Zainab

My journey with hyperhidrosis has been a tough one. It's one filled with much struggle and hardship within my private life as well as socially. Suffering from hyperhidrosis from 5 years old and now being an adult is difficult. I suffer from excessive sweating mainly on my hands, feet and underarms however it does affect me everywhere. It's something I experience all year round, summer and winter, leaving me so uncomfortable. Having this condition affects me everyday possible, and sometimes it can be the smallest things but would affect me greatly, whether it be traveling on public transport and holding the polls, shaking someone's hand- trying to find any means possible not to and finding awkward explanations, writing my exams and having my paper get wet, smudges and smears all over my written work, having to have my finger prints scanned at immigration and constantly having to wipe my hands, using my phone-always gives problems with touchscreen and finger print scanner, wearing darker clothing to hide sweat patches, can’t wear sandals as my feet are always dripping wet so always having to wear socks and when I become nervous or stressed, my body temperature rises and I sweat like no tomorrow. I cannot explain how embarrassing you can feel at times, and it can really bother you and affect your mental health. At points it does make you feel at your lowest but you just have to push past it and rise from it, and acknowledge that it's part of you. Growing older, this condition makes everything difficult. Every discussion I make has to be revolved around my condition, for example whether the workplace can adapt to my needs, etc. I've been to to the doctors many times but not much is done about it. Some don't know about the condition and some deem it as 'normal' and say that it would eventually go away. I’ve tried a few treatments like antiperspirants and creams, but it doesn’t do a thing. Many of the treatments available are extremely expensive which makes it even harder, so I'm always on the lookout and researching for affordable and cost effective ways I can make myself more comfortable and happy while going through this. I do feel sometimes I'm the only one going through this, but I know other people are out there just like me. I really do hope more awareness can be bought around this condition as not many people know of it. And that hopefully there will be a cure for it, offering a long lasting solution.