Sweaty Palm Diaries: Stories of People With Hyperhidrosis

2011-05-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

An online focus group discussion

Thanks to Paul Kamudoni for letting me know about work being done at the Welsh school of pharmacy, Cardiff University, to develop a patient-centred instrument (measure) for assessing the quality of life of hyperhidrosis patients. He commented on an earlier post, and I have copied his note to make sure it gets some notice:

An online focus group discussion will be conducted to discuss the impact of hyperhidrosis on everyday life of patients.

If you are interested in sharing your experiences please contact Paul Kamudoni using the following address KamudoniP@cardiff.ac.uk

Thanks again, Paul. I would like to participate if it is not too late. For those of you on the fence, this type of research is important in convincing insurance companies to cover hyperhidrosis treatments. In addition, this kind of assessment is needed so that health professionals can take the problem more seriously. Because wiping your wet palms on your pants is NOT treatment. Hyperhidrosis affects the quality of our lives.

Tiara

2011-05-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

Iontophoresis: Delayed Treatment

As I posted two months ago, I now have a prescription for iontophoresis. Out of pocket, this unit will cost about $600-800 USD, and given all we pay for health insurance, I of course am trying to get my health insurance company to pay for it. The details are too boring and repetitive to share, but in short, I'm getting bounced between the insurance company (who tells me I have the wrong code for the device), the device manufacturer (who says I have the right code), my doctor (who says I should go through a medical device company in order to get covered), and medical device companies, whose representatives claim they have not heard of the iontophoresis unit and won't call me back as promised. Life is so hectic right now and I simply don't have the time during business hours to spend hours on the phone with all of these entities. I am going to take a vacation day just to get around to it. Or show up in person at the medical device supplier myself.

I hope I can work this out soon as I would really like to wear sandals this summer!

Sigh...

Love,
Tiara

2011-02-26T10:25:00.000-05:00

Hyperhidrosis treatment hope?

Yesterday I went to the dermatologist for a general checkup for skin cancer prevention. It was a new dermatologist, fresh from medical school. I had previously given up on getting treatment for my hyperhidrosis. More than 10 dermatologists had informed me that they would not work with me to get an iontophoresis machine and show me how to use it. However, they would be happy to give me expensive and painful Botox injections in my hands and feet. Truthfully, I had given up on getting treatment and had resigned myself to life with sweaty palms and feet.

But the doctor yesterday agreed to try to help me get an iontophoresis unit through my health insurance provider. She said she would draft a letter of medical necessity on my behalf.

I began to cry as I sat there on the exam table.

She said she'll get back to me in a week or two with next steps.

If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll recall that I believe iontophoresis is my best treatment option for my primary focal hyperhidrosis. Surgery is too risky. Botox is too painful and expensive -- and short-lasting.

Wish me luck!

2011-02-12T20:22:00.003-05:00

Sharing Your Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Stories

For several years, I have solicited and published stories by people with hyperhidrosis. I have decided to stop doing so because I feel I cannot respond to the many e-mails I receive with the care they justify. I am a full-time working mom and I simply don't have much time to respond to these personal e-mails. Instead, I wish to focus what little spare time I have on original research and reporting related to hyperhidrosis. So please stay tuned.

I am often approached by other bloggers asking me to link to them. Usually, these bloggers are selling products in such a way that I question their trustworthiness. However, there is one hyperhidrosis website that I particularly admire: no-ets.com. The site has a hyperhidrosis forum that is active and useful. As such, I encourage people to share their stories on this forum rather than e-mailing them to me. That way, you will increase your chances of receiving the support you are seeking.

I like that the website's author recommends other treatments before highly risky ETS surgery. He had ETS surgery with mixed results (he ranks his satisfaction as a 7 out of 10), and suffers from compensatory sweating, as do many other ETS patients. He is still seeking help for his excessive foot sweating, as am I.

I did not vet every single post on his website, but the ones I saw seem impartial and based on research.

Please keep following my blog, as I will continue to post.

2011-02-12T20:09:00.005-05:00

Underarm Sweating: Is a Cure in the Works?

A medical device company recently won government approval for a device it claims stops excessive underarm sweating, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The company, Miramar Labs, Inc., seeks funding to help bring this product to the market. However, it is unclear when this might happen.

Miramar CEO told the Wall Street Journal's Dow Jones Financial Information Service that the device sailed through a recent randomized, blinded sham-control study with 120 patients, which was followed by a 510(k) approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

For more information, see the Financial Information Service article, "No Sweat For Miramar Labs; Gets Device Approval, Seeks Funding" and the Miramar Labs website.

2010-12-10T21:19:00.006-05:00

Public Speaking Next Week!

Next week, I must make a presentation in front of approximately 25 people. Just thinking about it makes my hands sweat. I've got to ramp up the yoga again. Practice the presentation so I am ready and expecting to succeed.

Photo courtesy of WordRidden, Creative Commons. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wordridden/205941900/

2010-09-18T13:08:00.002-04:00

Medications for Hyperhidrosis: What's the Latest?

New from sweathelp.org:

Medications for Hyperhidrosis: What's the Latest?

Oral medications can be used by certain hyperhidrosis patients to successfully control their excessive sweating. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all therapy; only specific kinds of hyperhidrosis respond well to oral treatments. In this article, we discuss the in’s and out’s of anticholenergics and other oral medications used for treating certain types of hyperhidrosis. Could systemic medication be the right for managing your type of excessive sweating?

2010-09-18T12:46:00.005-04:00

Botox for Sweaty Palms: Fail.

Drinking Alcohol to Ease Hyperhidrosis Anxiety: Danger.

A sad story from a reader who tried Botox for palmar HH and found his sweating was worse than ever. I am quite surprised to hear about the bad results because I had heard that others had good results from Botox injections. The main complaint I have heard about Botox is that the treatment is too expensive. However, I have heard that axillary (armpit) injections are more effective than those on the hands and feet. In any case, I am not a medical expert, so please talk to your healthcare professional.

The reader's letter brings to light the all-too-common and dangerous self-treatment technique: alcohol and other drugs. I used to drink excessively in my late teens and early 20s to relieve the anxiety caused by my hyperhidrosis. Thankfully I was able to stop, but for others who have a genetic predisposition to addiction, stopping is much more difficult. In any case, self-medicating with alcohol and other drugs is NOT a good idea and is not a sustainable strategy.

His letter also underscores the problem with our healthcare system. Botox is much more profitable for physicians than treatments such as iontophoresis, which is a recommended treatment for palmar hyperhidrois, but it is so hard to find a doctor who will prescribe that treatment. The upfront investment likely costs less than a Botox treatment.

Any suggestions for this young man? Clearly, he is intelligent and has much to offer others. I would suggest going to sweathelp.org, reading up about the other treatments besides Botox and surgery, then talking to a primary care physician or dermatologist.

Love,

Tiara

--------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Tiara,

This is my story and you may share it:

I have been living with hyperhidrosis for over ten years now. I noticed the "problem" when I was 13 years old. I was in eighth grade, sitting in math class one day, when I looked down at myself and noticed that the armpits of my T-shirt were completely soaked. Beyond embarrassing, it was so confusing to me since the classroom was comfortably cool. I began to realize that there was something wrong with me when the sweating persisted day after day, usually during a class session. I guess over the next couple of weeks or months, the sweating spread to my hands as well as my feet, making it extremely difficult to focus and take notes in my classes. Despite the fact that both my father and grandfather are surgeons, my fear of humiliation got the best of me and I never talked about my problem to anyone. At the time, I figured that I was the only person on Earth with such a condition, and that nobody would be able to treat me. I felt like such a freak, even though I had great people skills, good looks and health, and thought of myself otherwise as a pretty normal kid.

As bad as the problem was, I taught myself to just deal with it. I would only wear certain clothing, I would constantly stuff my armpits with papertowel underneath whatever I was wearing, I would keep some type of super-absorbent material in my backpack and when the sweating got really bad, I would covertly reach down into the bag and wipe my palms with whatever it was. I was pretty good at concealing the problem from everyone, despite its magnitude.

My sweating continued from that point on, with highs of profuse sweating and lows of slight dampness depending on the timeframe. It wasn't until halfway through my senior year of high school that the sweating got really out of control, particularly in my hands (or at least I focused on my hands since they could not be hidden as well as other parts of my body). I briefly saw a psychologist, but terminated therapy because my sweating seemed to increase just talking about it.

Somehow I managed to do well academically in all the schools I attended, until my junior year of college. It was then that the sweating got so bad that I just stopped showing up to my classes unless absolutely necessary. My GPA dropped dramatically and I almost did not graduate on time. In addition to taking its toll my studies, the problem affected my relationships with important people in my life. Having usually been outgoing and popular among my peers, I became reclusive and anti-social, I became estranged from most of my family members, lost several good friends, and I began to think I was destined to live a very lonely life. I dated casually, but was never able to maintain a serious relationship since I would not allow myself to get too close to others. Behind closed doors, I drank heavily and tried a multitude of recreational drugs. I felt as if I was living such a duplicitous life, which in retrospect, probably explains my interest in spy-themed movies and novels.

I got a job at a non-profit organization immediately after college (two days after graduation) to avoid having to move back home with my parents. In the last twelve months, my job has required me to do more "spotlight" work, such as giving presentations to large crowds. Being at the center of attention triggered my sweating to what felt like a dangerously high level. The first time I seriously considered suicide was the week I found out that I would be speaking at a national conference. I don’t exactly know how I made it through that speech since I drank so much beforehand to calm my nerves. Miraculously, it went very well from what I was told, but the memory is still a blur since I was secretly drunk for that 30 minutes in front of the podium.

I finally sought help the following week when I returned home from the conference. After all the research I had done, it seemed that Botox injections had a very high success rate for curing palmar hyperhidrosis. Since my health insurance covered only so little, I would have to pay mostly out of pocket. I managed to save up enough money to cover the deductible (just under $1500) to get it done at the office of a reputable plastic surgeon that specialized in hyperhidrosis. Starving myself for two weeks and paying my rent over a month late was, in my opinion, a small price for what seemed too good to be true: dry hands. After a painful 50 injections in each hand (100 shots total), I left that doctor’s office feeling as if my life was about to change for the better. Unfortunately, that s*** did absolutely nothing.

Ever since that conference this past May, my sweating is the worst it has ever been. My hands are wet even as I write this email. The sweating has also spread to other areas of my body such as my chest, stomach, and thighs. No matter where I go or what I do, whether I am riding the subway or lying in bed watching a movie, I cannot tried hypnosis. Nothing works to alleviate the problem. I’m sure most people would not know it by looking at me, but this is the most depressed and hopeless I have ever felt.

A 24 year-old man, I have always considered myself an independent and resilient individual with so much life to live. But if this sweating disorder is a problem I must live with forever, let’s just say I am not looking forward to the rest of my life.

2010-09-13T20:28:00.003-04:00

Acupressure for anxiety

For those with mild to moderate hyperhidrosis, acupressure might help. Basically, you apply pressure to various points of your body. Some believe that acupressure can relieve anxiety. Sure, massage is better. But acupressure is free.

