Nation wide epidemiological survey of primary palmar hyperhidrosis in the People's Republic of China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) among adolescents in PR China.

METHODS: A nationwide survey was performed, including all seven geological areas of Mainland China. Stratified cluster sampling was performed, and a cross-sectional epidemiological survey was applied via questionnaire among 10,000 college students in each geological area.

RESULTS: The prevalence rate of PPH was 2.08%. The prevalence in female adolescents was slightly higher than the prevalence in male adolescents (2.29 vs. 1.94%). The prevalence of PPH in coastal areas was higher than the prevalence of PPH in inland areas (2.81 vs. 1.53%). The peak age of onset is 7-15 years, accounting for 97.3% of the PPH population. Positive family history was found in 25.40% of PPH cases. In addition to palms, axillae and soles can also be affected.

CONCLUSIONS: PPH affects a larger group of individuals than previously reported. More measures should be taken to enhance the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of PPH.