78.3% of Hyperhidrosis Sufferers Unaware of Treatment Options, Awareness of Insurance-Covered Treatments at Only 32.7%
Key facts
- 78.3% of Hyperhidrosis Sufferers Unaware of Treatment Options, Awareness of Insurance-Covered Treatments at Only 32.7%
- I-See Clinic, operated by the Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, conducted a survey of 300 men and women across Japan who recognize they have hyperhidrosis. The results revealed that 78.3% of patients were unaware of insurance-covered treatment options, and only 18.7% had ever visited a medical institution. While 85% experience disruptions in their daily lives, the survey highlighted that a lack of information and psychological barriers to consultation are hindering access to treatment. The clinic is raising awareness about insurable options like Botox injections and topical medications, urging early consultation with a dermatologist.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 2, 2026
Direct answer
I-See Clinic, operated by the Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, conducted a survey of 300 men and women across Japan who recognize they have hyperhidrosis. The results revealed that 78.3% of patients were unaware of insurance-covered treatment options, and only 18.7% had ever visited a medical institution. While 85% experience disruptions in their daily lives, the survey highlighted that a lack of information and psychological barriers to consultation are hindering access to treatment. The clinic is raising awareness about insurable options like Botox injections and topical medications, urging early consultation with a dermatologist.
- Citation
- 78.3% of Hyperhidrosis Sufferers Unaware of Treatment Options, Awareness of Insurance-Covered Treatments at Only 32.7% (June 2, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 2, 2026
I-See Clinic, operated by the Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, conducted a survey of 300 men and women across Japan who recognize they have hyperhidrosis. The results revealed that 78.3% of patients were unaware of insurance-covered treatment options, and only 18.7% had ever visited a medical institution. While 85% experience disruptions in their daily lives, the survey highlighted that a lack of information and psychological barriers to consultation are hindering access to treatment. The clinic is raising awareness about insurable options like Botox injections and topical medications, urging early consultation with a dermatologist.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 2, 2026 at 09:20
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 09:35 (14 min after Collected)
【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey
In conclusion, hyperhidrosis is treatable under health insurance. For underarm hyperhidrosis, insurance-covered Botox injections (effective for 4-6 months) are an option, while for hands and feet, topical aluminum chloride is the first-line treatment. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist to make a comprehensive decision based on severity, location, and cost.
・78.3% of hyperhidrosis patients answered they 'did not know about insurance-covered treatment options.'
・67.0% of those feeling disruption in daily life have experienced 'being unable to consult anyone.'
・89.3% of those with treatment experience answered they 'wished they had received treatment sooner.'
Glossary
■ What is Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis?
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs in limited areas such as the armpits, palms, soles, or head, without any specific underlying disease. It often develops in the teens and twenties and is said to affect about 5-7% of the Japanese population. With the expansion of insurance coverage in 2020, treatments like Botox injections and topical medications became available under health insurance.
■ What are Botox Injections (Botulinum Toxin Preparation)?
Botox injection is a treatment where a purified drug derived from the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is injected into the affected area to suppress the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate sweating. It is covered by insurance for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating), and one treatment lasts for about 4-6 months.
■ What is Topical Aluminum Chloride?
Topical aluminum chloride is a medication containing aluminum chloride as its active ingredient, which suppresses sweating by physically blocking the sweat gland ducts. It can be used on a wide range of areas, including palms, soles, and armpits, and is positioned as a first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis. While available over-the-counter, formulations prescribed by medical institutions are more concentrated and effective.
Comparison of Major Hyperhidrosis Treatments
| Comparison Item | Botox Injection | Topical Aluminum Chloride | Iontophoresis | miraDry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | ○ (Severe axillary) | △ (Partially covered) | × (Private) | × (Private) |
| Applicable Areas | Armpits only (Insured) | Armpits, Hands, Feet | Hands, Feet | Armpits only |
| Duration of Effect | 4-6 months | Only while using | Only while using | Semi-permanent |
| Cost (30% burden/Private) | Approx. ¥20-30k | Approx. ¥1-3k/month | Approx. ¥30-50k/device | Approx. ¥300-400k |
| Treatment Frequency | 2-3 times/year | Daily to every other day | 2-3 times/week | 1-2 times |
| Downtime | Almost none | None | None | 2-3 days |
| Side Effects | Pain/bruising at injection site | Skin irritation/rash | Skin irritation | Swelling/numbness |
*Figures are based on over 2,000 hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis treatment cases by our supervising physician. Individual results may vary, and the appropriate treatment depends on symptoms and constitution.