Try these acupressure techniques and let me know if it helped. They helped me! Then again so does chasing soccer balls, petting puppies, and watching Will Ferrell movies.

Love,

Tiara

2010-04-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

Hyperhidrosis and Me.com

I'm just starting to review this website -- definitely worth checking out -- http://www.hyperhidrosisandme.com/.

More later...just wanted to pass on the link.

2010-04-22T21:08:00.003-04:00

Beware Shysters!

There is nothing wrong with being shy. Shy people are among the smartest, most clever people I know. A 'shyster', however, is a different creature. A shyster is a disreputable person who is trying to sell something under false pretenses. There are shysters who try to post comments to this blog only to generate sales for their shady products, or to promote ETS surgery as a first resort. I know who you are. You can't fool me, and I am not going to post your comments. I'm not even going to identify who you are because then you'll just get more links. I am sick and tired of people trying to scam people with hyperhidrosis out of their money. I make enough money on my own, and I don't need to make money from this blog. The reason I am writing it is because it is part of my own healing process. My teenage years were hell because of my sweaty palms and feet, and by sharing my experience and connecting others with resources, I hope I am being helpful to teens who are in my same wet shoes.

A reader earlier commented negatively about the International Hyperhidrosis Society, alleging that the organization has been putting out false information. I have no personal connection with this organization, and no reason to profit from their success. I do think that they offer valuable resources and that teenagers should visit the Teen Sweat 101 website. Surgery is recommended only after all other treatments have failed. To be fair, I do think the International Hyperhidrosis Society needs to push doctors and medical insurance companies to make iontophoresis more widely available. (Many doctors offer only Botox treatment because it is more profitable.)

I really don't have much time to blog these days, and I'm sorry for the delay in responding to non-shysters who have reached out to me.

2009-09-21T20:40:00.002-04:00

A story from a West Coast reader...she had good luck with Drionic. I, on the other hand, found that it didn't work for me! So buyer beware!

***

So I'm 18 years old and I live in Seattle, Washington. I've been living with hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet for my entire life and it has been horrible. Two years ago, I started using Drysol and those other aluminum chloride things. They barely worked.

About six months ago, I went to a dermatologist with my mom and she gave me a brochure for Drionic. It has completely changed my life.

While I don't have HH in my armpits, there is a Drionic device for your armpits too.

I ordered my device online from drionic.com. It was about $140...more with tax and shipping, but it was well worth it!

I only use it for my hands, because they need it most and batteries are $7 a pair. This will change your life, I promise you. I first used it for a total of 7 hours (in half hour treatments) and i was dry for 5 weeks! I started doing it once weekly after another set of treatments to stay dry. So a pair of batteries usually lasts about two months or so.
I hope I have helped!!!

2009-08-31T21:55:00.002-04:00

Drionic: Does it work or not?

I used Drionic when I was a teenager, and it hurt like hell! Perhaps I didn't use it correctly, because one reader wrote to say she used it with success. (Hopefully she is not a Drionic marketing representative!) Anyway, here's what the reader said:

So I'm 18 years old and i live in Seattle, Washington.
I've been living with hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet for my entire life and it has been horrible. two years ago i started using drysol and those other aluminum chloride things and they barely worked.

About six months ago, i went to a dermatologist with my mom and she gave me a brochure for Drionic. It has completely changed my life.

While I don't have HH in my armpits, there is a Drionic device for your armpits too.

I ordered my device online from drionic.com. It was about $140...more with tax and shipping, but it was well worth it!

i only use it for my hands, because they need it most and batteries are $7 a pair. This will change your life, I promise you. I first used it for a total of 7 hours (in half hour treatments) and i was dry for 5 weeks! I started doing it once weekly after another set of treatments to stay dry. So a pair of batteries usually lasts about two months or so.
I hope I have helped!!!

2009-08-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

From a reader in Spain

I recently received an e-mail from a woman in her early 30s from Spain. I haven't heard from her again, but I wanted to thank her for her kind words and wish her all the best in her journey. Please write when you have a chance!

***

I found your blog early this morning and I couldn't stop reading all your post! I can't barely explain to you how happy am I of having found it. I mean I was reading through it and wow! it was just if it was me who was writing it. I mean, there are a lot of thinking and references and experiences that I'm also been through any time in my life that wow!! I do not know at what point I started to cry, but I've been crying for while as I felt so so identified with your words. And you have a special and caring way to write. I'm deeply moved.

Tiara, thank you for you blog, for your support, for you courage... Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one telling you about this magnificent job you're doing in helping other with same condition; but believe me that I'm impressed. You know, when I'd done with the reading I was like "I'd like to have been me the one wrting all these feelings and experiences you have gone through!!" I mean you are so confident about what this condition means in your life that I envy you!!

I've been suffering from HH since I was a child. Both on hands and underams until my teen years and basically on hands from my 20s. Lately it has been a nightmare... I'm also now letting out all rage on this condition I have inside myself and I'm trying to stop hiding this problem. I'm telling others about it and it is not easy at all. The most important thing of all it is that I'm becoming aware of how it has marked my entire life. It's hard but it is doing good on me anyhow.

I would like to share my experiences in your blog. Just let me take my time to write it properly. If you don't mind, I will e-mail to you anytime soon. I've been thinking about setting up my own blog in Spanish (that's why I felt overwhelmed when reading yours) because I think we should let the people know that this condition is something we can't erase from our lives and we need the rest of the world to know about it instead of making fun of people having wet hands. I'm still thinking about it.

I've been through several treatments and I would like to tell others about them. I had botox on my palms in the past and know I'm considering it again. I'm also seriously thinking about having an ETS done in the near future. But I'm dead scared of it.

Be sure that your blog has inspired me and has given hope to me. Please, don't stop sharing with us you day-a-day.

2009-02-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

"You know that wet feeling under arms cannot mean good"

Thanks to our anonymous contributor, age 15, for sharing her story. Anyone have words of encouragement for her? Drysol didn't work for her...what else might? Here is her story.

I would prefer not to give my name. But I’m a girl, I'm fifteen years old and this is my story.

When I tell my mother and my friends about my problem, they just don’t understand. They say things like: “It can’t be that bad, I’ve never noticed anything.” But the only reason she doesn’t notice is because I am utterly brilliant at hiding it! In fact, I’ve had three years of practice. I put up with my hyperhidrosis problem for a year, not knowing how serious it was. Then finally, one day, I decided to pucker up the courage and talk to my doctor. She recommended various things like PerspireX and Drysol.. but nothing seemed to work. And now, three years later I am still in the same place I found myself in before. I’m now in high school and I’m sick of putting up with this problem.

Picture this: you’re standing in your science classroom on the third floor. It’s the beginning of February in Canada and it’s cold outside. But for some reason the classroom is hot today. You’re getting all your exam marks and you’re talking to your teacher about the 66% you just got. Sweat begins to trickle at the rim of your forehead. You feel it there and with the sleeve of your sweater (which is already covering your largely stained armpits) you wipe it away. But you’re hot now and feeling red. You need to get out of there. And you can’t concentrate on what your teacher is saying. Finally you leave and enter into the busy hall, constantly wiping your face.

Picture this: it’s the first day of your new classes. There’s new people to meet (cute boys for example) and your next class is just after having gym. You’re sticky and gross. And not in the normal way because no one else from your gym class is that way. You’re hot in the class and you want to take off that sweater of yours but you can't because you know that wet feeling under arms cannot mean good. You get to leave early for a doctor’s appointment, so you grab your bag and race out of that class thankful for being in fresh air once more.

Picture this: You just bought a new shirt. You cannot wait to wear it! …But it was 40$ so you hope it looks good. But you bring a sweater… just in case. You go to your locker and take off your jacket, then remove your sweater. Your new shirt looks great! You head off to class. Time passes. Around twenty minutes to be exact. And you feel it coming. A bead of sweat trickles down your arm. Followed by more and your armpits feel wet and visibly stained. You grab your sweater while trying to hide it. Covering up, you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Fifteen minutes before class you ask to go the washroom. There’s a boy you’re crushing on in your next class and you want to show off by wearing your new shirt. So you pray to God the bathroom is empty and lucky for you it is. You tear off your sweater and stick your armpits under the dryer, desperately trying to remove the stains. It works and you hurry on to class not trying to seem like you were up to something. You wait a few minutes before taking off the sweater as not to look suspicious. It’s time for the next class and you race off, eager to see this boy. He sees you. But about ten minutes into the class you feel it coming on again. You say something like ‘it’s freezing in here!’ and you run to get your sweater.

This is only three examples of what I have to go through everyday. Everyone says ‘oh it’s not that noticeable’ but it’s only because I’m good at hiding. I like looking good. I don’t need to because that’s not the type of thing I necessarily believe in.

We all have our problems. Half the time we choose to hide them from our friends. Half the time they try and make your problem look like nothing compared to theirs. But to me, this hyperhidrosis is ruining my life. All I ever wanted was to feel comfortable. To be pretty. To let boys like me. And I’ve managed so far. I’ve just gotten out of my first real relationship. But w always want more. It’s a new semester with new people and I just want them all to like me.

I’m talking to my doctor and she’s putting me with a specialist. But I hope I get this done fast, because now that I have gym I’m going to be sweating times ten! It’s hard, but if I’ve put up with it for the past three years, I think I’ll manage for a couple more weeks.

I hope all those with this problem find a cure, it’s a terrible thing to have to live with. Especially at the age of adolescents where appearance matters a hundred times more. I hope all those with this problem, I hope your lives turn out great. You deserve it. Putting up with this is not easy, it’s not fair either. But then again, life isn't fair. So good luck.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this. It is much appreciated.

2009-02-05T10:01:00.003-05:00

Acupressure for hyperhidrosis

Yesterday I went to a medical lecture about acupressure, a type of traditional Chinese medicine that can be self-administered. My hands were drippy wet, and I hadn't even been feeling anxious. And of course the only pen I had on me was the type that runs everywhere when the ink touches my sweaty left writing hand.

The speaker had us do a 5 minute acupressure self-treatment, placing a finger on a pressure point where the shoulder meets the clavicle. Within a few minutes, the sweat had seriously subsided.

2009-01-22T16:04:00.003-05:00

The hidden costs of hyperhidrosis anxiety

We can only expend 100 percent of our energy at any given time. Social anxiety, hyperhidrosis' evil twin sibling, can take a big percentage of one's energy. For me, this percentage ranges from 0 to 70 percent, averaging 30 percent. A low level persistent anxiety. Which means that I have only 70 percent to give. I want to give 100 percent. Life is too short!

So how do you get from where I am to being able to give 100 percent of your energy to a cause greater than anxiety--using your talents and your love to make this world a better place or at least help someone feel listened to, loved, and appreciated? Medication? Therapy? Meditation? All of the above? I function pretty well as is, but it would be great to have that extra 30 percent at my disposal.

2009-01-13T10:56:00.005-05:00

I Love My Sweaty Baby, No Matter What the Other Kids Say!

