“EWWW! Sweaty!” We know you’re grossed out, because really, we are too.

There are two kinds of people who may be reading this blog right now. Those who experience (and suffer from) Hyperhidrosis, and those who do not have a clue as to what it is. I gave away its non-medical term in the title: excessive sweating. But really, those who have it know it as something excessively gross. 😦

Based on statistics, 2% of Americans suffer from this condition. I just don’t know the figures if we were to base it worldwide. People with Hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating in the underarms, palms (hands) and feet. Sometimes, there are also the unlucky few who experience it in their back, chest, groin, and under the breast. Basically the whole body. Let me tell you. It’s really, really uncomfortable.

Yup. I also suffer from this condition, I had this since I was in grade school (a time where I don’t even understand what’s happening to my body because of puberty), and you can just guess how frustrated I was trying to deal with this “problem.”

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Physical Education classes are so fun. But sometimes, I’d look around, see my friends playing, and I’d wonder, “I sweat so much but they don’t…. why??”

During class, my classmates would focus on the seatworks at hand, while I tried to contain my sweat. “I’m barely moving, but I’m already sweating so much. How irritating!”

Whenever we attend Mass, I’d panic every time we sing The Great Amen, because it’s my cue for the Lord’s Prayer: a time where people sing while holding hands. I’d wipe the sweat from my hands, but it only gets worse throughout the song. I’d hear my schoolmate complain about my sweaty hands in front of many others “Gross!! I don’t want to hold it.” .

Seriously, there have been so many embarrassing, frustrating, upsetting, and sad situations I had to endure because of excessive sweating. I’ve always felt “cursed” in a way because I was always the odd one out, and there’s never been someone in my life who has the same condition and can really relate to my experiences. My self esteem was at a low, and I didn’t have enough confidence to face the challenge. Good thing I learned about Hyperhidrosis and its treatments.

IONTOPHORESIS MACHINE

An Iontophoresis machine is basically a specialized device that treats the affected area. I’ll add the disclaimer. This is pretty costly; whether you plan to buy it, or experience it from servicing clinics that treat Hyperhidrosis. It’s like, almost, PHP20,000 ($399) and you can’t even find this just anywhere. There are videos of a DIY Iontophoresis Machine on YouTube  and it’ll only cost about $30-$40 or PHP1,500-PHP2,000 to make! I have yet to try this one. I once told my mom I wanted to do this, but she got mad because I can’t just play with electricity. If you’re wondering how it works, this equipment delivers mild electrical currents while your hands/feet are submerged in water. It’s said to be effective in blocking the sweat glands.

ANTIPERSPIRANT

Right now, I’m using a product called DRICLOR to combat my heavy sweating. This has been my life saver because I can’t find any other solution to help me with my problem of Hyperhidrosis. The application is in the evening before I go to bed. Driclor’s supposed to be on your skin (that needs treatment) for around 12 hours so the aluminium chloride can block the sweat glands. Then when you wake up in the morning, no need to reapply, just wash it off gently. Be careful, though. I have skin asthma so when I first used this, I got paranoid and scared thinking it could have a negative side effect. It is best to ask a doctor or the Derma, and make sure it’s okay. If you want to try using this one, I think once a week will do? Then, as time passes by, the frequency needed to use it will decrease.. Right now, I’m applying Driclor once every 4-5 months, and I get to keep the product for a long time! Back in college, this was only P450, now it’s P650+ in drugstores.

NATURAL REMEDIES

There are many articles on the web about “natural ways to stop sweating,” though I haven’t had anything natural that really put a stop to my Hyperhidrosis as good as Driclor. But just keep your options open! The natural remedies don’t work for me, but maybe it does for you! There’s apple cider vinegar, black tea, tomato juice, potatoes, lemon, etc.

If you experience this “living nightmare” called Hyperhidrosis, don’t worry! Know that there are also others who can relate to you (even if they’re not family, friends, or relatives) and you can reach out to them thanks to technology! Join groups and forums to get insights, tips, and recommended treatments.