International Hyperhidrosis Society Formed to Promote Research And Awareness of Excessive Sweating as a Medical Condition

Business Wire, Nov 24, 2003

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 2003

IHHS Launches Web Site at http://www.SweatHelp.org

Up to three percent of the world's population suffers from excessive sweating. Now, those that are afflicted with this condition have a newly launched advocacy group dedicated to promote research into, and awareness of, excessive sweating, as well as treatment access and physician education programs.

A multi-disciplinary group of leading healthcare professionals and hyperhidrosis experts has recently formed the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS).

"For a number of years, healthcare professionals have noted the prevalence of hyperhidrosis, with a limited amount of research or treatment recommendations available to them," said David M. Pariser, MD, FACP, a founding member and chairman of the board of directors of IHHS. "Symptoms are manifested in a variety of ways, including soiled or damaged clothing, paperwork and shoes, or unappealing cold, wet handshakes. Hyperhidrosis can be a substantial burden to afflicted individuals, interfering with their daily activities and causing social embarrassment. It adversely affects an individual's ability to perform in the workplace, be in public, meet people and develop personal relationships. One study reported that over one third of patients were moderately or severely affected emotionally by hyperhidrosis.

"We have established the International Hyperhidrosis Society to address the concerns of both those suffering from this condition and of the medical professionals with patients suffering from excessive sweating," Pariser said. "Our goal is to improve the quality of life and diminish the suffering of those affected by this medical condition, by providing information and resources that have previously been unavailable to either the general public or the healthcare professionals."

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earlier this year, IHHS brings together physicians, academicians, and people with hyperhidrosis and those who care for them. The non-profit organization provides objective, accurate, and balanced information about hyperhidrosis and its treatment. IHHS programs and resources provide an independent source of scientific knowledge, while promoting research into and awareness of the physiological, psychological, and economic effects of excessive sweating.

Joining Dr. Pariser as founding members of the IHHS board of directors are Samuel S. Ahn, MD from Los Angeles; Dee Anna Glaser, MD from St. Louis; Adelaide A. Herbert, MD from Houston; Markus Naumann, MD from Wurzburg, Germany; and Nowell Solish, MD, FRCP from Toronto, Canada. The organization's headquarters is in Philadelphia, with a satellite office in Washington, D.C.

Among the first projects for IHHS has been the launch of the organization's web site, http://www.sweathelp.org. The web site offers information for those with hyperhidrosis, and for doctors and other healthcare professionals seeking resources. Sections offer treatment options, tips for working with your doctor, living with hyperhidrosis, and information for healthcare professionals, as well as news about the condition. There is also news about IHHS, as well as background information about the organization, its board and its programs.

In early December, IHHS will be presenting a proposal to adopt a new diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis at the National Center for Health Statistics (a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in Baltimore, Maryland. The current "List of Diseases" includes hyperhidrosis under non-specific signs and symptoms and ill-defined conditions, but does not provide a specific diagnosis code for this well-characterized clinical disorder. It is the goal of IHHS to present their background research and recommendation to enable new coding specific for hyperhidrosis, which will facilitate more accurate reporting of this condition and additional research and more productive, satisfying discussions among patients and healthcare providers.

In February, the IHHS will be attending the 62nd Annual Meeting of The American Academy of Dermatology (Washington, D.C.) as part of the Coalition of Skin Diseases.

About the International Hyperhidrosis Society:

The International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHHS) is a non-profit organization promoting the awareness of and research into the condition of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Through their advocacy and programming, IHHS provides sufferers with access to treatment, and educates physicians about hyperhidrosis. Founded in 2003, the goal of IHHS is to improve the quality of life and diminish the suffering of those affected by this medical condition. Additional information about IHHS is available on their web site at http://www.SweatHelp.org.