Our beautiful baby boy, four days old and just home from the hospital, slept peacefully in his bassinet. He woke up, ready to eat. I pick him up and, to my great chagrin, feel a wet spot on his back. The bassinet sheet is wet in the same place. Over the next week, the same wet spot appears several times a day. We know it's hot outside, but not that hot! And why would a baby have sweat glands only on his back? Have I passed on hyperhidrosis to my little one? Can't he have at least a few sweat-free years?

We visit the pediatrician a week later for a check-up. Nervously, I ask the pediatrician if our baby might have a sweating problem. We described the wet spot on his back. She laughed. I've heard that question many times, she said. And it happens only with baby boys. All you need to do is point his penis down when you change his diaper!

And thus ended our sweaty baby scare of 2008.

2008-07-19T12:24:00.003-04:00

The Sweaty Hands Poem

Poem of the week: "La La's" Sweaty Hands Poem. There are so many ways to view our sweaty palms...thanks to La La for showing us the poetic side of hyperhidrosis.

BTW, La La, for sweaty hands and feet on yoga mats, try putting a small towel at the head of your mat. That's what I do, and it holds my hands in place during downward dog. To keep my feet dry, I step on it or dry off my feet during a sitting pose. I've seen others doing the same as well. Or you can just go to a hot yoga or ashtanga yoga class, where everyone will be sweating their ***es off. I no longer care if the others see my sweat. Once a teacher asked another student to remove the towel, and she said "It's better if I use it--my hands and feet get sweaty." No shame or embarassment. All the teacher could do is say 'fine' and move on.

2008-05-13T19:53:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-04-20T08:30:00.008-04:00

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

2007-10-28T20:33:00.000-04:00

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."

2007-10-20T09:04:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

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?

2007-08-31T21:52:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-07T21:15:00.000-04:00

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)

2007-08-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-06-20T22:07:00.000-04:00

Summer sweat tips from the International Hyperhidrosis society. For foot sweat, I tried Summer Soles , and it seems to help a lot. I still haven't graduated to wearing sandals to work. Today it was 95 degrees out and I wore thick socks. According to the IHS article, temperatures inside socks and shoes can reach up to 120 degrees in the summer. I can believe it!

Summersoles web site -- http://www.summersoles.com/

2007-06-19T22:39:00.000-04:00

Please send some your best wishes to M., a very thoughtful and intelligent teenager who wrote to me about her axillary hyperhidrosis.

She had four questions:

1) does sage help reduce HH?
2) "Have you ever heard of caldacin powder? Someone posted it in Yahoo Answers as a solution for sweaty armpits but it sounds too good to be true. Apparently if you cover your hand in that powder and dip it in water, it comes out dry. But you can't find it on wikipedia or any search engine."

3) And have you ever heard of 'Stop Sweating and Start Living", which is some ebook with tips on how you can stop axillary hyperhidrosis with some kind of natural herb (I'm thinking sage, maybe?). BUt it costs 30 dollars, so it might be a scam...

4) Do you know if there is any kind of blog like yours for axillary hyperhidrosis? I urgently need someone with AH to talk to.

Wish I knew the answers but I don't...can anyone help?

2007-06-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

Medical industry pushes most profitable hyperhidrosis treatments

If deodarant doesn't stop the excess sweat on your hands, feet, or under your arms, then your next best option is iontophoresis. It's a non-invasive, highly effective treatment with an initial investment of approximately $500 and a few doctors office visits to learn how to give yourself treatments with the Fischer Galvanic unit.

Yet, has anyone had any luck finding a dermatologist who will give you iontophoresis treatment and training? You can find dozens of doctors who will inject expensive Botox into your hands and feet, and welcome you back every few months for follow-up injections. This could cost you a few thousand every year. If you were a doctor looking to make money, it's a no-brainer to offer Botox rather than iontophoresis. Huge profit margin and guaranteed repeat business.

I think the International Hyperhidrosis Society is doing great work, but I wish they would encourage more doctors to offer iontophoresis treatment, or publish a directory of doctors who do. Because I have yet to find one in my large city.

2007-04-19T20:09:00.000-04:00

"The Secret" may not be Secret deodarant

Interesting discussion on the cool blog notmartha.com about Secret Clinical Strength deodorant.

2007-03-31T18:16:00.000-04:00

Antihydral for palmar and plantar HH

Blogger Windy writes about using antihydral for her sweaty hands and feet. I know nothing about antihydral, just passing on the info because she writes it has been helpful.

2007-03-30T22:24:00.000-04:00

Dating advice for teens with hyperhidrosis

Hey, how's everyone doing?

I got a wonderful note from a 16 year old girl who has hyperhidrosis. To her credit, she doesn't let the HH hold her back from being social and outgoing. What is especially great is that she is involved with theater, which I would have NEVER tried at that age, though I think I would have enjoyed it.

As is the case for any normal 16-year-old (and, really, most of the human race), dating is one area that causes her some anxiety. She wrote "Sweaty Palm Diaries" to ask for dating advice -- for example, when he wants to hold hands and yours is sweaty, what do you do?

Great question...here's her story. I'll post my response to her, and since I'm no dating guru, please feel free to chime in with any other suggestions you might have.

-----------------
Dear Tiara,
I am a 16 year old girl that deals with a major case of hyperidrosis. Even though i have HH, i still am considered a very outgoing and social person. I'm not very shy or nervous around others, that is until they try to give me a high five, or shake my hand, or touch my hand. Thats when i get weird and hide. I just shake me head no and pull my hand away under my sweatshirt that i always carry around with me. I do this so i can hide my hands under it. Usually, my hands are bright red and swollen from the hyperhidrosis, so it makes it even easier to tell i have it. Its hard to write in class because i dont want people to see my hands, and when i write, i leave my paper wet and gross.

It is very embarassing to guys that i like. I've had some boyfriends, but none that were very serious. I've never actually held hands with a boy before. And when we kiss or go on a date, i hide my hands in my hoodie.. which is awkward. I've tried using medication like Drysol, but its called something else. I've been using it for a year and it doesn't really work, but it helps a little. All my friend's know about my problem, so they help by not making fun or pointing it out.

its just very embarassing and i really want to get surgery, but im scared of the side effects, and i don't think i will be able to because of my parents.

also, i was wondering if you had any advice with guys? Such as, how do you tell them why you can't hold their hand? or how to be NORMAL around them without worrying about your hands? and do you ever "grow out" of it? or do you have for your whole life? i hope not.

Well, im glad you have this site to help us teenagers who suffer from HH.

2007-03-28T06:56:00.000-04:00

From Pete: "I may joke around ... but I'm really in pain."

Thanks, Pete, for sharing your story. He is thinking about getting Botox treatments, but at $1,200 every six months, it's really a blow to the wallet -- and for many people, simply not within their means. But the cost of not treating the HH is even higher.

Now my rant: Why are dermatologists not offering iontophoresis, a non-invasive highly effective treatment option when used correctly and with the right equipment? Kudos to the International Hyperhidrosis Society for offering a $25 discount on R.A. Fischer iontophoresis units. You must have a prescription from your doctor, however.

--------------------------

Now, Pete's story:
I dont know where to start. Since 13 I have had hyperhidrosis on the palms. In social situations, you can shake my hand and get drenched. I wore a T-Shirt the other day that said "Bring Soap" on one side. The other side said "FREE SHOWERS". I amused myself in many ways but I try many ways to escape social situations by avoiding meeting people, going to parties and get-togethers. I will only go when I can't help it. The worst is that I'm in sales and run my own business. I'm always wiping my hands. I like meeting people outside when it's cold because palm sweat is less but meetings are held outside, I wish they were.

I may joke around writing this but I'm really in pain, hurt and sadness. I feel like I'm closing up to the world.

2007-03-26T21:16:00.000-04:00

Share your story fellow skillful sweaters!

The best cure for hyperhidrosis-related social anxiety is talking about it--sharing your story with others, hearing their stories, disclosing your feelings about the condition to family and friends. Post your story here and let's start talking!

2007-03-19T21:12:00.000-04:00

Social anxiety: One day at a time

Let's face it. If you have hyperhidrosis, you probably have social anxiety. I do. Probably it's a mild to moderate case. The anxiety doesn't completely hold me back from enjoying life, but I think I would enjoy life more if I wasn't so anxious about receiving attention from others.

Psychology Today has a great article on how to deal with social anxiety.

Here is an article about meditation for stress reduction.

Has anyone tried these techniques? Share your findings!

2007-03-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

Yea! More people are blogging about hyperhidrosis:

A young woman in the UK blogs about having ETS surgery: http://hyperhydrosisinfo.blogspot.com/
The hyperhidrosis blog -- A fairly new blog written by someone who has HH: http://hyperhidrosis.wordpress.com/tag/hyperhidrosis-remedies/

Check them out and let us know what you think! And let me know what you would find most useful in my blog.

Love,
Tiara

2007-03-15T22:06:00.000-04:00

Sweaty-palmed knitter

An interesting blog post: Sweating and swatching

2007-03-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

Alt-med treatments for hyperhidrosis

Google has created some interesting search tools around medical topics. For example, if you search hyperhidrosis, you can get a sub-set of results related to alternative medicine treatments for hyperhidrosis.

I haven't had a chance to read all the results, and a few look suspect to me, but here are a few interesting links -- let me know what you think!

acupuncture for hyperidrosis
Sweathelp.org -- " We often hear about people using alternative therapies to treat hyperhidrosis. These therapies may include herbal substances such as sage tea or sage tablets, chamomile, valerian root, and St. John’s Wort. Acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques have also been suggested as potential treatments. Currently there is little research to recommend such alternative therapies but this doesn’t discount their potential."
MSN's Hyperhidrosis community

2007-03-13T19:44:00.000-04:00

Winner of the second Golden Tiara Award: Samantha

I received an e-mail from a 20-year-old woman named Samantha, who generously shared her story and is interested in learning about treatment options for her hyperhidrosis. In the meantime, she is determined not to let her sweat stop her from living the life she wants. As she said, "We may not have control over our sweat, but we can control what we do about it."

Longtime readers of this blog might recall the first Golden Tiara award winner, Gretchen, a former Microsoft recruiter who offered job interview advice for people with hyperhidrosis. Look in the archives, July 2006, for the post.

