In this issue ALERT: GOOD MORNING AMERICA To Air Segment on Hyperhidrosis Page 2. David M. Pariser, MD, founding Board Member, Takes the Oath

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1 From the Executive Director It s a new year and we ve already spotted a trend for hyperhidrosis care in 2009: Raising Awareness. In this edition of SweatSolutions, we have four stories that highlight people or modes of communication that are adding to the collective consciousness of the hyperhidrosis community. Hyperhidrosis sufferer Sophia Z. s appearance on Good Morning America is a rare opportunity to connect with millions of people and shed some muchneeded light on living with and treating hyperhidrosis. The publication of an article on pediatric hyperhidrosis in the journal Pediatric Dermatology by founding board member Adelaide Hebert, MD in December, 2008 indicates a new emphasis on educating pediatricians and other medical professionals about caring for children and teens with excessive sweating. The opening of the French and German-language In this issue ALERT: GOOD MORNING AMERICA To Air Segment on Hyperhidrosis Page 2. David M. Pariser, MD, founding Board Member, Takes the Oath Page 3. Emerging Medical Focus on Hyperhidrosis in Youth Two New Language Portals for SweatHelp.org Now a Reality! Page 4. Page 6. portals to our SweatHelp.org Web site eliminates the language barriers and allows the facts about hyperhidrosis to flow freely to all of the French and German-speaking people of the world. Finally, and perhaps most influential in this raisingawareness theme, founding board member David M. Pariser, MD assumes the role of president of the American Academy of Dermatology in March, 2009 for a one-year term. This is a powerful and influential position that will undoubtedly impact hyperhidrosis care. If you could hand Dr. Pariser a wish list to keep on his desk during his term, what would it include? We want to hear from you, physicians and patients alike. Let s take advantage of this pivotal moment in hyperhidrosis care and really make change. Yes we can. Lisa J. Pieretti, MBA Executive Director The [IHHS] page 1

2 GOOD MORNING AMERICA To Air Hyperhidrosis Segment For so many people with hyperhidrosis, the condition of living in shame and holding back some of who you are in almost all social situations is, unfortunately, the norm rather than the exception. The goal of the International Hyperhidrosis Society is to reverse this equation. And we re so proud and fortunate to have tremendous support from people who are dedicated to helping us achieve this winning formula. In a Good Morning America segment that will air in the coming weeks we ll have a high-impact opportunity to highlight the facts and myths about hyperhidrosis. With the incredibly generous efforts of an IHHS friend named Sophia Z., who has palmar hyperhidrosis, and IHHS founding board member David M. Pariser, MD, the physician who first treated her, millions of people will have a chance to learn more about excessive sweating. Sophia also allowed the GMA film crew to tape her receiving a Botox treatment at the dermatologist s office. Sophia is a busy mom who runs her own business and works part time as a physical education teacher at her son s school. The night before the taping she was enthused about the appearance. I hope to deliver a clear message that hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which patients do not have to suffer in silence and shame. segment Tracey Marx conducted the interview, along with a small production crew. It turned out to be a long day of taping, beginning early in the morning at Sophia s house in Virginia Beach and continuing through the day, as they filmed her at work and at her doctor s appointment while she received her Botox injections. During the course of the interview, Sophia did all she could to emphasize the limitations that excessive sweating imposes on sufferers. Prior to the start of the Botox treatment, she presented her sweaty palms to the GMA crew, who she said were stunned at the amount of sweating. She emphasized that sweaty palms are not just an inconvenience, it affects everything: reading a newspaper, playing a piano, shaking hands, writing, using electronic devices, like an ipod or a Blackberry. Like many people living with hyperhidrosis, Sophia says that she was unaware that her excessive sweating was a real disease, let alone that there were treatment options available, until well into adulthood. She says she discovered that she had hyperhidrosis at a check up with a new doctor when she was around 30 years old. I extended my wet hand for a handshake and, typically, I would make up an excuse like, Sorry. I ve just washed my hands and they re still damp and instead I just let it out that my hands are constantly wet from sweat. Her new doctor quickly replied, It sounds like you have hyperhidrosis. This was Sophia s moment of awakening: the point at which the years of shame and isolation receded and understanding and sweat management (let s also throw in relief!) came to the fore. Good Morning America host and producer of the Sophia can t emphasize this a ha moment enough. page 2

