Loving your sweaty hands and feet

Is it possible to love the sweat that causes us so much pain? As a teenager, that seemed impossible. But a series of events has allowed me to shift my perspective. First, a boyfriend of many years held my hand and told me that he loved my sweaty palms. He had to say it over and over again before I could believe him. Once I let it sink in, I could release much of the pain I felt over my hyperhidrosis. I had built a wall around my pain to protect myself, but such walls hinder your ability to let yourself fully enjoy the love of another person.

Later, as part of my meditation practice, I began doing the lovingkindness meditation, a Buddhist practice in which you consciously direct loving thoughts to yourself and others, including people whom you find difficult. After much practice, I was able to direct love and compassion to my sweaty hands and feet.

I don't love my sweaty hands and feet all the time, but little by little, I am learning the art of lovingkindness.

If you are interested in lovingkindness meditation, you might try Sharon Salzberg's excellent CDs on the subject.

Now I'm going to love myself even more and log off the computer so I can relax! (-:

Love,
Tiara

P.S. Let's keep the people of Burma in our thoughts and prayers. Here's how to help.

The remains of my hyperhidrosis

A plea to high school and college students: Get help and stop hiding

Though I'm no longer as fearful of 'exposure' of my sweating as I used to be, I still avoid doing presentations and situations where I would have to shake hands. This is hurting me at work. They gave me a high-profile assignment last year, and I was told I did a good job. However, my boss decided that I don't have leadership qualities and am not an "influencer." She gave me a lower-rank title, telling me "not everyone can be a leader." All those years sitting on the sidelines are hurting me now. I suspect that I have mannerisms that project my inner anxiety, and I come across as less confident and unsure of myself. I tried to fight her decision, but she said she thinks I will be happier this way. Maybe more comfortable, but not happier.

I'm going to fight this one--take public speaking class or whatever it takes. It's harder now because I have am now a married and have a young child, so I have little free time. I limited myself for such a long time, and I will not have others limit me now.

High school and collage are the best, though not the only, times to build your confidence as a leader and a public speaker. That's why it pains me so much to see high school students agonizing over their hyperhidrosis when there is medical treatment that works. Don't sit on the sidelines like I did. Get the medical help you need, then try drama, student council, debate team...whatever interests you. Once you're comfortable, step up and take a leadership role. Your opinions count as much as others'. Realize that everyone is just as insecure as you are...some, however, are better hiding it than others. The more people with HH who are leaders, the better the world will be for others with HH.

Love,
Tiara

P.S. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16

Hey, it could be worse...

Thanks to Angry Romanian for putting his axillary hyperhidrosis in perspective.

He writes: "While it really sucks sweating through a clean shirt within 4 minutes, it’s definitely not the worst affliction on the planet. I now consider myself lucky after learning about Intractable Pruritis Ani."

Check out his blog post "Fire in the hole below."

Yoga: Yes, it's for people with hyperhidrosis too!

I had an epiphany during a recent yoga class. No, I didn't attain nirvana or a state of total consciousness. And maybe epiphany is too strong a word...here's what happened: I saw an attractive young woman with a happy aura doing yoga in her socks. The teacher suggested that she remove her socks, and she said "No, I need to keep them on...my feet slip around too much." Her statement was matter-of-fact and absent of any shame or self-consciousness. The teacher said something along the lines of "yes, that happens a lot."

After the class, I spoke with the sweaty-footed yogini. We swapped tips on how to prevent skids on the mat. I use a little towel at the top of my mat, and I have one mat in particular that seems to absorb sweat while remaining sticky. There are also yoga towels that have a rubber backing that clings to the mat.

I had avoided yoga for so long because I didn't want to be embarassed by my sweaty feet, but if anything, yoga has improved my hyperhidrosis.

Love,
Tiara

What inspires you? What takes you outside of yourself?

One of the hardest parts about hyperhidrosis, at least for me, is that I find myself in an ultra-self-conscious state of mind. Someone near me could be having a nervous breakdown, choking on a pine nut or something, and I'm wondering if the black marks left by wet shoe leather are showing. So one of my best strategies is to focus on things and people outside of myself. It doesn't always work, but over time, it has helped.

Here are some of the readings that particularly help me:
1) Teachings on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
2) Tara Brach's Radical Acceptance
3) The Onion (because laughter is medicine)

What inspires you and takes you outside of yourself? Does that help slow down the sweating?

By142's Moisture Absorb--has anyone tried it?

Thanks to Heather for sending me a tip about a new hyperhidrosis product, By142 Moisture Absorb, which is supposed to absorb wetness on your hands or feet. One question...where does the moisture go?

Has anyone heard of this product or tried it? Will I finally be able to wear strappy sandals without sliding out of them, or is it another HH scam? It costs $30 for 1.7 ounces...rather pricey, but if it worked, I would pay.

Here's a link to the product:

http://www.by142.com/products/moisture_ABSORB.html

Looks like you can buy it online but Nordstrom's also sells it.

Please keep the tips coming!

Love,
Tiara

Hyperhidrosis study

Does anyone know anything about an August 2007 study of hyperhidrosis that was published in Dermatologic Surgery Journal? The full study is not available online.

A Comprehensive Approach to the Recognition, Diagnosis, and Severity-Based Treatment of Focal Hyperhidrosis
Solish, N., et al. - The objective was to establish clinical guidelines for the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis...Conclusion: These guidelines offer a rapid method to assess disease severity and to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis according to severity [more...]

Dermatologic Surgery, 08/03/07

Attention Nintendo Wii gamers: Now there is an improved strap that could help sweaty-palmed gamers hold the remote. Visit the stopsweatyhands blog for more information.

Love,
Old-Fashioned Tiara (who doesn't game but stands in solidarity with all sweaty-palmed gamers--and who kicked butt in Ms. PacMan in the 1980s though today she can't beat her husband at the game, though she can beat him at SkiBall)

Back-to-school sweat tips

The International Hyperhidrosis Society just published a great article, Back-to-School Sweat Tips. I remember how I agonized over the start of the school year--is there any way I can hide my sweat? I had lots of strategies: wearing only white shirts, not raising my hand in class, not doing activities that might require me to raise my hand or shake/hold hands with others. Unfortunately, those strategies also meant missing out on joyful experiences. So if you're in school and reading this blog, please check out the sweat tips article--and don't deprive yourself of the joy that we all deserve. I have been so inspired and blessed to hear from many young people with hyperhidrosis who are not letting their sweating get in the way of their life.