A number of studies have confirmed that primary or focal hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition. To some of us, this may be more obvious, given that a parent is also afflicted. To others, the condition may be present in an aunt, uncle or great grandparent. In some cases, there may not be any indication that the condition exists elsewhere in the family. |
A study* of close to 50 individuals suggests that a positive family history is present in about 65% of those with hyperhidrosis. A larger Japanese study** of over 400 individuals indicated that a positive family history exists in 36% of individuals with hyperhidrosis. Of these, close to 60% were parent-child, and in about 20% the association is with siblings. A significant proportion (13%) of these individuals reported an incidence of hyperhidrosis in 3 generations within family. |
Our own heredity survey (30 individuals) suggests that about 60% are positive for family history. To date, about 2/3 have cited immediate or direct family links (parents, siblings) compared to 1/3 mentioning aunts, uncles and cousins. A few (10%) reported hyperhidrosis in their grandparents. |
Whatever the degree of family involvement in hyperhidrosis, there is no question that it has a strong hereditary component. The gene is present in 5% of the population. Individuals with the gene carry a 25% likelihood of passing along the condition to their offspring. That compares to 1% among those without the gene. In the next few weeks we will be creating a page featuring all the results from our Heredity Survey....so make sure to come back and visit our Survey Results section. |