Hyperhidrosisalso known as excessive sweatingcan be devastating for the people who have it.
According to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 3 percent of the population has it.
And I’m one of them.
Angela Wyant/Getty Images
I could only wear mine with socks, and that made me feel like a huge dork.
Thelastthing I wanted was to stand out.
So, here are 10 things those of us with hyperhidrosis would like you non-sweaty folks to know.
Courtesy of Maria Thomas
In fact, we probably bathe more often than most people because were worried that our sweat might stink.
I prefer antibacterial soap, and I’ll never use luxurious oil-based or in-shower body washes.
(Or worsefear of losing our grip and accidentally dropping them.)
Sweaty hands make it difficult to operate a weapon and equipment, especially in times of high stress.
Hyperhidrosis is episodic, not constant.
Episodes are hard to measure.
Sometimes its 30 degrees out and were sweating inside our parka and gloves until we can get them off.
For me, almost anything can set off the waterworks, including (how much time do you have?
But heres what else can make me sweat:doing absolutely nothing.
Courtesy of Maria Thomas
Trust me, we dont need you to point out that were sweating.
We already know because were really busy trying to hide it.
It means were trying to hide our condition.
We dont want to walk around with sweat stains and have everyone notice.
Were nervous about standing up after sitting downwhat if people see a sweat mark on the chair?
Hyperhidrosis is under-recognized and under-treated largely in part because people are too embarrassed to speak up and seek help.
But it doesnt have to be this way.
Theres no way to hide a sweaty handshake, soaking wet underarms, or dripping feet.
So hey dont judge us.
Instead, admire us for having the courage to show up in the first place.
Hyperhidrosis makes it difficult to wear nice clothing because were afraid we might ruin it.
Theres no sense in buying expensive shoes if well stain them with sweat marks.
If we carry purses, we most likely wont buy a designer bag.
Thats way too much money to fork over to watch the handles get soaked.
c’mon delegate the object holding to someone else.
Hyperhidrosis is often socially, professionally, and emotionally isolating.
It drastically impacts quality of life and daily functioning.
And how about opening those little packets of salad dressing, ketchup, or sugar?
We may skip events because our hyperhidrosis prevents us from having a good time.
High school or family reunions, professional networking meet-ups, conferences, amusement parksthe list is never ending.
And while dating is hard enough, imagine trying to do so with hyperhidrosis.
Sweaty hand-holding and facial perspiration is challenging to hide.
But there are ways to feel less isolated.
Each persons body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
The important thing is to do your homework and speak to dermatologists who truly understand hyperhidrosis.
you could find one usingthis physician finderprovided by the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Before selecting a treatment option, discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor.
If you take one thing away from this list, let it be this.
Our wet handshake does not mean we are shy, timid, or nervous.
Just like normal people who havedry hands, this isournormal.
Dont let our sweat become your first impression.
Were already busy trying to get the little voice in our head to shut up.
We have to actively work against this voice all the time.
So be kind, open-minded, and remember that hyperhidrosis is a condition that wehave, not who weare.
Related:
You May Also Like: I Have a Pre-Existing Condition: Real People Share Their Health Conditions
