Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a chronic condition marked by excessive sweating that significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). However, this issue is both underrecognized and undertreated, and its physical, emotional, and social burdens are often underestimated, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted across Saudi Arabia between May 2024 and April 2025. Participants were recruited through dermatology clinics and a Telegram support group. They completed an online self-administered Arabic questionnaire regarding demographics, medical history, the Arabic Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, and the Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life Index. A total of 276 Arabic-speaking adults with hyperhidrosis participated. The mean age was 27.3 years (SD ± 8.2), and 57.6% of the respondents were male. Most participants (82.9%) had severe hyperhidrosis (Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale grades 3-4). The mean HidroQoL scores were 10.3 out of 14 for daily life and 16.6 out of 22 for psychosocial life, indicating moderate to severe burden. Disease severity showed the strongest association with QoL impairment (P = .001). Other factors significantly associated with daily functioning included lower education level, lower income, and sweating in the axillae and genital region, while genital involvement and low education were associated with psychosocial distress. Hyperhidrosis imposed a substantial QoL burden, especially in patients with severe symptoms and lower socioeconomic status. The findings supported the need for early detection and tailored treatment strategies and the use of culturally validated patient-reported outcome measures like the Arabic HidroQoL in clinical practice.