Epidemiology and health care of hyperhidrosis in Germany: claims data analysis

Background and objectives Data on the population-based epidemiology of hyperhidrosis (HH) are scarce. This study investigated the epidemiology and healthcare of HH in Germany. Design and setting Claims data of adult persons insured by a German statutory health insurance (DAK-Gesundheit) between 2016 and 2020 were analysed. Included were persons aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of HH (confirmed inpatient or outpatient diagnosis in the observation year) who were continuously insured. Following outcomes were measured: prevalence and incidence rates, severity of hyperhidrosis and inpatient and outpatient care by a group of specialists. Results In 2020, 0.70% of insured adults were confirmed to have HH (mean age 59.5 years, SD 18.9, 61.6% female), with 9.24% having a 'localised' form, 8.65% a 'generalised' form and 84.80% an 'unspecified' form. 0.04% of the total population had a severe form. The incidence was 0.35%. Localised HH was more common in younger age groups (18 to <30 years), while older age groups (70 to <80 years) were significantly more likely to suffer from generalised HH. Systemic anticholinergics were used in 4.55%, and botulinum toxin injection therapy in 0.81%. General practitioners were most frequently involved in care. Inpatient stays due to HH were very rare, with 0.14% in 2019 and 0.04% in 2020. Conclusion Multisource data analysis connecting primary and secondary data will be needed for a complete picture of the healthcare and epidemiology of HH.