For most Israelis, summer means heat, humidity, and deodorant in the bag. But for tens of thousands of people suffering from hyperhidrosis, every outing from home is accompanied by concern, embarrassment, and sometimes also avoidance of social or romantic encounters.
A new national survey, conducted by the CI Marketing Information company at the initiative of the Maccabi Aesthetics chain, points to the heavy social toll of the phenomenon: Almost half of Israelis admit that prominent sweat stains will affect their desire to go on another date, and two–thirds believe that hyperhidrosis causes sufferers to withdraw and avoid social contacts.
Hyperhidrosis: Not just discomfort, but social anxiety
According to the survey, 67% of respondents believe that people suffering from hyperhidrosis avoid social or romantic encounters due to embarrassment and lack of confidence. Only 8% believe the phenomenon has no effect on social life.
According to Dr. Ella Egozi, a dermatology specialist and medical director of the Maccabi Aesthetics chain, this is a medical phenomenon in every respect.
"Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is not related to personal hygiene," she explains. "It is a physiological disorder in which sweat glands are active far beyond what is needed to regulate body heat, and it can significantly damage quality of life, self–confidence, and relationships."
What bothers Israelis the most?
The survey found that sweat odor is the central cause for rejection, with 83% of respondents citing it as the most significant nuisance. Among women the figure is even higher and stands at 87%, compared to 79% of men.
External appearance also has an impact: 37% of Israelis said prominent sweat stains on clothing bother them, and 35% admitted that damp hands during a handshake create a feeling of recoil for them.
In addition, 36% of respondents said the very embarrassment communicated by the person sweating also affects them and makes communication difficult.
The first date test
The most prominent finding relates to the dating world.
46% of respondents admitted that prominent sweat stains during a first date will greatly affect their desire to continue the relationship. An additional 32% said it would affect it to some extent.
In total, more than three out of four Israelis report that hyperhidrosis can harm initial attraction.
The survey also found interesting differences between population groups.
Divorced and separated people were actually the most strict group: 56% of them said sweat stains could cause them to forgo a second date.
In contrast, young singles were more forgiving, with only 39% responding this way.
Among the religious public, the highest level of forgiveness was found - only 31% said they would give up on continuing the relationship due to hyperhidrosis.
When does sweating become a disease?
According to Dr. Egozi, sweating is a natural and essential mechanism for cooling the body, but when it appears regardless of heat or effort, lasts for more than six months, and impairs daily functioning, it is defined as hyperhidrosis.
It is estimated that about 3% to 5% of Israelis suffer from the phenomenon, but many do not seek treatment, mainly due to shame or because they believe it is merely an aesthetic problem.
"Many people live for years with the feeling that there is nothing to be done," says Dr. Egozi. "In practice, there are currently effective treatments that can completely change the quality of life."
What treatments exist?
Treatment options include medical antiperspirant preparations, Botox injections, technological treatments, and even surgery in certain cases.
One of the innovative treatments is intended for underarm hyperhidrosis only and is performed using the MiraDry system, which uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in a controlled manner.
According to Dr. Egozi, the treatment is usually performed in only one or two sessions, reduces sweating and odor by 70% to 90%, and does not cause compensatory sweating in other areas of the body, because underarm sweat glands constitute only a small fraction of all sweat glands in the body.