Without further ado, here is Samantha's story:

~~~~~~~~~
I'm so glad to have found your blog. I know that there are other
people out there with HH, but I never personally knew anyone or came in contact
with the same problem I have. So, thank you for putting up this blog. It's
just comforting to know that someone does understand.

I'm a 20 year-old female. I've had HH ever since I was about 13 or so. Since then, I've always done the tricks that other people with this condition do: wear black or a sweater. I hate how limited my fashion is!

I sweat most of the day, but it's usually in cases where I'm surrounded by a lot of people, due to nervousness (like a job interview, being in front of the class), being the 'center of attention', being excited about something, or knowing that I'm going to have to shake someone's hand. I attend a Catholic church and at one point in during the mass we have to shake other people's hands and say "Peace be with you." I dread that part because I know the other people feel my sweaty and cold hands. Many times I've heard someone say "oh! You have cold hands!" or I would see them wipe their hand on their pants. It can get so embarrassing.

When it comes to treatment, I've used Drysol on my underarms, but I've read how dangerous Aluminum can be to the body. The other treatments involve a lot of money and I don't want to go through that. What treatments have you done/currently doing?

I guess for me, I'm going to have to deal with my anxiety, which may be the root of my HH. Anyway, as long as I have this HH, I'm not going to let it stop me from doing the things I want to do. For example, going to church. I was tempted to skip church on Sundays so I wouldn't have to shake anyone's hands, but when I thought about it, why should I let something such as
that get in the way of my life?

We may not have control over our sweat, but we can control what we do about it. I've put myself in many situations in which I would get nervous and start sweating profusely. Yes, it was uncomfortable at the time, but it was something I wanted to do (like attending a meeting!). I live in California and plan on studying in Spain this summer for a month. I'm sure it'll be hot and humid by the time I get there, which means a lot of sweat, but I won't let this sweating get in the way.

~~~~~

Tiara here:

Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your story. To answer your question, I found that drysol works for underarm sweat, but I too am concerned about the aluminum. I have yet to find a good option for hands and feet, but am trying to find a doctor who will give me iontophoresis treatment. Thanks again for sharing your story, and keep us posted!

Best wishes,
Tiara

2007-03-13T19:21:00.000-04:00

Calling all iontophoresis practitioners!

I called four doctors who were listed on the International Hyperhidrosis Society's physician finder to see if any offered iontophoresis treatment. After all the research I've done, I am beginning to think that this is the most promising treatment for me. Each of the doctors I called had attended an educational event offered by the IHS, so I figured that they'd be able to help me.

Here's how the typical call went:
"Hello. I'm calling to see if Dr. X offers iontophoresis treatments for hyperhidrosis."
"Are you a patient?"
"I might be if s/he offers iontophoresis. Would you tell me if it is available?"

~Pause~

Doctor's office: "Uhh...what are you calling about? Do you want Botox shots?" In other words, the doctor would prefer to perform the more profitable procedure. To prevent the recurrance of sweat, Botox requires new injections every few months. Cha-ching!

On the other hand, iontophoresis requires a $600 investment in a unit and some initial training at the doctor's office. Once you are trained, you can continue treatments at home.

Does anyone know of doctors who perform iontophoresis treatments? If so, share their names with me and I'll compile a list for this blog.

One more thought: Why does it have to be so hard to find a decent treatment option?

2007-03-11T21:51:00.000-04:00

To all the people who have e-mailed me in the past few months

Hi, I checked my e-mail for the first time in a while and noticed notes from a few people who kindly shared their stories. I'm so sorry for not getting back to you sooner...I have way too much going on in my life now, and am dealing with the beginnings of a repetitive stress injury because of too much time at the computer. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. In the meantime, if you are looking for advice on how to treat your hyperhidrosis, please visit www.sweathelp.org. I'm not a doctor, so it's best to visit this site or talk to yours.

I would like to include your stories in your blog, but I won't do so unless I have your permission. If you don't want me to publish your name and/or e-mail, I won't. The most important thing is that we talk about our HH.

2007-03-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

Hyperhidrosis in the news

The world can be cruel to the very sweaty -- an interview with Dr. Dee Anna Glaser in the St. Louis News. The interviewer did a good job of asking about what it feels like to have hyperhidrosis -- the more people who can understand this, the better. However, the story was so short that there was very little practical information on treatment options for people with HH.

2007-03-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Calling for iontophoresis experiences!

I'm thinking about getting set up for iontophoresis, and would love to hear from others who have used that treatment. Does your skin get dry and prickly? Does it work well? I got to try it once at a medical conference and it seems very doable and effective. Please share your experiences so we can learn more about this highly-recommended treatment option. In the long-term, it's much more affordable than Botox.

My goal: Wear sandals comfortably this summer!

2007-03-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

A second look at the Wet Hands Club

Back in October, I criticized a new Malaysian website, the Wet Hands Club, for pushing ETS surgery and not talking enough about nonsurgical options. Someone commented on my post, saying that was unfair. I looked at the Wet Hands website tonight, and I agree--I was a little too harsh in my post last October and the site has really expanded since then. Now I would recommend it as well-worth your while...valuable information that is well-presented. Plus the site does a great job connecting people with HH.

Can I shake your hand, Wet Hands Club?

2007-03-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

Are you thinking of having ETS surgery?

I sometimes receive questions from people who ask me: Should I get ETS surgery?

I'm not the one to answer that because I'm not a doctor. But I can tell you what I've learned from my research and from talking to doctors: ETS is a last resort, and the failure rate is higher than what doctors who give the surgery like to admit.

If you're thinking of getting the surgery, be sure that you've already exhausted all non-surgical options. Talk to a dermatologist who knows about hyperhidrosis but does not perform ETS surgery. Look on www.sweathelp.org for doctors. You want an unbiased opinion.

I would investigate the following with your doctor, or combinations of the following, in this order:

1) Drysol (a very strong prescription topical antiperspirant)

~and if that doesn't work or is not appropriate for you, ask about~

2) iontophoresis
~and if that doesn't work or is not appropriate for you, ask about~

3) Botox injections
~and if that doesn't work or is not appropriate for you, or if you can't afford it, ask about~

4) what other prescription options are there?

Then, as a last resort, if your sweat is unbearable and getting in the way of your life, then you might consider surgery. But be sure to talk to an unbiased dermatologist or primary care physician who has no financial interest in your getting surgery. Don't start by talking to the surgeon who is going to profit from your operation.

Remember, some people who have the ETS surgery wind up getting compensatory sweating all over their bodies, which they say is much worse. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society:

"In a study involving 121 patients at the Medical City Hospital of Dallas, Texas, compensatory sweating occurred in more than 80% of the patients undergoing ETS. Similarly, in a Danish study conducted at the Aarhus University Hospital, 90% of the patients undergoing ETS for underarm sweating, reported compensatory sweating, half of whom were forced to change their clothes during the day because of it. "

Please, please...be careful, everyone!

2007-03-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Why didn't I post for nearly 3 months?

The typical reasons...holiday travel, busy at my job, etc.

But there's more. I wish my hyperhidrosis would just go away on its own. And if I'm writing and thinking about it all the time, then maybe it won't go away? And more people had been starting to respond to my blog and asking me for advice, and since I'm not a doctor or a therapist, I don't want to give advice.

What I'm realizing is that people just want to be heard. They don't want advice. Like when friends advise me to wear sandals that expose most of my feet so the sweat dries off. They mean well, but it doesn't work because the sandals fall off my feet. The only advice I want regarding my hyperhidrosis is (1) medical advice from a doctor who GETS IT and (2) practical tips from those who have hyperhidrosis. Most importantly, I want to hear other people's stories, and help share those stories with others. That's how we're going to heal.

Oddly, my hyperhidrosis got worse during my blogging hiatus.

2006-12-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for Drysol!

I tried on wedding gowns yesterday, and I didn't have to worry about leaving sweat stains on the gowns.

Now I only need to figure out how to stop leaving sweat stains on the poles on the subway train.

2006-12-09T12:21:00.000-05:00

Wikipedia woes

I had posted a link to my blog on Wikipedia, assuming it would be acceptable because I'm writing this blog as a public service, not to make money or promote myself.

My link kept getting removed, and I wasn't sure why.

It turned out that a Wiki editor had removed the link because he considered it to be spam.

So I wrote to the editor, whose user name is Mwanner:

Hello Mwanner: I'm writing to find out why you removed my Sweaty Palm Diaries blog from the list of external links for the hyperhidrosis page. I'm writing the site as a public service to people with hyperhidrosis, looking at treatment options, studies, and related psychological issues from a patient's point of view. I am not profiting, nor do I wish to profit, from the website in any way. The users who find my site through Wikipedia do not consider my link to be spam, and if you read their comments, they thank me for helping them by writing about this socially embarrasing condition.

I would be most grateful if you would reinstate my link -- http://sweatypalmdiaries.blogspot.com/.

Best wishes,
Tiara

Here is his response:
Two reasons, both covered in Wikipedia's External links policy, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:EL -- thou shalt not add links to your own site, and blog links generally are a no-no. Why not work on the text of the article? We need that much more than we need more external links.

Cheers!
Marc

OK, he makes some good points. I can't change to Wiki policy, and I see how it makes sense, but it would be nice if they allowed links to blogs like mine that are created to help others.

Does anyone have other suggestions on how to raise awareness of my blog? I don't want to do all this work if no one sees it.

2006-12-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Blame it on the brain

According to a Mayo clinic study, hyperhidrosis originates in the brain: "...one part of the brain controls the sweating response to body temperature, while another area controls the sympathetic, or emotional sweating response. For reasons unclear to hyperhidrosis researchers, the emotional component is in overdrive. The result is typically a healthy individual who perspires excessively, even in mildly stressful situations, such as a handshake or job interview."

2006-12-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays, All You Sweaty-Palmed Lovelies!

May you enjoy good food and festive fun with good friends and loving family who love you for who you are. Let's get out there and represent. If there's a few of us at every party, then the dry-palmed people will feel left out. (-:

I used to drink a lot so I wouldn't feel really nervous at parties. After a few interesting "learning experiences," I can say with 100 percent certainty that I'd rather be sweaty and sober than drunk and dry.

What's everyone doing for the holidays? How do you feel about going to holiday parties...nervous? excited? a mix of both?

Here are some tips from the International Hyperhidrosis Society for staying sweat-free over the holidays.
Love,
Tiara

2006-12-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

Iontophoresis

Several readers have asked me if I've tried iontophoresis. Yes I did, many years ago as a teenager. I worked long hours at minimum wage to buy the Drionic equipment and use it in my bedroom, hoping that my siblings would not see me and tease me. It hurt like hell! And it didn't work. But that was a long time ago, so I'm sure the technology has improved.

The doctors at a medical conference I attended recommended the Fischer galvanic unit over Drionic. I tried it briefly at the conference, and it didn't hurt so bad.

Anyone else out there try iontophoresis? Seems like one of the best options out there for the palmar hyperhidrosis.

2006-11-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

Study compares palmar and axilliary hyperhidrosis

2006-11-15T21:56:00.000-05:00

Botox information

A blog called BotoxCorner discusses the use of Botox to treat hyperhidrosis. It was hard to tell who is writing this blog and why, and whether he has any conflicts of interest that would make his blog less trustworthy. But it is worth at least checking out.

I saw Botox treatments (underarms and palms) administered at a medical conference. The doctor used ice cubes to numb the area just before the shots. The patients flinched a little but did not seem to be in major pain. There was slight bleeding from the area covered. Palmar injections are said to be more painful than axilliary injections. Iontophoresis seems to be a preferable option for most people.

The other problem with Botox is that it is expensive and not always covered by insurance.

I am wavering between treating my palmar hyperhidrosis and not treating it. I seem to be doing OK without the treatment.

