Hyperhidrosis Survey: 68.7% Experience Daily Life Impairment, While Botox Treatment Awareness is Only 40.8% — Reality of 'Sweat Concerns' Revealed in a Survey of 300 People

[Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey

In conclusion, Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis is effective for the armpits, hands, and feet, with a single injection expected to suppress sweat for 4 to 6 months. Armpit hyperhidrosis is covered by insurance, while hand and foot treatments are self-pay. Treatments can be received at either dermatology or plastic surgery clinics, but for severe symptoms or when considering surgical treatment, consultation with a physician highly experienced in dermatological surgery is recommended.

- 68.7% of people have experienced daily life impairment due to sweat in their hands, feet, or armpits. - 59.2% of people responded that they “did not know” about Botox treatment. - Only 23.4% of people knew that hyperhidrosis can be treated with insurance coverage.

Glossary

### What is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what is necessary for thermoregulation. It is classified into primary focal hyperhidrosis, which occurs localized in areas such as the palms (hands), soles (feet), and axillae (armpits), and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, which affects the entire body. Approximately 5% of people in Japan are said to suffer from this condition.

### What is Botox Treatment (Botulinum Toxin Therapy)?

Botox treatment involves injecting type A botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum to suppress the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sweating. Botox treatment for armpit hyperhidrosis is covered by insurance, and a single treatment can be expected to last for 4 to 6 months.

### What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is a treatment method where hands or feet are immersed in water, and a weak electric current is applied to temporarily suppress the function of sweat glands. It is primarily used for palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis and is recommended in the Japanese Dermatological Association guidelines as an insurance-covered treatment option.

Comparison of Main Hyperhidrosis Treatments (for Armpit Hyperhidrosis)

Comparison Item | Botox Injection | MiraDry | Surgical Treatment (Excision Method) ---|---|---|--- Insurance Coverage | Yes (armpits only) | No (self-pay) | Yes Estimated Cost | 20,000-30,000 JPY (30% insurance burden) | 300,000-400,000 JPY | 40,000-50,000 JPY (30% insurance burden) Duration of Effect | 4-6 months | Semi-permanent | Semi-permanent Downtime | Almost none | 2-3 days | 1-2 weeks Scars | Needle puncture degree | None | 3-4 cm Treatment Time | 15-30 minutes | Approx. 1 hour | Approx. 1.5-2 hours Effect (sweat gland suppression rate) | 80-90% | 70-80% | 90% or more

*These figures are based on over 2,000 cases of axillary osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis treatment experience by our supervising physician. Individual results may vary.

Aisee Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya branches), a medical corporation specializing in dermatology and plastic surgery, conducted a survey on the actual state of hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating. This survey clarifies the impact of sweat concerns on the daily lives of those suffering from hand, foot, and armpit sweating, as well as the awareness of treatment methods.

Survey Background

Hyperhidrosis is a condition said to affect approximately 5% of the Japanese population, but many do not seek medical attention for reasons such as “it's just my constitution” or “I'm too embarrassed to consult anyone.” In recent years, treatment options have expanded with the broadening of insurance coverage for Botox injections and the proliferation of minimally invasive treatments like MiraDry. However, based on our supervising physician's experience of over 2,000 treatments, many patients have expressed that they “wished they had known about the treatment sooner.” Therefore, we recognized the urgent need to improve awareness of treatment methods and conducted this survey.

Survey Overview

Target Audience: Men and women in their 20s-50s nationwide who feel they sweat excessively from their hands, feet, and armpits. Survey Period: March 16, 2026 – March 25, 2026 Survey Method: Internet survey Number of Respondents: 300 people

Survey Results

### [Survey Result] Approximately 70% have Experienced Daily Life Impairment Due to Sweat

Question: Have you ever experienced daily life impairment due to sweat in your hands, feet, or armpits?

