Managing a Social Life with Hyperhidrosis

If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, then you’re all too familiar with the impact it has on your daily social interactions. You may even go to great lengths to conceal your sweat and sweat stains from those around you. Besides presenting a unique set of challenges, hyperhidrosis poses a significant social burden on its sufferer. In a 2016 study, 75% of patients reported that their hyperhidrosis had a negative impact on their social life, general wellbeing, and mental health.  

Excessive sweating in primary hyperhidrosis is often spontaneous, meaning that there is an absence of thermogenic (body temperature regulation) and psychologic triggers (e.g. stress). This means that those affected can sweat anytime, anyplace - often in the most inconvenient situations. This can significantly impair someone’s ability to carry out basic daily social interactions, such as shaking or holding hands, attending events, and developing intimate relationships. It can also aggravate stress levels, leading to an increase in sweat production, which creates a vicious, interminable cycle of stress and sweating.

Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis are hyper-aware of their condition and are in a state of constant fear that others may take notice. Besides experiencing discomfort from the sweating itself, they develop a sense of shame and embarrassment, exacerbated by social situations. In extreme cases, they may seek complete social isolation and become incapable of going to work, attending school, or fulfilling any other obligations. Turning down invitations and avoiding social situations, may give those around them the sense they are unsociable when it is just an undesired side-effect of their hyperhidrosis.

Since hyperhidrosis is seldom talked about and somewhat misunderstood, it can be a challenge for someone to explain that their excessive sweating is due to a medical condition. Unfortunately, there‘s still a social stigma associated with sweating, and people are quick to notice and judge. It takes a considerable toll on your self-confidence and can lead to lasting negative social and psychological effects.

To prevent social embarrassment, many have developed strategies to prevent others from noticing their sweat and sweat stains. For those suffering from axillary hyperhidrosis, this can include carrying extra sets of clothing, only wearing black or dark clothing, and wearing absorbent tissues underneath their clothing to hide sweat stains. For those suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, this can include wearing gloves and avoiding contact such as handshakes. Those with plantar hyperhidrosis will carry extra pairs of socks, avoid taking their shoes off, and completely avoid wearing certain types of shoes (i.e. jelly shoes and high heels). These temporary solutions are inconvenient, recurring, and time-consuming. Many “tricks”, such as layering clothing or wearing gloves, can aggravate hyperhidrosis by confining the affected area in a closed, non-breathable fabric, which raises body temperature.

Thankfully, because of the effective treatment that is available, you don’t have to suffer from the confines of your home. Treating your hyperhidrosis can significantly improve your quality of life and ease stress and anxiety levels. The best way to take charge of your life is by seeking non-invasive treatment that gives lasting results. Iontophoresis is the ideal option for the busy individual who likes to create their own treatment schedule that will provide them with lasting dryness. Dermadry’s treatments can provide up to 6 weeks of dryness, making it ideal for those who want peace of mind. Get more information here.

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