2006-11-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Talking to your parents about hyperhidrosis

"John," a reader of this blog, wrote to me asking for suggestions on how to tell his parents about his hyperhidrosis. I think John is very smart to put some thought into this, because your approach will help determine what kind of support you will get from your parents.

I think I could have handled this issue better as a teenager. I used to put on a tough facade...I would pretend I didn't like any kind of activity that might expose my hyperhidrosis. Dances are stupid. Theater is stupid. Church is stupid. Class rings are stupid. Group pictures with the swim team are stupid. Sometimes I even believed what I said. It was easier to reject everything than to show up at the group picture with my wet feet making marks on the floor or to have someone notice my class ring *and* my sweaty hand. I definitely wouldn't advise the "tough facade" approach to talking to parents.

When I did ask for help, I was told that I was lucky to have my problem compared with other people's problems. I had enough food to eat, a healthy body, good grades in school...what more could I want? Yes, there are always people who are worse off, but hyperhidrosis is a real problem. In fact, studies show that treatment of hyperhidrosis improves one's quality of life more than treatment of many conditions that are considered more serious.

So before you ask for help, I suggest rehearsing what you're going to say and letting your parents know how the condition impacts your social life. Tell them about the time no one wanted to dance with you because of your sweaty palms, or the time a teacher made fun of you in front of others, or whatever might have happened to you because of your sweating. Tell them that non-surgical treatment is available from dermatologists, and your visit is most likely to be covered by health insurance. Print out information from the internet (especially www.sweathelp.org) to show to your parents. Try not to get angry if you don't get the response you want...it may take your parents some time to understand what you are going through. Finally, mention the problem to your doctor at your next office visit. The doctor could talk to your parents about the need for treatment. Hyperhidrosis is a common problem (3 or 4 percent of the U.S. population), so I would be shocked if your doctor even blinks an eye when you talk to him or her.

The International Hyperhidrosis Society has a lot of good information for teenagers, including an "ask frances" column written by a teenager who got treatment for her hyperhidrosis. Scroll down the page to see a letter that addresses this issue in great detail.

I'd like to write more about this important issue, so please feel free to jump in and offer your thoughts and suggestions for me and John.

Thanks for writing, John, and please keep us posted!

2006-11-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

Singapore Support

Any people in Singapore with hyperhidrosis reading my blog? If so, check out the Singapore Support Group. It's great to see folks banding together to support each other.

2006-10-30T21:53:00.000-05:00

The Wet Hands Club

At first, the Wet Hands Club sounds like a good idea: "The Wet Hands Club is possibly the first of its kind in Malaysia, formed as a support group for people with palmar hyperhidrosis, or excessively sweaty palms."

Three "wet hands sufferers" formed the club "as a platform to share their experiences in order to help other people with hyperhidrosis."

Yes, I'm all for people with hyperhidrosis supporting each other and sharing experiences. That's what this blog is for. However, in an effort to help HH sufferers, the club negotiated "for an interest-free instalment payment scheme with Maybank-Visa for those wishing to undergo the video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy procedure at a selected private hospital in Kuala Lumpur." No mention of the all-too-common side effects of this procedure. Too many patients report compensatory sweating much worse than ever.

Please, Wet Hands Club, make it clear that surgery is a last resort. There are many less-invasive treatments for people to consider before the surgery.

2006-10-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

The princess with the sweaty palms

I rarely notice people's rings or jewelry. I rarely check to see if someone is wearing a wedding band. Now that I'm wearing an engagement ring, I am noticing how many people notice rings, specifically mine!

"Ooh, is that your engagement ring?" a colleague said. Suddenly I was surrounded by other colleagues, wanting to see my ring up close. "Where did you get it?" "What kind of gemstone is that?" (I love color, so I opted to get a gemstone rather than a diamond.) One woman took my cold, sweaty hand in hers. She recoiled. "Oh! Your hand is cold!"

I drew my hand away, and my tough outer shell came back. I quickly ended the conversation and moved on. I wish I could have enjoyed that moment.

Later, I recounted the incident to my therapy group. A few people felt that it was "incredibly rude" for that person to comment out loud on my cold hand. I hadn't thought of it that way before. I honestly belive my coworker was not trying to be hurtful. Is it really necessary to heap the bad feelings on myself? Maybe he's right...my coworker probably should have kept her revulsion to herself.

But I don't want to be mad at her. I just want to enjoy my ring and what it represents...the love of my life.

2006-10-27T22:52:00.000-04:00

"It's Us in Our True Form"

Thanks to Sarah, who is "22 and from good old Sydney, Australia," who took the time to share her story:

I always used to sweat (excessively with exercise) but even when I did nothing at all. Most commonly my underarms would just drip water (even after a shower!!) - it would scare me because I'd think, why the heck is there water trickling down under my arm when I've only just showered and dried. It used to frustrate me, to the point I've only ever worn black & dark colours, I hardly ever wear T-shirts unless black! I always get that annoying dampness (WHICH IS HUGE in size - like a flood) under my arms. It's so F*cking embarrassing.

I used to work at a pharmacy so I knew there were treatments & I did a lot of research on excessive hyperhydrosis such as getting botox injections into the glands (like Linsday Lohan), and or removing them completely & using alumininium hexahydrate chloride antiperspirants such as Dri-Clor. I know everything is bad for you in the long term, but it did seem to work for me for awhile, it was the after irritation that leave me scratching like I had fleas.

I've just learned to deal with it because it's all I know. It embarrasses me when I'm getting close to someone that I'll be sweaty & I Havent even done anything. It upsets me my shirt is always soaked and I have to hide it. :(

I thought it was only my underarms, but I have noticed my hands are ALWAYS cold and slightly clammy, and my feet! I didnt know they sweat - But i've noticed my socks are always soaked and damp. But foot odour is evidence there excessive sweating down there.

I'm sticking to natural cotton materials and I'd rather stay away from
anything so concentrated with Aluminium because afterall, humans
shouldnt have to wear anything - it's us in our true form.

2006-10-18T20:51:00.000-04:00

Food for Thought

What are the beautiful things you've seen today? What are you grateful for? What can you feel good about? What will you give yourself permission to feel good about?

Changing your self-talk can change the way you live, and it can also change the way others respond to you. Those who expect to be loved are loved, and those who believe they're unlovable are less likely to get the love they need.

We all deserve to be loved. The beauty of God is within each of us...go ahead, let it show.

Love,
Tiara

2006-10-17T23:06:00.000-04:00

The ring!

We bought an engagement ring, and I had it sized today. My hands were a little sweaty while I was trying on different size bands. "Were you just out walking a lot?" the salesguy asked me. I said yes. It would have been interesting if I had said "oh, that's just my hyperhidrosis acting up again!" I am so used to hiding my condition that I didn't think twice about telling the guy I was out walking briskly, when in fact I hadn't.

What if all of us with HH stopped hiding our condition at the same time?

I've never worn rings before ... I suppose because I didn't want people to notice my hands. I'll get the ring back in about a week. I'm a little afraid others will want to hold my hand while looking at it.

Damn it...I want to enjoy the ring!

2006-10-15T18:15:00.000-04:00

Sweat and Let Sweat?

Check out "Inspiration," a blog by Janet, a woman in her late 20s who has excessive underarm perspiration. She advocates a "sweat and let sweat" approach to dealing with HH because she is concerned about the alleged link between anti-perspirants with aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. I have not fully investigated this issue, but I do fall on the "natural woman" end of the spectrum, avoiding unhealthy ingredients in foods and products whenever possible.

On the other hand, I was able to treat my excessive underarm perspiration with Drysol, which contains aluminum. The improvements in my quality of life was worth it to me. The Drysol doesn't seem to work as well for my hands and feet, however, and I don't wish to apply it all the time.

I think Janet's perspective is worth considering, though of course we all need to choose the treatment that works best for ourselves. In any case, I think it's great to see people with HH speaking up about their condition.

2006-10-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

Another Groovy Blogger with Hyperhidrosis

Check out Windy's World, a very engaging blog by an artist/elementary school teacher. She wrote this summer about her hyperhidrosis. She tried antihydral, a cream that can be applied on her hands and feet. "After a few days of using the product, I've discovered that it works fairly well," she wrote.

I also enjoyed looking at the paintings on Windy's site and reading about her adventures as a teacher.

Maybe I'll give the cream a try. Has anyone else tried it?

2006-10-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I held hands with a group of people and actually enjoyed it! My palms sweated only a little. I never thought I'd see the day!

2006-10-05T21:44:00.000-04:00

Things I did in the past month that I would have been really scared to do 15 years ago:

* get a pedicure and a massage!
* attend a business event, introduce myself to people and initiate a handshake!
* go shopping for an engagement ring!
* sign up for a retreat with huggy people who like to do crazy things such holding hands in a circle!

I'm becoming a big proponent of the "full disclosure" policy for those situations when someone will need to touch my sweaty hands or feet for an extended period of time. I say something like "You might notice that my hands (or feet) are really sweaty. It's because of a medical condition I have, not because I'm nervous. My sweat glands seem to have their own schedule, and they won’t tell me what it is." When I communicated this to the massage therapist, she said "thank you for telling me." Ironically, I end up sweating less because I feel less nervous.

I don't recommend full disclosure for more formal situations such as business meetings, but in informal or spiritual settings, it works great. Don’t apologize, just state it in a matter-of-fact way. Don’t deprive yourself of the connections with others that you need and deserve.

2006-09-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

Already a Winner

According to www.sweathelp.org, a teenager with hyperhidrosis will be competing in the Miss Virginia Teen contest this weekend. Frances Rivers suffered from hyperhidrosis until she was able to receive medical treatment with Botox and iontophoresis. She has spoken publicly about her condition and written a Q&A column for teenagers with hyperhidrosis.

Congratulations, Frances...you go, girl!

2006-09-19T21:52:00.000-04:00

The Engagement Ring

My fiancee asked me if I wanted him to surprise me with an engagement ring or if I'd prefer that we shop together. I opted for the latter, and that was his preference too. We've been engaged for about five weeks now, and we have yet to go shopping. I suppose we're both procrastinating, dreading the wedding industry sharks with dollar signs in their eyes. One friend said that one store only shows ring prices to men. The idea is that the brides-to-be will fall in love with a really expensive rock, and hey...you love her enough to buy it, right? Right???

I must admit that it's not just weddingindustryphobia that is holding me back. I'm anxious about having my sweaty palms exposed during the shopping experience and after the purchase when people want to check out my ring. I tell myself "it's not about the ring...the ring doesn't really matter." But the truth is that I would like a ring. Doesn't need to be the biggest rock in the world, just something that I would feel happy wearing and that is within our budget.

2006-08-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

Hi, I am back from vacation with a completely different life from the one I had before:
* My boyfriend and I are now engaged. He proposed to me on top of a mountain...very sweet and romantic.
* I accepted the job I interviewed for in early August.

Amid these changes, the hyperhidrosis is sitting comfortably in the back seat of my life. It's not something I worry about daily, but it's still there. And every once in a while it demands my attention. I wish I could pacify it with a movie or a snack like a kid in a mini-van. There, there, sweaty palms...now go away! And I'm still dedicated to producing something that will be helpful to people who have the medical condition, including myself.