Combining “frequently” and “sometimes,” the total reaches 68.7%, indicating that approximately 70% of individuals feel the impact of sweat on their lives. This result shows that hyperhidrosis is not merely “being a heavy sweater” but a condition that significantly affects QOL (Quality of Life).

### [Survey Result] “Anxiety in social situations” is the most common at 34.7%

Question: What bothers you the most about your sweat concerns? (Choose the most applicable from multiple responses)

Anxiety in social situations is the most common, showing that hyperhidrosis causes mental stress and affects social life. Many people are particularly troubled by handshakes and document exchanges in business settings, indicating that the impact on work cannot be ignored.

### [Survey Result] Approximately 60% responded that they “did not know” about Botox treatment

Question: Were you aware of “Botox injection” as a treatment for hyperhidrosis?

Despite Botox treatment being covered by insurance for axillary hyperhidrosis since 2012, awareness remains low. Only 12.4% responded that they “know in detail,” highlighting the current situation where information about effective treatment methods has not sufficiently reached the public.

### [Survey Result] Only 23.4% knew about insurance coverage

Question: Were you aware that axillary hyperhidrosis can be treated with insurance coverage?

Approximately three out of four people were unaware of insurance coverage for axillary hyperhidrosis. The perception of “treatment being expensive” may be one of the factors deterring people from seeking medical attention, indicating the need for accurate information provision.

### [Survey Result] Over 80% have not sought medical attention, with the most common reason being “I didn't think it could be treated”

Question: Have you ever consulted a medical institution about your sweat concerns? If not, please tell us why.

The result of 83.2% not having sought medical attention is serious. The most common response being “I didn't think it could be treated” indicates that the understanding that hyperhidrosis is a medically treatable condition is not widespread. Furthermore, 11.2% responded “I don't know where to go,” indicating that publicizing appropriate medical facilities is also a challenge.

Survey Summary

This survey revealed that approximately 70% of individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis experience daily life impairment, while awareness of Botox treatment remains around 40% and awareness of insurance coverage is only in the 20% range. Furthermore, over 80% have not sought medical attention, with the most common reason being “I didn't think it could be treated.” Hyperhidrosis is a condition for which the Japanese Dermatological Association has established treatment guidelines, and symptom improvement can be expected with appropriate treatment. It is believed that widespread dissemination of correct information regarding treatment methods and insurance coverage can provide many people with an opportunity to improve their QOL.

Physician's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, Aisee Clinic

Based on our supervising physician's experience of over 2,000 cases of axillary osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis treatment, hyperhidrosis is not something that is “just my constitution” but a medically treatable condition. The survey result that approximately 60% of people were unaware of Botox treatment made us, as medical professionals, re-recognize the importance of information dissemination.

Hyperhidrosis is a condition for which the Japanese Dermatological Association's “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis 2023 Revision” outlines a treatment algorithm according to severity. As a first-line treatment, aluminum chloride topical therapy is recommended for mild cases, and Botox injection (botulinum toxin therapy) for moderate to severe cases.

Specifically, Botox injection for armpit hyperhidrosis has been covered by insurance since 2012, allowing treatment for approximately 20,000 to 30,000 JPY with a 30% insurance burden. While individual results vary, the effect often lasts for 4 to 6 months, and repeated treatments can lead to long-term sweat reduction.

For palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands) and plantar hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet), iontophoresis is also available as an insurance-covered treatment. Furthermore, for severe cases or those desiring a permanent cure, options such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy and MiraDry are available.

The survey result that 11.2% responded “I don't know where to go” is an important point. Hyperhidrosis can be treated at dermatology or plastic surgery clinics. Especially when considering surgical treatment, it is recommended to consult a physician with extensive experience in dermatological surgery.

### [Evidence]

In the Japanese Dermatological Association's “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis 2023 Revision,” botulinum toxin therapy for axillary hyperhidrosis is rated as recommendation level A. In our supervising physician's experience of over 2,000 treatments, Botox injection often leads to an 80-90% reduction in sweat volume.