Empathy Talks: Understanding What People with Excessive Sweating Go Through

Did you ever have to deal with sweat stains that direct everyone’s attention to your armpits? Or maybe you wanted to buy a cute dress/shirt, but the material and color are not sweat-proof (meaning it becomes very visible when you sweat).

And we’re not just talking about a hot summer day when you feel a drip of sweat in your brow! No, we’re talking waves of sweat, without any apparent reason, that instantly pour down your body and drench your clothes (in regular temperature, without any extra physical activity).

It’s uncomfortable and extremely embarrassing (according to a study by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, or IHHS). 

So, if you want to learn more about what hyperhidrosis is and how it can affect your life, keep reading. 

There isn’t one clear cause for hyperhidrosis, but it seems family history may have a role to play. Also, it doesn’t matter if you’re heavy or skinny, hyperhidrosis is not influenced by your weight (although heavier people may sweat a bit more because of the extra weight). 

In addition, hyperhidrosis is considered a medical condition and there are treatments designed to tame it. However, each treatment is different, depending on a wide range of factors, and only a specialist can correctly diagnose it and offer a treatment plan.

Thankfully there are various remedies available, including commercial products, which can stop excessive sweating. This guide explains a number of these options in more detail if it’s a problem you’re looking to eradicate. 

It can be difficult for someone who doesn’t have to deal with soaked clothes and shoes to understand just how much this issue can affect one’s life. 

For instance, because of excessive sweating, you can’t wear colorful clothes. Why? Well, sweat is more apparent in cute colors like pink, red, or even yellow. As such, we are forced to always choose black or white clothes. 

The condition also influences the materials we can wear. For instance, people who suffer from excessive sweating can’t wear silk or satin (they look and feel horrible against moist skin), polyester, nylon, or spandex. Also, materials that don’t allow plenty of room for breathing make you sweat even more, which means that many work clothes (such as scrubs) are a torture to wear. 

In addition, there’s no way someone with hyperhidrosis could wear shoes that don't have a fabric lining (most fancy, expensive shoes don’t). If there isn’t an absorbent surface, the sweat will turn the inner sole into a slippery slide (even if you’re wearing super absorbent socks). 

So no, it’s not just a bit of extra sweat. It’s a constant problem that always makes people feel inadequate and uncomfortable. 

While the things mentioned above are a bit gri, it doesn’t mean people with hyperhidrosis can’t live a normal life. It’s just a bit more work when it comes to the personal hygiene routine. Once you have the right diagnosis and a treatment it will be easier to deal with the problem. It will be just something else to add to your regular skincare routine (which may already be complicated).