I-See Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), operated by Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, conducted a questionnaire survey of 300 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are aware of their hyperhidrosis symptoms to understand their treatment realities. This release delivers the survey results along with expert commentary on treatment selection for primary focal hyperhidrosis by our supervising physician, Dr. Kota Takakuwa.
Survey Background
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition affecting about 5-7% of the Japanese population, but many people either give up, thinking 'it's just my constitution,' or are unaware that treatments exist. Treatment options have been expanding, with topical sofpironium bromide (Ecclock Gel) in 2020 and glycopyrronium tosylate hydrate (Rapifort Wipe) in 2022 becoming insurance-covered. However, this information is not well-known, prompting this survey to clarify the current status and challenges of hyperhidrosis treatment.
Survey Overview
Target: Men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are aware of hyperhidrosis (armpits, hands, feet, face, etc.) at a level that disrupts daily life.
Period: May 18 - May 27, 2026
Method: Internet survey
Number of participants: 300
Survey Results
【Result】Underarm sweating is the most common concern at 42.0%, followed by palms at 28.7%.
Question: Which area of hyperhidrosis symptoms bothers you the most?
Underarm sweating may qualify as severe axillary hyperhidrosis, treatable with insurance-covered Botox injections. Sweaty palms are also common at nearly 30%, suggesting a significant impact on work and interpersonal relationships.
【Result】78.3% 'did not know about insurance-covered treatment options.'
Question: Did you know that there are insurance-covered treatments for hyperhidrosis?
Awareness of insurance-covered treatments is extremely low, revealing that many people are suffering without knowing their options. The expansion of insurance coverage since 2020 has not been sufficiently publicized.
【Result】Only 18.7% have actually consulted a medical institution.
Question: Have you ever consulted a medical institution for your hyperhidrosis symptoms?
The fact that over 80% have not sought medical advice suggests that hyperhidrosis is not easily recognized as a 'disease' and that barriers exist, such as not knowing which department to visit. Consulting a dermatologist is the first choice.
【Result】'Cost' is the top priority for 38.7%.
Question: What is the most important point when choosing a hyperhidrosis treatment?
There is a strong tendency to prioritize cost, indicating that raising awareness of insurance-covered treatments is key to promoting medical consultation. The duration of effect is also considered important, serving as a crucial factor in treatment selection.
【Result】85.0% feel some level of disruption in their daily lives.
Question: To what extent do your hyperhidrosis symptoms disrupt your daily life?
85% of respondents feel some disruption, and about one-third answered 'significant disruption.' This numerically demonstrates the major impact of hyperhidrosis on Quality of Life (QOL).
Survey Summary
This survey revealed that about 80% of people suffering from hyperhidrosis are unaware of insurance-covered treatments, and less than 20% have ever consulted a medical institution. On the other hand, 85% feel their daily lives are disrupted, indicating a high need for treatment. However, a lack of information and psychological barriers to consultation are hindering access to care. Since 2020, treatment options for hyperhidrosis have steadily expanded with increased insurance coverage. If you are troubled by symptoms, please first consult a dermatologist to discuss appropriate treatment methods.
Physician's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, I-See Clinic
Based on our supervising physician's experience with over 2,000 hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis cases, hyperhidrosis is a condition whose symptoms can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. Please don't give up thinking 'it's just my constitution,' and consult a dermatologist.
According to the diagnostic criteria of the Japanese Dermatological Association, hyperhidrosis is defined as 'a state of excessive localized sweating for over 6 months without a clear cause, at a level that disrupts daily life.' At our clinic, we first assess the severity using the HDSS (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) and propose a treatment plan according to the severity.
