Hyperhidrosis quality of life measures: review and patient perspective

Purpose: To identify the tools that have been used to measure quality of life in hyperhidrosis research and obtain patient insight on commonly used tools. Methods: Twelve databases were searched to identify studies that reported measuring quality of life or described a quality of life tool in the context of hyperhidrosis. Data on the use of the tools were tabulated and hyperhidrosis-specific and dermatology-specific measures were summarized. A workshop was held to obtain the patients’ perspective on the most commonly used tools and the newly developed HidroQoL tool. Results: One hundred and eighty-two studies were included in the review. Twenty-two quality of life tools were identified; two or more tools were often used in combination. The most commonly used tools were the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, the Dermatology Quality of Life Index and the Hyperhidrosis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Patient advisors preferred the new HidroQoL tool, which was considered to be easy to complete and most relevant to hyperhidrosis patients. Conclusions: There are several tools available for assessing quality of life in hyperhidrosis patients; disease specific measures are widely used and appear suitable. It is unclear which tool is the most reliable, although the HidroQoL tool was preferred by a small group of patient advisors.