My fiancee (that phrase still seems so new to me!) and I are going to go shopping for a ring soon. I must admit that I'm in no hurry to buy the rock. First, I'm not a big fan of the out-of-control wedding industry. Second, I'm not looking forward to people holding my hand and examining the ring. When this happens, if people say 'your hands are so sweaty!' I vow to say in a matter-of-fact way, 'Why, yes they are.' And I'm not going to look ashamed.

2006-07-28T13:39:00.000-04:00

Taking a Break--Back Aug. 13

I'm about to leave on a two-week vacation, and I won't be blogging during that time. In fact, I won't be anywhere near a computer, which is a good thing. I'll be with my beau in a cabin near a beautiful bay and nature trails. We'll be just like Thoreau, except we'll have a DVD player. I'll respond to all comments and e-mails upon my return Aug. 13.

2006-07-27T22:09:00.000-04:00

1. Interview Update
2. Dispatch From the Back of A Bus
3. Party on in Canada

1. The company that interviewed me last week expressed interest in giving me a job offer; now we're negotiating salary. Apparently, someone who works there knows someone who knows me, and that person gave me a glowing recommendation. I have yet to figure out who these people are, but it feels good to know that people are saying good things about me behind my back. If they set up another office appointment, would it help if I wore my tiara this time? (-:

2. Today, I met a neighbor on the bus on the way home. My sweaty palms were the last thing on my mind; I was more concerned with getting home in time so I could enjoy a bite of the Swiss chocolate and pistachio bar in my grocery bag. Anyhooow, the neighbor shook my hand. I noticed that her hand seemed pretty dry and that mine seemed wet. The conversation continued; it seemed that the sweat was no big deal to her, and I suppose that was was in part because it wasn't a big deal to me. As I get older, I find myself caring less about these sorts of things. I suppose it's one of the benefits of aging.

3. Oh, by the way...Happy Hyperhidrosis Month to all my Canadian readers!

2006-07-25T20:38:00.000-04:00

Advice for Sweaty-Palmed Job Seekers

Did you know that most job seekers, and yes, even some recruiters, have sweaty palms? Gretchen Ledgard, who spent six years working as a technical recruiter for Microsoft, gave Sweaty Palm Diaries some free advice for those of us who dread those interview handshakes. The Japanese bow might not be an option for American job seekers, but as Gretchen reveals, the sweaty palms aren't as tragic as you might think!

While at Microsoft, Gretchen co-founded and managed a popular weblog that was named recruiting.com’s Best Blog for Job Seekers in 2005. Now she and Zoe Goldring have their own company, JobSyntax, that links software engineers with employers. Gretchen's most recent honor is the "Sweaty Palm Diaries" Golden Tiara, awarded to those who display exemplary grooviness to people with hyperhidrosis.

Tiara: I thought it was very brave that you, while working as a Microsoft recruiter, revealed on your blog that you have palmar hyperhidrosis. Your disclosure triggered many reader responses, including some from those who have the condition themselves...did the reactions surprise you? Are you glad that you wrote that blog entry?

Gretchen: Yes, the reaction totally surprised me. First, I should say that I’ve never seen a doctor about my condition or been formally diagnosed, but I suppose it’s just one of those things you know you have. (-: I wrote the entry partially to be funny and partially to expose misconceptions about recruiters, like we all love to talk and we all shake hands. I had no idea so many people would identify with my problem!

How did you choose to go into recruiting--it's a career in which handshakes play such an important role! For me, that would have been very scary! Too bad we can’t bow like Japanese businesspeople.

Honestly, it never even occurred to me before I took the job. And once I became a recruiter and routinely shook people’s hands, I realized that because of interviewees’ nervousness, their hands were often more sweaty than mine. I guess nerves are the great equalizer. (-:

Have others ever reacted negatively to your sweaty palms, and if so, what are some of the more effective ways you have handled it? And have you ever felt that the condition made it more difficult to succeed professionally?

The people who have overtly reacted negatively have usually been in my personal life, not my professional life. Perhaps people just don’t say something out of professional courtesy. (-: I do often get the ‘wow, your hands are cold!’ line, and I matter-of-factly respond, ‘Yes, they are usually always cold. Damp, too.’
If the condition has affected me personally, it’s probably been by my own actions. Often when I’m in a networking situation, I’ll hang back for fear of having to shake hands. I’ll also try to do a casual wave to avoid the handshake, and I suppose this can come across as not being forceful enough. But I can’t point to anything specific that negatively impacted my career.

Putting on your recruiter hat for a moment…You have two equally qualified, professional, and personable candidates. One has sweaty palms. Would you--or would recruiters who are not aware of the medical condition--consider this to be a major weakness and opt for the candidate with dry palms?

I think it depends on the role. I have always recruited software engineers, and this group isn’t the most put-together bunch. An engineer with sweaty palms wouldn’t even compare to some of the interviewees I’ve encountered. If you are dealing with a good technical recruiter, I don’t think sweaty palms would harm a candidate’s chances. However, I can’t speak for recruiters for other fields, such as sales and human resources. If the job requires a lot of in-person networking and relationship building, sweaty palms could be considered a negative factor.

What advice would you give to a job seeker who has hyperhidrosis and is afraid to shake hands? What if the Drysol doesn’t work, and he can’t afford (or opts not) to do the more expensive treatments?

My secret friend has always been a pocket of tissues to soak up the moisture. Tricks aside, my advice would be to have confidence. Most of the job seekers I’ve met have sweaty palms. An interview setting is a great time to play on level ground.

What if you’re a job candidate with obviously sweaty hands? Should you say something--perhaps a humorous one-liner? I find people who don’t take themselves too seriously to be seriously charming...would this work in a job interview? Or is humor during a job interview too risky? Would it be best to pretend the obvious is not happening?

I agree that humor may not be the best approach. I would be very matter-of-fact about the condition. If it’s something a job seeker is worried about prior to the interview and she has a good rapport with her recruiter, she could explain the condition and ask for advice. In some cases, the recruiter could prepare interviewers. If someone does say something or give a funny second glance, a job seeker could state, ‘I’m so happy to be here today, and I want you to know I’m not nervous. I tend to always have sweaty palms.’

Do you have anything you’d like to say to the many teenagers out there who suffer from hyperhidrosis? Is it true that things get easier after high school?

Yes, things do get easier. I would encourage teenagers to research and explain the condition to others. I find people often make fun of things they don’t understand, but when they are educated on a topic, they are very supportive.

2006-07-19T18:16:00.000-04:00

They Say It's Hereditary...then why does no one talk about it?

<<"Honey, why does that needle keep slipping out of your hand? And why is baby dropping the blocks?"

2006-07-17T21:48:00.000-04:00

Job Interview!

"How about a little fire, scarecrow?" "How about a little interview handshake, Tiara?"

OK, so maybe I overdramatize this sweaty palm thing sometimes. (-:

I have a job interview this week. The position looks like it might be something I would enjoy, though my current job is fine too. I'll be meeting about eight different people in three hours, including some with Very Important Titles. Thankfully, handshaking is nowhere near as scary to me as was fire to the scarecrow.

Nevertheless, I'm trying to decide whether to start applying Drysol and risk having the accompanying itchy, icky skin texture. Or should I live with the sweat and hope The People With Very Important Titles don't care? The sweat and anxiety have greatly dissipated in recent years, but sometimes those extra-sweaty days creep up on me without warning. Plus it's supposed to be 100 degrees that day. Do I need to change this thing about myself in order to get the job? Help me out here, folks!

One comforting thought: If a Wicked Witch interviews me, my handshake might make her melt away! Or maybe I'll meet Glinda the Good Witch, wearing her poofy gown and tiara. If that's the case, I'll take the job...and the ruby slippers!

<<"I'm melting! Damn you, Tiara! I'll never make it to VP!"

2006-07-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Wah! Bah!

I had a perfectly fine day today...had two sweet e-mails from friends and enjoyed a nice lunch at a Thai restaurant with another friend. My sweetie was planning my birthday celebration next week. I didn't feel nervous or self-conscious. But by the end of the day, my knee highs were stained black from my shoes and I had blisters on my feet from where my sweaty skin rubbed against the leather. I know I should consider using Drysol on my feet (that's what the doctor said), but I don't want the aligator skin it leaves me with!

All day I saw women parading around hoseless and sockless in their beautiful open-toe sandals and heels. Yes, indeed, I felt lust in my heart...for the shoes. Meanwhile, I was wearing knee highs on this humid 92 degree day. Just when I think this sweaty hands/feet thing is getting better...Waah!

(BTW, I hate to whine about my footwear fiascos today, given the terrible news. You read an article like that and it puts everything in perspective...so now that my whining is over, it's time to say a prayer for the victims and their families, then move on to do whatever I can to bring some loving energy to this world while I'm here.)

2006-07-10T23:01:00.000-04:00

Taking the Plunge

“If you want to overcome your anxiety, you’re going to have to face your fears and confront the monster you fear the most.” These words come from Dr. David D. Burns, author of the self-help classic Feeling Good. So what does that mean for folks with hyperhidrosis? Do you go up to someone on the subway and say, “Excuse me, sir. Would you mind holding my sweaty foot for a moment?”

As much as I would enjoy watching such a scene during my usually uneventful subway commute, you might first try another tactic. IMHO, I would suggest starting small and with folks who know and love you well. For me, it was a big deal when I told a few close friends. One was very compassionate; another didn’t get why the sweat was such a big problem.

After those baby steps came bigger breakthroughs….including one at a week-long yoga retreat workshop 10 years ago. As you might guess, the folks who go to yoga retreats also enjoy holding hands as a group. I like to make fun of this “type” of person, as if there is a type. The truth is, I’m one of them. Hey, some people like NASCAR. I happen to like tofu and twig tea and communing with people who say things like “Just be.”

So I signed up for a “Radical Self-Acceptance” workshop, which turned out to be a place where you could really let it all hang out. Here, primal screams were about as common as “would you please pass the salt” at Thanksgiving. After hearing about all the problems others had, from STDs to distant dads to cheating hearts, I figured I’d add my sweaty palms to the mix…it would probably be anticlimactic. So I disclosed to the group that I am afraid to hold hands with others and why.

As I spoke, someone reached out and held my hand. I remember how incredibly good this touch felt. A self-built barrier between me and others was beginning to crumble. For the rest of that week, during those previously dreaded group-hug hand-holding team-building moments, many in the group rallied behind me. They even sought me out to hold my hand. Maybe my sweaty palms weren’t as gross to others as I had thought?

This doesn’t mean that I suddenly had dry palms or became anxiety-free in social situations. But it was a big breakthrough… a reason to hope.

More on Dr. Burns coming soon…

2006-06-28T22:19:00.000-04:00

The joys of being a high school graduate

I really appreciate Catherine's response to my June 23 post. It was nice to get some feedback from a reader. Plus Catherine reminds me of myself as a Catholic school student afraid to shake hands during Mass.