The first-line treatment is topical aluminum chloride. It can be used on the palms, soles, and armpits, and is effective with a simple method of applying at bedtime and washing off the next morning. However, it can cause skin irritation or rash, so it's important to receive guidance on how to use it.
For those with severe axillary hyperhidrosis (HDSS score of 3 or higher), Botox injections are covered by insurance. The effect appears within a few days of injection and lasts for about 4-6 months. Stable effects can be maintained by continuing treatment 2-3 times a year.
An option not covered by insurance is miraDry. This treatment destroys sweat glands with microwaves and can achieve semi-permanent effects with 1-2 sessions. The downtime is relatively short at 2-3 days, and it leaves no scars. Although it is a private treatment, it is a valid option for those who find long-term continuous treatment difficult.
【Evidence】The 'Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis Clinical Practice Guidelines 2023 Revision' by the Japanese Dermatological Association recommends topical aluminum chloride as the first-line treatment and Botox injections as the second-line. From our supervising physician's experience with over 2,000 cases, we believe this stepwise approach following the treatment algorithm is most effective.
Recommended Treatments by Area
・Underarm: Topical aluminum chloride → Botox injection (insured) → miraDry (private)
・Palms: Topical aluminum chloride → Iontophoresis → Botox injection (private)
・Soles: Topical aluminum chloride → Iontophoresis
Precautions for Treatment
・Always apply topical aluminum chloride to dry skin (irritation increases on wet skin).
・Botox injections take a few days to take effect, so schedule them well in advance of events.
・When considering private treatment, consult multiple medical institutions to compare treatment details and costs.
Dr. Kota Takakuwa
With over 15 years of clinical experience and more than 30,000 surgical cases in the field of skin tumors and dermatologic surgery, he provides supervision based on medical evidence.
Specialties: Skin tumors, Dermatologic surgery, Dermatology, Plastic surgery
・miraDry certified physician
Clinical Achievements (as of 2024, cumulative)
・Skin tumor/dermatologic surgery: Over 30,000 cases
・Osmidrosis treatment: Over 2,000 cases
・Rosacea/facial redness treatment: Over 1,000 cases
Biography
・2009: Graduated from The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Medicine
・2009: Initial residency at Tokyo Teishin Hospital
・2012: Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital
・2012: Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital
・2019: Chief of Treatment, I-See Clinic
Supervisory Areas: Medical information on skin tumors (moles, cysts, lipomas, etc.), dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, and general medical columns.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. I have abnormally sweaty hands and armpits. Can I get treatment covered by insurance?
A. For severe underarm hyperhidrosis (primary axillary hyperhidrosis), Botox injections are covered by insurance. There are severity criteria for insurance coverage, applicable when diagnosed with an HDSS (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) score of 3 or higher. In our survey, 78.3% were unaware of insurance-covered treatments. For sweaty palms, some topical aluminum chloride medications are covered, but Botox injections are a private treatment.
Q2. How long do the effects of Botox injections last?
A. The effects of Botox injections last for about 4-6 months, with treatment recommended 2-3 times a year. In our supervising physician's experience, while there are individual differences, many patients experience effects lasting 4-6 months. The survey showed that 24.3% prioritize 'duration of effect,' making it an important factor in treatment choice. Symptoms can be continuously controlled by receiving another injection when the effect wears off.
Q3. How do I use topical aluminum chloride and what are the side effects?
A. The basic method is to apply it to dry skin at bedtime and wash it off the next morning. The main side effect is skin irritation. It is crucial to apply aluminum chloride to completely dry skin. Using it on wet skin can cause a chemical reaction that increases irritation, leading to rashes and pain. Start with 2-3 times a week and adjust the frequency based on the effect. If irritation is strong, switching to a lower concentration formulation or reducing the application frequency can help.
Q4. Should I choose miraDry or surgery (excision method)?