3 She says that the nature of the disease compels people to hide it and that inevitably leads to shame and isolation. The impact of hearing that excessive sweating is a real and treatable condition after years of hiding it can literally be the dawn of a new life for people. Because of this, Sophia is a strong advocate for raising awareness and reaching out to others with hyperhidrosis, particularly those suffering in isolation. Sophia was fortunate that her regular doctor was knowledgeable about hyperhidrosis and that she happens to live near the premier dermatologist in the country, David Pariser, MD. With Dr. Pariser s help, Sophia has been able to manage her excessive sweating and lead a full, normal life. (Those fortunate enough to live in the Norfolk area can look up Dr. Pariser on our Physician Finder. He has a whole staff fully educated in treating excessive sweating.) She notes with conviction, You hear people say this and it is a cliché, but if I can reach only one person with hyperhidrosis who is hiding it and unaware of the true nature of their condition, I will feel like I ve done what I hoped to do, raise awareness and improve someone s quality of life. That s why the Good Morning America segment is such an outstanding opportunity, to Sophia s way of thinking. Here is a chance to reach millions of viewers, possibly changing someone s life for the better with just a few words. Let the people at Good Morning America know how important it was for you to see a piece about hyperhidrosis on national television. Send them your own hyperhidrosis story! Go to abcnews.com and then click on the Good Morning America section at the top of the page; on the right-hand side of the page 3 GMA page is their Shout Out section where you can leave feedback or your stories. Help us to encourage the GMA producers to continue to focus on this seriously underdiagnosed and undertreated disease. We are certain that Sophia s story will enlighten and change a few lives. Her perspective and her efforts help to remind us to keep encouraging people to talk more openly about their disease. A few words from someone who s already experienced their own a ha hyperhidrosis moment can have an incredible impact on someone who may be suffering in silence. David M. Pariser, MD, founding Board Member, Takes the Oath This is inauguration season, and we want to roll out the most important election news to hit the s universe since our inception. Founding Board Member David Pariser, MD is ascending to the presidency of the American Academy of Dermatology. This is truly excellent news, not only for the, but for everyone who suffers with hyperhidrosis: here is a man who knows and cares deeply about the pain experienced by people who live with excessive sweating. Imagine what it will mean to have someone who so thoroughly understands the reality life for people with excessive sweating in this powerful position. Really! Give it some thought, because we d like to send Dr. Pariser off on his one-year term as the president of the AAD with a wish list full of ideas on how he can help make life for a person with

4 hyperhidrosis better. Dream big! Send us an at with your wish--or your list of wishes, suggestions, or ruminations on all things related to excessive sweationg. We ll compile them and present them to Dr. Pariser right after he s sworn in as President. We ll have one year with Dr. Pariser at the helm of the most powerful and influential dermatological association in the world. As president, he can have enormous influence on the future of hyperhidrosis care through his advocacy, his influence on dermatologists throughout the world, and his relation to the press. All patients, medical professionals, and friends and family of those whose life is touched by the effects of hyperhidrosis are urged to participate. The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest and most influential of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails. It s also committed to education and research in dermatology and supporting and enhancing patient care. Dr. Pariser is a professor in the Department of Dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia and is the senior physician at Pariser Dermatology Specialists, Ltd., a private group of eight dermatologists. He is also a scientific researcher and is a frequent faculty member at International Hyperhidrosis Society events. He has treated many hundreds of hyperhidrosis patients, served on more than 80 AAD councils, and participated in hundreds of clinical trials. page 4 Dr. Pariser will assume the presidency at the end of the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Francisco on March 10, We look forward to a year of unparalleled progress for all matters relating to hyperhidrosis. Help us inspire him with your wishes for a life lessened of the burdens of excessive sweating. Let s help him educate, inform, and deliver for our community. Emerging Medical Focus on Hyperhidrosis in Youth In December, 2008, the journal Pediatric Dermatology published an article by International Hyperhidrosis Board Member Adelaide Hebert, MD. This publication signals a promising trend in hyperhidrosis research and care: a focus on children and teens who suffer with excessive sweating. Dr. Hebert is a highly regarded dermatologist who has been in practice for over 25 years and has treated numerous adult and pediatric hyperhidrosis patients. She is also a professor in the Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School and is one of the founding board members of the. The publication of Dr. Hebert s article--titled Primary Pediatric Hyperhidrosis: A Review of Current Treatment Options -- is encouraging for a number of reasons. It acts as a beginning in the effort to fill the void of information among medical professionals

5 relating to children and teens with hyperhidrosis. It may also be the launching point for more research and quality of life improvements for all people with excessive sweating. Historically, the burden of excessive sweating for children and teens has been uniformly overlooked in the medical community. The makes a dedicated effort to raise awareness about pediatric hyperhidrosis, devoting a section of our Web site to teens and circulating, free-of-charge to all who ask, our award-winning book for teens with hyperhidrosis, Teen Sweat 101. We are also an unmatched resource for teens, families, and physicians when it comes to helping to promote education through lectures, publications, and research efforts. Focusing on treatments for children and teens is so important because of the nature of the disease. The onset of hyperhidrosis symptoms typically occurs during childhood and adolescence (average age of onset is years of age) and recognizing hyperhidrosis symptoms early in life could open the door to better understanding and management of excessive sweating throughout life, perhaps eliminating--or at least mitigating--years of anxiety. Dr. Hebert s article defines hyperhidrosis and summarizes the treatment options available for children and teens. They are, in large part, the same treatments that are used in the adult population: topical therapy (antiperspirants), oral anticholinergics, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and surgery. (Please note, however, that the International Hyperhidrosis Society strongly disagrees with the recommendations of ETS surgery for children and teens. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is an invasive surgery that is reserved for patients with very severe symptoms that have not responded to other treatments. It is associated with complications that page 5 make it an unacceptable treatment for most patients.) While these options can be effective to varying degrees for each patient, in general there have been very few studies focused solely on children and teens to actually assess a treatment s effectiveness or side effects. This dearth of knowledge within the medical community has repercussions: Fewer studies of the pediatric hyperhidrosis population maintains the status quo with regard to their treatment and care. When more research and attention is devoted to a disease or condition in the medical community, healthcare providers are better informed and patients benefit. As it is now, the pediatric population is, according to Dr. Hebert, severely under diagnosed and under treated. Many pediatricians are not educated during their residency on the recognition and management of hyperhidrosis, she says. It is just not as widely known or understood outside of the dermatological field. She acknowledges that pediatricians are not usually familiar with hyperhidrosis and are, therefore, not as well equipped to offer their patients help. But she and her colleagues are ultimately hopeful that this is starting to change. She points to the publication of her article in Pediatric Dermatology as a promising start saying, It will result in more citations and will allow more pediatricians to become familiar with hyperhidrosis. Lisa Pieretti, IHHS Executive Director, says that What we need are clinical research and treatments to take into consideration the needs of the pediatric population that suffers so greatly with hyperhidrosis. The letters we receive daily convey their anguish and their feelings of helplessness. Here are some examples:

6 I am 18 years old and positive I have hyperhidrosis. It s effected my life since my early teens and as a result I feel like I haven t lived the last few years of my life as I would ve liked to. I can t do the many things I would love to do, such as going to parties and other types of social gatherings. I find it most embarrassing and difficult when I am about to meet a new person and I start drying my hands off from the moment I see them walking towards me; then I just wait for them to wipe their hands. That is probably the hardest thing I have to go through. I feel disgusting and dirty and I am by nature a shy person, so sweating to this extent doesn t help me at all. I m a cheerleader, and at all the ball games I m the only one who can t tumble because my hands slip on the gym floor. It s also really bad, because I have to constantly raise my arms to cheer, and out pop the huge sweat rings for everyone to see. People love to make fun and call me names. Hello, I am 14 years old and I have a major sweating problem under my armpits. The funny thing is though, it s only when I m at school. It s so embarrassing. I can t even lift my arms to ask a question. I feel horrible. This is why we dedicate so much of our limited resources to helping children and teens by raising awareness among doctors, children, teachers and their families. We strongly encourage the pharmaceutical and consumer product manufacturers to hear these young voices and develop better remedies for young kids with hyperhidrosis. Reach out to us if you can offer help or ideas; us at LJP@ SweatHelp.org. Our hope at the International Hyperhidrosis Society is that Dr. Hebert s article will begin a conversation among all medical professionals, and lay the groundwork for a future where a young one won t have to withdraw into an existence that is smaller than who they really are; where there s no hiding from the world because of something you can t control. No kid wants to nor should be defined by their sweating. Two New Language Portals for SweatHelp.org Now a Reality! We are thrilled to announce that our French-language portal is up and running. And this just in: our Germanlanguage portal is now ready for internet traffic too! Our global outreach continues as we open the lines of communication and break down the barriers that surround the understanding of hyperhidrosis. page 6 Web content translation is one of the primary ways we reach out to our international community (Spanish and Portuguese-language portals are also available). The aim to reach all people with hyperhidrosis, regardless of where they live or what language they speak, is something that we believe in strongly. It s the generous donations from sponsors and our members that make it possible. Reaching out is a natural part of helping and supporting,

7 but it s particularly important to the because hyperhidrosis is such a deeply misunderstood and under-diagnosed disease. We don t want language differences to stand in the way of getting out accurate information and giving comfort to someone who desperately needs it. These portal openings also mean better access to the Physician Finder, our international database of physicians who treat hyperhidrosis. So now in Belgium and Benin, Quebec and Luxembourg: finding a physician to help treat excessive sweating will start getting easier So help us spread the word, whatever your language. Tell your patients, colleagues, family members, or friends -- anyone who could benefit from the kind of support we offer. Link your blogs, become a fan of us in Facebook, and link your MySpace pages to our URL. Let people know that we provide a reassuring, comprehensive, and objective voice on all matters relating to living with excessive sweating. We welcome our French and German-speaking readers and celebrate our growing membership that is as rich and varied as the world itself. About The International Hyperhidrosis Society The is the only non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of life of those affected by excessive sweating. The International Hyperhidrosis Society knows no boundaries; it is composed of people from all over the world, making it a true global network of support, resources and understanding. It is our mission to promote hyperhidrosis research, educate physicians in optimal diagnosis and care, raise awareness about the condition s emotional and economic impacts, and advocate for patient access to effective treatments. As part of our mission, we continuously build programs that connect those who suffer from hyperhidrosis with those who provide care, while increasing public understanding of this debilitating medical condition. The s Board of Directors is composed of an elite team of physicians that are leaders in hyperhidrosis research. These physicians have come together for the sake of improving the lives of those affected by excessive sweating. They are experts in the field of hyperhidrosis and leaders in efforts to better understand the condition, its ramifications, and its treatments. page 7