I had elaborate strategies for avoiding the "sign of peace" handshake during Mass:
1) position myself near some of the nicer students or those too polite to laugh at me
2) sit near the aisle for a quick escape before the handshake
3) stay home from school altogether.
4) make a joke out of it and give everyone the peace symbol rather than the handshake.

As you might guess, this was a lot of work!

Later on in high school, I began using Drysol. Though it helped reduce the sweating, it also caused my skin to itch and crack. I recently learned why this happened from www.sweatsolutions.org --my technique of applying the Drysol and wrapping my hand in plastic overnight is not recommended because it causes skin irritation--d'oh!)

Now I can go to a mass and shake hands without feeling anxious (OK, well maybe a little). My hands don't seem to sweat as much now that I'm less anxious--even when I'm not using the Drysol. Or if they do sweat, no one seems to notice. Older people (in general) are less likely to comment on sweaty palms than high school students.

More importantly, I'm a lot less worried about what others think of me now that I'm out of high school. I wish I knew than what I knew now: just about everyone in high school feels like a freak for one thing or another.

This is my roundabout way of saying to Catherine and other high school students to hang in there...it gets easier.

2006-06-25T12:39:00.000-04:00

I stumbled on another blog written by someone who has hyperhidrosis. Gretchen's blog is not about her hyperhidrosis--rather it's about technical jobs at Microsoft, where she had worked as a recruiter until a few months ago. (Talk about a job involving lots of handshaking!) In one of her blog entries, she mentioned the sweaty palms she gets before conducting job interviews.

It's good to see a fellow person with palmar HH doing so well in corporate America...yet she still has the courage to talk about her condition in a public forum. Thank you, Gretchen!

2006-06-23T09:45:00.000-04:00

The Balancing Act

Sometimes it feels a little odd to write this blog. Is this navel-gazing? Is it really useful to other people? Is this too much self-exposure? What about all the other issues in the world that are so much more important than my own emotional struggle? And what about all the other subjects and interests that occupy my mind...writing, art, being outdoors, social justice, peace, etc.? We are all so much more than the medical conditions we face.

When I was a child, I told my mother about my sweaty palms and how I was scared to go to church or to a school dance. "Just wipe them off on your pants," she told me. Then she would try to reassure me by telling me how lucky I am compared with other children because I have a nice home and enough food to eat. Or how lucky I am because getting good grades in school came easy to me. She had a valid point, but unfortunately, I ended up feeling worse. I felt guilty for feeling bad about my sweaty palms--there are starving children in Africa and I'm worried about a little sweat? The result was that I didn't get the help I needed.

I've come to see the importance of balance when it comes to dealing with hyperhidrosis. You have to get yourself the medical and emotional help you need in order to live a full and happy life. You need to acknowledge and let yourself feel the emotions that arise in response to your condition, whether that be sadness, anger, or fear. And not to judge yourself for feeling that way.

On the other hand, it helps to look beyond yourself. To see and feel compassion for the struggles of others. It helps put your medical condition in perspective.
Perhaps you might even take action to help ease others' suffering. You might appeal to your Congressional representative to take a stand against the genocide in Darfur, a region of the African country Sudan. You might pray for the people of Iraq and our troops who are in so much danger. You might focus on your local community, volunteering to tutor a student.

I'm no Mother Theresa, but I do volunteer a few times a month at a local assisted living facility, visiting an older gentleman who is unable to leave the building alone. He likes to have visitors. He teaches me chess, and each week as I lose yet another game to him, I "build character." (-:

When I take the spotlight off myself, I find that my social anxiety (and the excessive sweat that results) isn't so bad. My sweaty palms are the last thing on my mind when I'm getting my butt kicked in chess! When we finish the game, we thank each other and shake hands. This must be what they mean by the expression 'healing touch.'

2006-06-22T22:43:00.000-04:00

What You're About To Read Is Very Poignant And Serious. Very, Very Serious.

Sometimes when I’m relaxed, my hands and feet sweat—even first thing in the morning before I get out of bed. Other times, I’m totally dry. It doesn’t make sense…my sweat glands seem to be on their own schedule. Like I’ve got an automatic lawn sprinkler, and someone rigged it so I can’t turn it off.

When I’m nervous, my hands and feet sweat even more. And when I know I’m going to be in a situation where my sweat might be noticed, well, that’s when the lawn sprinkler gets supplemented by a garden hose. I think it’s always helpful to have a scapegoat for these sorts of tribulations, so I blame the extra sweat on an imaginary bald, fat, retired, lawn care-obsessed gentleman with too much time on his hands. He is standing on my palm, watering me with a very pricey garden hose from Smith and Hawken. He wears a Hawaiian T-shirt and hums Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” (Yes…Neil Diamond rocks!) The man cannot stand it that no matter how much he waters my palm, I do not grow AstroTurf. He is worried...will the neighbors scoff at his pathetic lawn?

It helps me not to take this disease too seriously whenever possible. Oh, any suggestions of names for my garden hose man are welcome. I was thinking Igor.

2006-06-14T10:59:00.000-04:00

A Letter to My High School Religion Teacher

Dear Mr. S.:

You might not remember me, but I remember you. You were the new. young 9th grade teacher who wanted to be considered ‘cool’ by your students. You were my teacher for a semester, for the “Death and Dying” class, one of the most important classes I took in high school.

I remember the day my friends and I joked around with you in the hallway. I had been feeling very outgoing around that time of high school. My best friend at the time was so confident that she did handstands on the lawn in front of the school, leaving infatuated freshman in her wake. I went along with her for this joyride. I remember the exact spot where you spoke with me and my friends—in front of the Writing Center on the first floor. You responded to a joke I made by melodramatically shaking my hand. You thought this was funny—and it would have been if my hands hadn’t been so sweaty. You weren’t trying to hurt anyone. You just wanted to joke around with your students. I tried to snatch away my hand, but you shook it anyway, pumping it up and down several times.

“Eeeww!” you exclaimed in a voice that seemed louder than the school’s PA system. “Wet fish! Wet fish! Your hands so sweaty!” Everyone, including you, looked at me and laughed.

What you didn’t know is that I have a medical condition, hyperhidrosis. What I believed back then is that there was something fundamentally screwed up about me because of this condition. I vowed to protect myself by avoiding any situation in which my excessive sweat might be exposed—i.e., most situations involving social interaction. Not a formula for a happy high school experience.

This joke was at my expense, and I paid a big price. To this day, I can see you and several students laughing at me. You, a teacher, someone I was supposed to trust, mocking me in front of my classmates. If I couldn’t trust my teachers or my parents to help me deal with my medical condition, then who could I trust? Why couldn’t I have normal hands and feet? You weren’t the only one to laugh or cringe at my sweaty palms. And each time I was laughed at, I vowed never to this happen again. I would protect myself at all costs. So I faded into the background, where it was safe but lonely.

I don’t want to be 35 years old complaining about high school. I do not hate you, Mr. S. I know you cared about the students and did your best to be a good teacher. I just want you and other teachers to know how much an innocent joke can hurt a self-conscious student alone in dealing with her medical condition. And I suppose I need to admit to myself how much pain I felt because of these experiences from my schooldays. A bottled-up feeling has to come out somehow, whether in a constructive or harmful way, whether sooner or later.

In our “Death and Dying,” class we learned the five stages of grief, as defined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. I am grieving, too. All the time lost feeling bad about myself because of my sweat. The friendships that might have been had I been able to open myself to others. And the adventures I might have had.

Many days, more often than not, I feel strong and confident. Today, I feel sad. That lonely, scared, angry teenage girl is still part of me, and she has some things that need to be said. Though these feelings are messy, I will let them come out because they must. And I am learning to receive them with loving kindness.

2006-06-09T06:26:00.000-04:00

Stepping Out

I went to a professional group's meeting last night to do a little networking. The wording of this sentence sounds funny to me because I don't consider myself a schmoozy/cocktail party/networking kind of person.

I used to think that this is what people did at professional events:

I circulate around the party like a hungry shark sniffing surfers, perfectly comfortable in my suit and high heels. I see someone who looks important, so I plaster a smile on my face and approach for the kill. 'Hey, I'm Tiara...so glad to meet you!" in the booming voice, laying on a sweat-free, iron grip handshake, oozing confidence rather than sweat.

Now I must follow the steps in the self-help book:
1) deliver my 20-second elevator speech: "I leverage results through innovative partnerships!"

2) quickly find out if this person is important enough to promote my upward mobility so I can move from associate sales analyst to assistant sales analyst! Quickly...time is money!

"So, what do you do?" I ask. "I'm a sanitation management engineer," he says. "In other words, I'm a garbage man."

I choke on a goat cheese cracker. "Oh that's fabulous! Excuse me while I freshen my already-full drink!"

OK, I know that most people aren't so obviously self-serving, though if there's anywhere you get that attitude, it's here in DC, where many of us connect our self-worth with our salary band. In reality, most people would like a good conversation and a laugh and to feel that others are genuinely interested in them.

I used to avoid networking events because I just didn't want to be bothered with 'phony' interactions. I was the Holden Caulfield of D.C., thinking the world is phony so why involve yourself too much? Of course, much of my aversion masked fear of having my sweaty palms exposed. The wet handshake from me, the funny look from her...standing alone, making friends with the potato chip bowl. Ick! It was easier to say "that's not for me" and skip the events than to admit "I'm scared." Then I noticed my colleagues who enjoyed these sorts of events also tended to get more interesting opportunities offered to them.

Over the years, I've relaxed and learned to feel comfortable much of the time at professional events. I've realized that most people don't notice the sweating, and if they do, it's not a dealbreaker. Or you make a joke about it. Most people will still give you a chance. And if they don't, then you just move on! (as you can see, the confident side of me is in charge right now)

My goal is to go to approximately five of these events each year. And while I'll probably never be a total extrovert, I often do enjoy myself at professional events. It's best to think of them as adventures...a chance to meet people with interesting stories. Sometimes they're boring or I'm boring to them or I get left standing alone, but that happens to just about everyone, sometimes. (Except maybe Bill Clinton and Bono. )

OK, so my feet sweated so much that they were stained black by my shoes. But I also left with the business card of someone from a start-up company that is hiring. She wants to meet me for coffee. Plus I get to do an informational interview with someone who has a really intriguing speciality that I had never heard of before that evening.

For an introvert like me, the best part of all is going home after the event. Now you can really appreciate the chance to cuddle up with a book, your cat, and your boyfriend or girlfriend (and if you're really lucky, all three at the same time!)

2006-06-07T01:36:00.000-04:00

The 'Trance of Imperfection'

I suppose that most people have a quality or qualities about themselves that they feel ashamed of. The human mind magnifies the severity of these so-called ‘handicaps,’ as well as their perceived impact on others.

I’m sure I could find some kind of book or class that would help me with my shyness in certain social situations. In Washington, there are an endless array of classes targeting self-improvement junkies like myself. Or I could join the Toastmasters or become a Mary Kay saleswoman or a Macy’s Elf or a duvet demonstrator.