A. miraDry is suitable for those who want a shorter downtime, while insurance-covered surgery is better for those who want to keep costs down. miraDry leaves no scars and has a short downtime of 2-3 days, but costs around ¥300,000-¥400,000 (private). The excision method is covered by insurance and costs around ¥40,000-¥50,000 (30% burden), but it leaves scars and has a downtime of 2-3 weeks. In the survey, 38.7% prioritized 'cost,' making the choice dependent on lifestyle and budget.
Q5. Is there a guideline for when to see a dermatologist for hyperhidrosis?
A. We recommend a consultation if you feel it is disrupting your daily life. In our survey, 85.0% felt some disruption in their daily lives, but only 18.7% had actually consulted a doctor. If you have symptoms like 'documents getting wet at work,' 'being unable to shake hands with people,' or 'being concerned about sweat stains on clothes,' you are a good candidate for treatment. We recommend first getting your severity assessed by a dermatologist and discussing appropriate treatment options.
Risks of Neglect
・Skin maceration (softening) due to excessive sweat can make you more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections (like athlete's foot).
・Impact on interpersonal relationships and work can lead to a risk of developing social anxiety disorder or depression.
・Prolonged neglect can lead to an accumulation of mental burden from the symptoms, significantly lowering QOL.
Consult Us If You Experience The Following | Guidelines for Consultation
・You frequently get sweat stains on your clothes and have trouble choosing what to wear.
・Sweaty hands cause problems with documents or your smartphone.
・You avoid shaking hands or getting close to people because you are concerned about sweat.
・You feel that antiperspirants are not enough to control your sweat.
・You cannot concentrate on work or studies due to hyperhidrosis.
Clinic Information
Features of I-See Clinic
・Supervising physician with over 30,000 surgical cases in skin tumors and dermatologic surgery.
・Appropriate treatment proposals based on over 2,000 cases of osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis treatment experience.
・A wide range of options from insured to private treatments (miraDry).
・A network of 6 clinics in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya for easy access.
I-See Clinic Shinjuku: Imasu Aoi Bldg. 2F, 2-5-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Shibuya: New Sansui Bldg. 5F, 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Ueno: Thank You Bldg. 1F, 3-16-5 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Ikebukuro: Maeda Bldg. 9F, 2-15-3 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Tokyo: Nihonbashi Front 3F, 3-6-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Omiya: Fukumi Medical 2F-B, 1-60 Daimoncho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
In conclusion, hyperhidrosis is treatable under health insurance. For underarm hyperhidrosis, insurance-covered Botox injections (effective for 4-6 months) are an option, while for hands and feet, topical aluminum chloride is the first-line treatment. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist to make a comprehensive decision based on severity, location, and cost.
・78.3% of hyperhidrosis patients answered they 'did not know about insurance-covered treatment options.'
・67.0% of those feeling disruption in daily life have experienced 'being unable to consult anyone.'
・89.3% of those with treatment experience answered they 'wished they had received treatment sooner.'
Glossary
■ What is Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis?
Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs in limited areas such as the armpits, palms, soles, or head, without any specific underlying disease. It often develops in the teens and twenties and is said to affect about 5-7% of the Japanese population. With the expansion of insurance coverage in 2020, treatments like Botox injections and topical medications became available under health insurance.
■ What are Botox Injections (Botulinum Toxin Preparation)?
Botox injection is a treatment where a purified drug derived from the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is injected into the affected area to suppress the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate sweating. It is covered by insurance for severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating), and one treatment lasts for about 4-6 months.
■ What is Topical Aluminum Chloride?
Topical aluminum chloride is a medication containing aluminum chloride as its active ingredient, which suppresses sweating by physically blocking the sweat gland ducts. It can be used on a wide range of areas, including palms, soles, and armpits, and is positioned as a first-line treatment for hyperhidrosis. While available over-the-counter, formulations prescribed by medical institutions are more concentrated and effective.
