Grant: China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative

Imagine having hands and feet constantly dripping with sweat whether it is in the summer or in the winter. This devastating genetic condition is called hyperhidrosis palmaris et plantaris (HHPP). There are about 300,000 Canadians and 15 million Chinese with this condition. These individuals often experience difficulties at home, in school and at work due to sweating interfering with normal activities that require the use of dry hands. As a result, their school and work performance is often judged negatively, and they often have difficulties developing interpersonal relationships. The cause of this condition has not been investigated. Our international collaborative team will use cutting edge techniques such as next generation sequencing, whole genome linkage analysis and functional genomics to determine the causes of HHPP. This study will help us find a cure for this disease that does not have a satisfactory treatment at present.