Hyperhidrosis and dating: How to know the love is true

Don't let sweaty palms stop you from dating...that is, 

if you want to date someone. I found this beautiful

image by Louis Engival on Flickr. 

Do you let hyperhidrosis stop you from dating? I didn't, but I also used to take the edge off my anxiety by drinking alcohol. As you might guess, that's not a good idea.

It took me a few years, but I finally realized that a true love will love you for who you are. I remember the moment when I "came out" as a person with hyperhidrosis to my most significant others. The disclosure turned out to be anti-climatic...my hyperhidrosis didn't seem to phase anyone but myself. I remember one date who replied "Oh, really? I thought your hands were a little sweaty, but I didn't realize it was a big deal to you...so do you want to order some fries together?"

One of my most popular blog posts ever, published in 2007, covers the important topic of hyperhidrosis and dating. Another hyperhidrosis blog, Just a Little Sweat, just posted a lovely story about dating with hyperhidrosis. The author, a classical flutist from New York City, also found someone who loves her, sweat and all.

Love,
Tiara

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.

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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.