Comparison of Major Hyperhidrosis Treatments
| Comparison Item | Botox Injection | Topical Aluminum Chloride | Iontophoresis | miraDry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | ○ (Severe axillary) | △ (Partially covered) | × (Private) | × (Private) |
| Applicable Areas | Armpits only (Insured) | Armpits, Hands, Feet | Hands, Feet | Armpits only |
| Duration of Effect | 4-6 months | Only while using | Only while using | Semi-permanent |
| Cost (30% burden/Private) | Approx. ¥20-30k | Approx. ¥1-3k/month | Approx. ¥30-50k/device | Approx. ¥300-400k |
| Treatment Frequency | 2-3 times/year | Daily to every other day | 2-3 times/week | 1-2 times |
| Downtime | Almost none | None | None | 2-3 days |
| Side Effects | Pain/bruising at injection site | Skin irritation/rash | Skin irritation | Swelling/numbness |
*Figures are based on over 2,000 hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis treatment cases by our supervising physician. Individual results may vary, and the appropriate treatment depends on symptoms and constitution.
I-See Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), operated by Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, conducted a questionnaire survey of 300 men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are aware of their hyperhidrosis symptoms to understand their treatment realities. This release delivers the survey results along with expert commentary on treatment selection for primary focal hyperhidrosis by our supervising physician, Dr. Kota Takakuwa.
Survey Background
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition affecting about 5-7% of the Japanese population, but many people either give up, thinking 'it's just my constitution,' or are unaware that treatments exist. Treatment options have been expanding, with topical sofpironium bromide (Ecclock Gel) in 2020 and glycopyrronium tosylate hydrate (Rapifort Wipe) in 2022 becoming insurance-covered. However, this information is not well-known, prompting this survey to clarify the current status and challenges of hyperhidrosis treatment.
Survey Overview
Target: Men and women aged 20-50 nationwide who are aware of hyperhidrosis (armpits, hands, feet, face, etc.) at a level that disrupts daily life.
Period: May 18 - May 27, 2026
Method: Internet survey
Number of participants: 300
Survey Results
【Result】Underarm sweating is the most common concern at 42.0%, followed by palms at 28.7%.
Question: Which area of hyperhidrosis symptoms bothers you the most?
Underarm sweating may qualify as severe axillary hyperhidrosis, treatable with insurance-covered Botox injections. Sweaty palms are also common at nearly 30%, suggesting a significant impact on work and interpersonal relationships.
【Result】78.3% 'did not know about insurance-covered treatment options.'
Question: Did you know that there are insurance-covered treatments for hyperhidrosis?
Awareness of insurance-covered treatments is extremely low, revealing that many people are suffering without knowing their options. The expansion of insurance coverage since 2020 has not been sufficiently publicized.
【Result】Only 18.7% have actually consulted a medical institution.
Question: Have you ever consulted a medical institution for your hyperhidrosis symptoms?
The fact that over 80% have not sought medical advice suggests that hyperhidrosis is not easily recognized as a 'disease' and that barriers exist, such as not knowing which department to visit. Consulting a dermatologist is the first choice.
【Result】'Cost' is the top priority for 38.7%.
Question: What is the most important point when choosing a hyperhidrosis treatment?
There is a strong tendency to prioritize cost, indicating that raising awareness of insurance-covered treatments is key to promoting medical consultation. The duration of effect is also considered important, serving as a crucial factor in treatment selection.
【Result】85.0% feel some level of disruption in their daily lives.
Question: To what extent do your hyperhidrosis symptoms disrupt your daily life?
85% of respondents feel some disruption, and about one-third answered 'significant disruption.' This numerically demonstrates the major impact of hyperhidrosis on Quality of Life (QOL).
Survey Summary
This survey revealed that about 80% of people suffering from hyperhidrosis are unaware of insurance-covered treatments, and less than 20% have ever consulted a medical institution. On the other hand, 85% feel their daily lives are disrupted, indicating a high need for treatment. However, a lack of information and psychological barriers to consultation are hindering access to care. Since 2020, treatment options for hyperhidrosis have steadily expanded with increased insurance coverage. If you are troubled by symptoms, please first consult a dermatologist to discuss appropriate treatment methods.
