperhidrosis being 14-25 years. This disorder can be detrimental to a patient's social, professional, psychological, and physical well-being. Early detection and management can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, yet hyperhidrosis remains widely under diagnosed and under treated, particularly among pediatric patients. The purpose of this article is to review the treatment of pediatric hyperhidrosis, and to increase awareness and inspire further research on this important and often overlooked medical problem.