This article was created in collaboration with the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
When playing sports, rackets and bats would fly out of my hands.
I was in severe physical and emotional pain.
Kirill_Savenko / Getty Images
I hid my hands whenever possible.
In the end, I wore terry cloth clothing to substitute for a towel.
No matter the circumstances, I have always had to work to deal with my sweat.
Im hoping that sharing this story duringNovembers Hyperhidrosis Awareness Monthcan help even one person feel less alone.
So many people suffering like I have never even get the validation that an accurate diagnosis can bring.
Excessive sweating is still not widely recognized or understood.
I cant tell you how many times doctors told me Id grow out of it.
Well, I havent.
While there issciencesuggesting that hyperhidrosis is linked to genetics, neither of my parents experiences extreme sweating.
Instead, they suffer along withmycondition, as any loving parent would.
Even todayhyperhidrosisaffects almost every decision I make.
I also choose my shoes carefully.
Some styles will just never work for me.
When I was younger, both pediatricians and dermatologists prescribed me treatments with little or no success.
Time-consuming and costly experimentation was frustrating for my family and for me.
When I first met these doctors, I could tell something was different.
But they are temporary remediesnot cures.
Like others, my story is ongoing.
Over the years, hyperhidrosis has caused me great embarrassment and social anxiety.
Its uncomfortable to shake someones hand, especially in a professional environment, when mine is drenched with sweat.
Do you warn the person in advance?
Do you apologize after they have to wipe their own hand after touching yours?
Or do you pretend you dont realize?
But these days, I have a greater acceptance and understanding of my condition.
I have a treatment thats working and strategies for dealing with it in between treatments.
I have tactics for both my personal and professional life to help me get by.
I feel more confident and in control than I ever have before.
What I want to tell others with hyperhidrosis is that there isnt one right answer.
Relief may look different for everyone, and it may require some trial and error.
But you’ve got the option to take control over your life and your condition.
You canfind a physicianwho will be your partner and address your individual concerns.
We need to help each other find relief, and we need to start by talking about it.