Physician's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, I-See Clinic
Based on our supervising physician's experience with over 2,000 hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis cases, hyperhidrosis is a condition whose symptoms can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. Please don't give up thinking 'it's just my constitution,' and consult a dermatologist.
According to the diagnostic criteria of the Japanese Dermatological Association, hyperhidrosis is defined as 'a state of excessive localized sweating for over 6 months without a clear cause, at a level that disrupts daily life.' At our clinic, we first assess the severity using the HDSS (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) and propose a treatment plan according to the severity.
The first-line treatment is topical aluminum chloride. It can be used on the palms, soles, and armpits, and is effective with a simple method of applying at bedtime and washing off the next morning. However, it can cause skin irritation or rash, so it's important to receive guidance on how to use it.
For those with severe axillary hyperhidrosis (HDSS score of 3 or higher), Botox injections are covered by insurance. The effect appears within a few days of injection and lasts for about 4-6 months. Stable effects can be maintained by continuing treatment 2-3 times a year.
An option not covered by insurance is miraDry. This treatment destroys sweat glands with microwaves and can achieve semi-permanent effects with 1-2 sessions. The downtime is relatively short at 2-3 days, and it leaves no scars. Although it is a private treatment, it is a valid option for those who find long-term continuous treatment difficult.
【Evidence】The 'Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis Clinical Practice Guidelines 2023 Revision' by the Japanese Dermatological Association recommends topical aluminum chloride as the first-line treatment and Botox injections as the second-line. From our supervising physician's experience with over 2,000 cases, we believe this stepwise approach following the treatment algorithm is most effective.
Recommended Treatments by Area
・Underarm: Topical aluminum chloride → Botox injection (insured) → miraDry (private)
・Palms: Topical aluminum chloride → Iontophoresis → Botox injection (private)
・Soles: Topical aluminum chloride → Iontophoresis
Precautions for Treatment
・Always apply topical aluminum chloride to dry skin (irritation increases on wet skin).
・Botox injections take a few days to take effect, so schedule them well in advance of events.
・When considering private treatment, consult multiple medical institutions to compare treatment details and costs.
Dr. Kota Takakuwa
With over 15 years of clinical experience and more than 30,000 surgical cases in the field of skin tumors and dermatologic surgery, he provides supervision based on medical evidence.
Specialties: Skin tumors, Dermatologic surgery, Dermatology, Plastic surgery
・miraDry certified physician
Clinical Achievements (as of 2024, cumulative)
・Skin tumor/dermatologic surgery: Over 30,000 cases
・Osmidrosis treatment: Over 2,000 cases
・Rosacea/facial redness treatment: Over 1,000 cases
Biography
・2009: Graduated from The University of Tokyo, Faculty of Medicine
・2009: Initial residency at Tokyo Teishin Hospital
・2012: Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital
・2012: Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital
・2019: Chief of Treatment, I-See Clinic
Supervisory Areas: Medical information on skin tumors (moles, cysts, lipomas, etc.), dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, and general medical columns.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. I have abnormally sweaty hands and armpits. Can I get treatment covered by insurance?
A. For severe underarm hyperhidrosis (primary axillary hyperhidrosis), Botox injections are covered by insurance. There are severity criteria for insurance coverage, applicable when diagnosed with an HDSS (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale) score of 3 or higher. In our survey, 78.3% were unaware of insurance-covered treatments. For sweaty palms, some topical aluminum chloride medications are covered, but Botox injections are a private treatment.
Q2. How long do the effects of Botox injections last?
A. The effects of Botox injections last for about 4-6 months, with treatment recommended 2-3 times a year. In our supervising physician's experience, while there are individual differences, many patients experience effects lasting 4-6 months. The survey showed that 24.3% prioritize 'duration of effect,' making it an important factor in treatment choice. Symptoms can be continuously controlled by receiving another injection when the effect wears off.
Q3. How do I use topical aluminum chloride and what are the side effects?
