SweatSolutions.org: A Hyperhidrosis Story: Meet Paul M.

July/August 2005 Edition Table of Contents:

» Experts Weigh-in on Treating a Common Complication of ETS

» Inserts Help Give Slippery Feet the Boot

» A Hyperhidrosis Story: Meet Paul M.

» Welcome New Subscribers!

» KNOW SWEAT Campaign A Huge Success!

» Last Call for New York and London

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A Hyperhidrosis Story: Meet Paul M.

(July/August 2005) "In an instant," says Paul M., "I can go from having a good level of self-esteem to feeling extremely self-conscious, insecure, anxious, and depressed. Excessive sweating is something you never truly get used to. It's a constant frustration that can't be forgotten. I've never really talked to anyone besides my doctor about it, not even my family. Unless someone has dealt with it themselves, they can't really understand and that makes talking about it difficult."

At first, Paul, who's from Leominster, MA, wasn't sure that he wanted to share his story, not even with fellow hyperhidrosis sufferers through the International Hyperhidrosis Society. "Even though I deal with excessive sweating on a daily basis," he says, "there are times when I feel words don't provide an adequate description for how the problem makes me feel. But if people like me don't provide feedback, the medical community will never properly understand the condition."

Paul experiences excessive sweating of the palms, underarms, feet, lower back, and face but it's the sweaty palms and underarms that bother him the most. "Ever since junior high, hyperhidrosis has greatly impacted my social interactions," he says. "It can be extremely humiliating to see people's reactions or listen to their comments after they shake my hand. It's been a big obstacle, particularly when I was dating in high school and college. A certain amount of nervousness and perspiration is a part of dating but try holding someone's hand when yours is drenched � it's beyond embarrassing! I would have been more confident and dated more if I didn't sweat excessively. Fortunately, I've found someone who's never made an issue of it." In fact, Paul is married with a baby on the way. But besides being a husband and a soon-to-be father, Paul is also a musician. "Excessive sweating is annoying when I'm playing the guitar and people often want to shake hands when the band finishes playing. It can be awkward extending my clammy hand to them."

To help control his hyperhidrosis, Paul uses topical products including Maxim and Certain Dri, both non-prescription antiperspirants. "They've made a world of difference as far as my underarms are concerned," he says. "I used to be able to sweat through two shirts and a suit coat, but now, instead of sweat pooling up and dripping under my arms, I may just get some moisture every once in a while." Still, says Paul, his problem hasn't disappeared and the antiperspirants don't really work on his hands. "After viewing the Physician Finder on the International Hyperhidrosis Society's Web site," he says, "I'm seriously considering contacting the doctors listed in my area. I would feel much more comfortable talking to someone with experience dealing with hyperhidrosis. Talking to someone who doesn't understand it, even a doctor, is an uphill battle."

"I found the International Hyperhidrosis Society mentioned on an online message board," says Paul, "and I really hope the Society continues to grow as a resource for people to find comfort and empowerment. And to anyone out there who suffers from excessive sweating, I say � gather as much information as you can and find the treatment that works best for you. Hyperhidrosis can be a depressing condition, but the resources that are available today can make it a little more bearable. I wish everyone the best of luck in their efforts to deal with their individual situations."