SweatSolutions.org: Study Proves Hyperhidrosis Treatment Improves Work Productivity

May/June 2006 Edition Table of Contents:

» Study Proves Hyperhidrosis Treatment Improves Work Productivity

» 2006 CME Programs Focus on Practical Tips for Busy Practices

» Is There a Link Between Breast Cancer and Antiperspirants? An Expert Answer

» TV’s “Las Vegas” Features Hyperhidrosis High Roller

» A Natural Sweat Cure? We Did a Test

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Study Proves Hyperhidrosis Treatment Improves Work Productivity

(May/June 2006) A study and poster presented at the recent American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting in San Francisco provides statistical evidence to support what hyperhidrosis sufferers already know – excessive sweating is extremely disruptive in the workplace and affects a person's ability to reach his or her full potential. On the flip side, the study reports new and inspiring information for hyperhidrosis sufferers, their physicians, and employers – treatment with Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the underarms) can greatly improve on-the-job productivity. Given that nearly 3% of the population is believed to be affected by hyperhidrosis, the results of this study should make employers (and, in turn, the health insurers that provide benefits to their workers) take notice. The study is proof that it is important to provide treatment for excessive sweating, not only because treatment is good for patients' well being but also because it's good for their success at work and for their employers' bottom lines.

The study, titled "Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment for Severe Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis on Work Performance and Productivity: Results From an Open Label Clinical Study," was conducted by a team of hyperhidrosis experts including two International Hyperhidrosis Society board members; Dr. David Pariser and Dr. Dee Anna Glaser.

According to the study, decline in on-the-job productivity resulting from work illness is a significant yet hidden cost to employers, accounting for approximately 18 to 60% of all health-related expenses for companies in the United States. While such productivity losses have usually been associated with well-known medical conditions such as allergies and osteoarthritis, the researchers found that axillary hyperhidrosis is also a significant distraction and impediment at work.

By studying 158 patients, the researchers found that full-time employees with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis were limited in performing physically demanding tasks 25% of the time, in mental and interpersonal tasks 20% of the time, in time management 17% of the time, and in work output 11% of the time. These rates of workplace limitations are similar to those experienced by workers suffering from depression, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis! Overall work productivity loss due to primary axillary hyperhidrosis was estimated at 4.9%.

Thirty days after treatment with Botox, patients with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis reported work performance that was similar to that reported by healthy controls (individuals who rated their general health as "excellent" and who did not suffer from hyperhidrosis), and substantially less impacted than that reported by patients with chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, depression, or rheumatoid arthritis. After the treatment, the overall work productivity loss for patients with severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis was reduced to approximately 2%.

With Botox treatment, hyperhidrosis sufferers found that their workplace performance improved in multiple areas including time management, physical demands, and mental and interpersonal demands.

The researchers thus concluded that Botox treatment for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis results in quantifiable and meaningful improvements in work and productivity, particularly in areas of time management and mental and interpersonal demands, as shown by statistically significant reductions at day 30 post-treatment.

If hyperhidrosis hinders your ability to carry items at work, use equipment, keep your mind focused, work with people face-to-face, work without stopping to take breaks, work without making mistakes, or to finish tasks on time, this study indicates that effective treatment could make all the difference. This is powerful evidence in the fight to get hyperhidrosis taken seriously and to have effective treatments covered by health insurance plans.