On the other hand, why do we have to constantly change ourselves? Meditation teacher Tara Brach, author of “Radical Acceptance: Accepting Your Life With the Heart of the Buddha,” calls this the “trance of feeling separate and unworthy.” “We free ourselves from the prison of trance as we stop the war against ourselves and, instead, learn to relate to our lives with a wise and compassionate heart,” she writes. Brach quotes renowned seventh-century Zen master Seng-tsan, who taught that true freedom is “without anxiety about imperfection.”

Thanks to my yoga and meditation practice, I have moments in which I accept myself as I am—sweaty palms and all. I would like to experience these moments as the norm rather than the exception. When these moments do come, I feel so calm and content. And miraculously, my palms and feet aren’t sweating!

2006-05-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

Let the Summer 2006 Footwear Games Begin!

Summer is rapidly approaching here in Washington, D.C., a city built on a swamp. The spring has been beautiful, and I've been spending as much time as possible playing outside and soaking up the sunlight and the songs of the birds. This week, however, the hints of summer humidity began creeping upon us. Soon enough the wet hot blanket of a Washington summer will envelop us ...merciless days when you feel like you're swimming in a steaming bowl of split pea soup. For someone with hyperhidrosis, especially women, the approach of summer brings a footwear dilemma. If you wear sandals, your feet will sweat so much the shoes might fall off. Or at the very least, you'll develop embarrassing sweat stains. And if you don't wear sandals, you're hot and uncomfortable...and if you wear a skirt, you'll need to wear nylons on a 95 degree day. Ick!

Today was the hottest, most humid day of the year to date. Even before I left my apartment, my palms and feet were wet. Though I wanted to go sockless, I wore closed toe shoes and carefully chosen knee-highs--the kind that are dark enough not to show the black stains left when my shoes meet my foot sweat. But light enough not to show the actual sweat. As I write about this, I can see how boring and trite these details might seem. With all the problems in the world...economic injustice, war, poverty, Britney Spears' car seat blues...here I am yapping about the selection of knee-highs. But this is what having hyperhidrosis is all about. You start obsessing over these small things. You know it's ridiculous, but it's hard to stop. You long to wear fashionable, affordable, flattering sandals that obscure the fact you're sweating like a pig. (Editor's note to self: Do pigs really sweat?). We all want to look beautiful, even as we are concerned about more important things, such the folks suffering in Iraq. Unfortunately, the more you obsess over small things such as knee-highs, the less energy you have for the big things.

Like today. I felt a little anxious about my sweaty feet, so for the most part, I kept to myself at the office. The friendly mailroom guy teases me that I'm always glued to my computer. Outside my cubicle, I could hear the glad handling and greetings of a board meeting. Corporate types congenially shaking hands. If I had a camera, I could have taken pictures of them and sold them as corporate clip art. You know, the kind of images displayed in the windows of banks or in motivational newsletters produced by H.R. departments.

The board members--mostly men but a few women--exuded a sense of comfort and "I belong." You've got to have that confident aura in order to rise in the ranks. And the corporate look...Women in red, tailored suits with sensible Hilary Clinton-esque black pumps. Men wearing their armor--black, grey, and navy suits--with comfortable, shiny shoes. I sense that this is not exactly my scene, but I sometimes wonder if I hadn't spent my life avoiding 'exposure' as a sweaty-palmed person (egad!) if I would have felt more comfortable wielding this kind of power.

Actually, the boardroom meetings are one thing I don't mind missing out on. Maybe hyperhidrosis has its benefits?

2006-05-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about the insightful comments that Bob S. made regarding my last post. Which comes first--social anxiety and feeling like an outsider OR sweaty palms? I suppose for me, feeling like an outsider came first. The sweaty palms, which started in junior high, made things worse for me. It started a cycle of sweaty palms and feeling anxious that has been so difficult to make. Maybe it would help to think back on when I first started feeling like a geek.

In kindergarden, I didn't know how to join in or make friends. I was a wild child with messy hair, food spills on my shirt, and dusty shoes. After years of having been ostracized by the mean girl down the street and her two cronies (who were really nice to me when Mean Girl wasn't around), groups of girls terrified me.

Plus, I didn't quite fit in. When we played house, all the girls wanted to play either the mother or the daughter. I always played the family dog. And I enjoyed it!

For Halloween, most of the girls dressed as princesses. I dressed like a horse. I felt glad about this because there was a prize at stake, and there was no way they would give it to a 'plastic princess' in a costume bought at a supermarket. As the parade started, I faced a dilemma: if I walked on all fours like a horse, I'd fall behind. And if I stood up, then I wouldn't be a very convincing horse! So I walked on all fours whinnying and shaking my tail. It was a blast! Suddenly, I looked up. The parade was over. Everyone was way ahead of me, filing back inside the school. I was all alone. I rushed back to the classroom to collect my prize for the best costume. And the winner? One of the plastic princesses.

This was one of the first of many clues that the world did not smile on girls like me. But when I think back on that tomgirl, I smile. I love it that I played a horse in the parade and ran wild in the woods and dug up my own vegetable garden and loved worms and frogs...I want to channel into some of that fearlessness I used to have.

I love the little tomgirl in me so much, even when she's making trouble. (-:

2006-05-08T20:21:00.002-04:00

The Attack of the Slimy Shyness!

I'm sitting at my desk, pecking away at my keyboard, when one of my colleagues comes around rounding up people for a good-bye party for another colleague. She seems to be a soft-spoken person. Friendly, cordial, but not outgoing. Nice, but bland. She's from Idaho. Like a plain baked potato. Predictable, comforting.

When I walk in the conference room, 25 people are there chatting in small groups. This is when I panic. Who do I talk to? How do I know where I am welcome? I've worked at this place for two years, but no one seems very warm towards me. I do make an effort to be friendly around the office. What do I do? Am I looking uncomfortable, and is my discomfort translating as unfriendliness? Chances are, no one has even noticed me walk in. Chances are, someone else is as uncomfortable as I am.

Fifteen minutes of speeches about how wonderful she is, how much she will be missed. And how much she will miss all of us. I wonder if I left the organization, would they have a goodbye party for me? Would anyone care? I'd probably get a card signed by people in my division. "Good luck!" And maybe a lunch from my boss. If they held a good-bye party for me like the one they did for my colleague, I'd probably start weeping. When I leave the company, I would really like for that party to happen.

As soon as the cake is served, I take it back to my desk and resume my keyboard-pecking. I can hear the others in the conference room laughing and having fun.

2006-05-03T17:59:00.001-04:00

There is hope: I went swing dancing last weekend, and I actually had fun! My boyfriend and I took a lesson at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Md. The lesson was set up so you switched partners every minute. I must have danced with about 40 people in the course of an hour. My hands weren't distressingly sweaty, and I noticed that a few people had sweaty palms, but it was no big deal. It was not the grossest thing in the world. For once I was on the other side...the receiver rather than the giver of sweaty palms. It wasn't bad at all. It helped that the dance took place outdoors under a pavilion and that the weather was cool.

Just when I thought I was over the hump...I had another sweaty palm moment. I had to see a physical therapist about some pain in my arm. She held my arm and hand in various positions as she tested my range of motion. "Why so sweaty?" she said. "I have hyperhidrosis," I replied. "My sweat glands are on their own schedule."

"How long have you had it?" she asked. "Since I was around 12," I said. End of conversation. She continued with the testing.

I sensed the PT might have been a little grossed out, and I must admit that I did feel a little embarrassed. But the appointment went on without incident. This is something I might have avoided in the past out of fear my sweaty palms would be noticed, so the more practice I have doing these kinds of things, the better. Sometimes the palms are sweaty, and sometimes they're not. The less I worry, the less likely they are to sweat. It's a medical condition, and it's also a psychological condition. I can't always control when my palms will sweat or not, but I can control how I view the sweating and myself. As I said before: there is hope.

2006-04-27T21:11:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if anyone has read my blog yet. How do you get people to read a blog? I write for a living, so I could figure this out, but I don't feel like it just yet. I'm not quite ready for a lot of attention yet. But it would be nice to get a few comments.

An April 20 NPR story by Allison Aubrey covers a study on the use of botox to prevent excessive sweating in teens. I've explored this option with my dermatologist, and he said that first we must prove to the medical insurance companies that Drysol (now it has a different name, Hypercare) doesn't work for me. If I were to pay out of pocket, it would cost $2,400 to treat just my hands for 3-6 months. I feel like I can live with the sweat. But it's so easy to slip back into habits I developed as a teenager to hide my condition. If I found a medical cure for the sweat, would I feel normal in social situations? Probably not right away, but it would be a big help.

I saw a newspaper story about a teen leadership program. There was a picture of happy teenagers learning to dance with partners. If I had been a teen in that room, I would have fled. There was no way I would let someone hold my sweaty hands. Sometimes they used to get so sweaty I see drip marks on the ground, or wet marks on my cuffs. Nor would I have let anyone see my anxiety. I would have pretended that the event or the people didn't matter to me, that I had better things to do. When deep down, I needed so much to feel closer to others.

If anyone is reading this...what do you do to hide your hyperhidrosis?

My attempt to rejoin the human race

2006-04-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

Sweat stains under your arms. Hearing the dreaded comment: "Why are your palms so sweaty?" Slipping out of a pair of sandals because your feet are so damp...or avoiding sandals completely, wearing shoes with socks all year round (even when you live in a swampy, steamy climate and would like nothing more than to wear a nice dress without pantyhose!) Avoiding places where you think you might have to hold hands as a group. Not trying karate because you have to walk in bare feet, avoiding dancing because you need to hold hands...avoiding or fearing any activity that might reveal the fact that you are one of the 4 percent of people who have over-active sweat glands.

Welcome to the world of hyperhidrosis--a medical condition that results in uncontrollable sweating of the hands, feet, and underarms. I have had hyperhidrosis since age 11. I'm now 35. Things are much better for me now than they were in my teen years. I've figured out how to avoid the sweat stains under my arm. I'm relaxed enough at most social functions that I can shake hands without leaving someone with a sweaty memento. But I still avoid church (where we exchange the 'sign of peace'), and I still haven't summoned up the courage to try karate. I'd love to salsa or swing dance, but I'm afraid to dance with a partner. (I think I could do it, and that I'd even like it, but I keep putting it off!) The older the get, the more determined I become to stop hiding parts of myself out of fear that my hyperhidrosis will be discovered. When you're focused on hiding parts of yourself, you're not fully enjoying life. And others are missing out on all you have to give.

I'm tired of hiding. As Auntie Mame said, "Life's a banquet, and only the fools starve." Well, I'm hungry!

I am writing this blog in hopes of providing support to others in their struggle with hyperhidrosis. And I could use some support for myself, too! I'm going to share my experiences and struggles, as well as the things that have helped me. I hope you will do the same. Maybe we'll even have a few laughs along the way. For example, what's a good career for someone with hyperhidrosis? A Riverdance dancer (i.e., Irish dancers who keep their arms by their sides.)

If you are one of the many teenagers out there who suffer from hyperhidrosis, please know: You are not alone. There is help for you out there. It gets better.

love,
Tiara