This is My Story

Megan W.
#125
Hyperhidrosis has always been a part of my life, it has impacted me in various ways growing up. I live in Scotland and part of our schooling includes learning Scottish country dancing, which meant I had to dance with a boy! Dancing with boys was embarrassing enough as a young girl but my hyperhidrosis made it so much worse. Word got around about my sweaty hands and I could see the dread in each boy's eyes if they were paired with me, they could be quite vocal about it too. I ended up with the nickname Sweaty Betty and was bullied quite badly throughout my school years. When I started dating I experienced new challenges. I remember wearing gloves every time I held hands with my first boyfriend in an attempt to hide my hands from him. Spring came around and I had to tell him, thankfully he was very supportive and never made it an issue. On a second date I was making cupcakes and the sprinkles kept sticking to my hands… my secret was revealed earlier than I had planned. I have been with my current partner for 7 years so thankfully hyperhidrosis doesn't invade my romantic life anymore. Generally I try to hide it from people, I am not a hand shaker for example! It may come up if I am at the nail salon or if I give someone something I have been holding - it's gonna be sweaty! I find that sometimes people actually laugh when I explain it, I am not sure if others find that too. However, I am now a medical student and a large part of my learning and future job involves examining patients. This has been particularly difficult to deal with as I can't really hide it anymore, from patients or my peers. It makes me appear nervous when I am not, and if I am nervous the sweating is so much worse. Practicing CPR on a dummy is mortifying, I leave behind a puddle of sweat. I've had to confront the emotional and psychological toll it is taken on me regarding my self-confidence, I am a rather sensitive soul. Thankfully, I have recently been given a Dermadry machine and that has made a huge difference to my sweating. It's taking time to find a place for it in my schedule and get into a routine, but I am much more hopeful for the future.
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