A. The basic method is to apply it to dry skin at bedtime and wash it off the next morning. The main side effect is skin irritation. It is crucial to apply aluminum chloride to completely dry skin. Using it on wet skin can cause a chemical reaction that increases irritation, leading to rashes and pain. Start with 2-3 times a week and adjust the frequency based on the effect. If irritation is strong, switching to a lower concentration formulation or reducing the application frequency can help.
Q4. Should I choose miraDry or surgery (excision method)?
A. miraDry is suitable for those who want a shorter downtime, while insurance-covered surgery is better for those who want to keep costs down. miraDry leaves no scars and has a short downtime of 2-3 days, but costs around ¥300,000-¥400,000 (private). The excision method is covered by insurance and costs around ¥40,000-¥50,000 (30% burden), but it leaves scars and has a downtime of 2-3 weeks. In the survey, 38.7% prioritized 'cost,' making the choice dependent on lifestyle and budget.
Q5. Is there a guideline for when to see a dermatologist for hyperhidrosis?
A. We recommend a consultation if you feel it is disrupting your daily life. In our survey, 85.0% felt some disruption in their daily lives, but only 18.7% had actually consulted a doctor. If you have symptoms like 'documents getting wet at work,' 'being unable to shake hands with people,' or 'being concerned about sweat stains on clothes,' you are a good candidate for treatment. We recommend first getting your severity assessed by a dermatologist and discussing appropriate treatment options.
Risks of Neglect
・Skin maceration (softening) due to excessive sweat can make you more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections (like athlete's foot).
・Impact on interpersonal relationships and work can lead to a risk of developing social anxiety disorder or depression.
・Prolonged neglect can lead to an accumulation of mental burden from the symptoms, significantly lowering QOL.
Consult Us If You Experience The Following | Guidelines for Consultation
・You frequently get sweat stains on your clothes and have trouble choosing what to wear.
・Sweaty hands cause problems with documents or your smartphone.
・You avoid shaking hands or getting close to people because you are concerned about sweat.
・You feel that antiperspirants are not enough to control your sweat.
・You cannot concentrate on work or studies due to hyperhidrosis.
Clinic Information
Features of I-See Clinic
・Supervising physician with over 30,000 surgical cases in skin tumors and dermatologic surgery.
・Appropriate treatment proposals based on over 2,000 cases of osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis treatment experience.
・A wide range of options from insured to private treatments (miraDry).
・A network of 6 clinics in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya for easy access.
I-See Clinic Shinjuku: Imasu Aoi Bldg. 2F, 2-5-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Shibuya: New Sansui Bldg. 5F, 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Ueno: Thank You Bldg. 1F, 3-16-5 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Ikebukuro: Maeda Bldg. 9F, 2-15-3 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Tokyo: Nihonbashi Front 3F, 3-6-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
I-See Clinic Omiya: Fukumi Medical 2F-B, 1-60 Daimoncho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
FAQ
What are the main issues revealed by the survey on hyperhidrosis?
78.3% of patients were unaware of insurance-covered treatments, and only 18.7% had ever visited a medical institution. This lack of information is a major reason why many people suffer without seeking treatment.
What are the main insurance-covered treatments for hyperhidrosis?
For severe axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating), Botox injections are covered by insurance. For palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (hands and feet), aluminum chloride topical solutions are the first-line treatment and are partially covered.
According to the survey, to what extent do hyperhidrosis patients feel their daily lives are affected?
85% of respondents feel some level of disruption in their daily lives, with about one-third reporting 'significant disruption.' This indicates that hyperhidrosis has a major impact on quality of life (QOL).
What is the most important factor for patients when choosing a hyperhidrosis treatment?
In the survey, 38.7% cited 'cost' as the most important factor, suggesting that increasing awareness of insurance-covered treatments is key to encouraging consultation. 'Duration of effect' was also a significant consideration.
What kind of clinic is I-See Clinic, which conducted this survey?
It is a dermatology and plastic surgery clinic operated by the Tesshokukai Medical Corporation, with over 2,000 cases of experience in treating hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. They offer a wide range of options from insured to private treatments and have six clinics in Tokyo and Saitama.